WHAT IS "LIGHT GOSPEL"?

[choir loft]

Or if I rephrase the question I could have written it as; what is "gospel light" (as in Coors light or Bud light).

It's difficult to pin down the phrase via google search as it's normally been used to describe what one might refer to as a legitimate church position statement and/or church Sunday school publishing programs.

The normal definition or understanding of the words 'gospel' and 'light' are in reference to Biblical truth and dedication to following Christ.  Since He has been described as the light of the world His message has been normally construed to serve as a beacon for right living or righteousness.  Not any more, apparently.

During a recent discussion with a Methodist preacher I was told that she preaches, "a light gospel".  When I attempted to engage her in a further refinement of its meaning she seemed to indicate that the doctrine does not allow for 'righteousness' or 'repentance' as is normally understood by those who've been exposed to traditional doctrines and definitions by members of that denomination (or the Bible).   When I attempted to define what I understand as repentance and righteousness she disagreed.  

If I understand the conversation I had with this "minister of the gospel" we are now treading upon unholy ground when we refer to this subject.

What then is it?  What is gospel light or a light gospel?   Is it like light beer or filtered cigarettes?   What is religious observation without some form of righteousness and repentance?  I'm at a loss to go further here.

Perhaps you can.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

Edited September 14, 2021 by choir loft
phrase clarification

[other one]

I have looked into many different church organizations since I was 17 years old (that was in 1964).    I am not sure what she would have meant by Gospel Light, but the churches I would include in those would be those that preach all a person has to do to be saved is believe, and in some cases once saved always saved.  They do not believe we are to move toward sanctification in our Christian lives, but ok to stay in that only believe state of a new baby Christian.

I know that my personal observation of that opens up a lifetime of discussion of all that entails.

[choir loft]

On 9/14/2021 at 8:19 PM, other one said:

I have looked into many different church organizations since I was 17 years old (that was in 1964).    I am not sure what she would have meant by Gospel Light, but the churches I would include in those would be those that preach all a person has to do to be saved is believe, and in some cases once saved always saved.  They do not believe we are to move toward sanctification in our Christian lives, but ok to stay in that only believe state of a new baby Christian.

I know that my personal observation of that opens up a lifetime of discussion of all that entails.

I agree with you entirely both in experiences and observation.

In my opening post I referred to the Methodist church, which is on the verge of splitting as I write.  Actually they've been on the fence for several years.  There are multiple issues involved, not least of which are theological statements that one must repent of one's SINs and "carry one's cross" (Luke 14:27) in order to follow Jesus.

Also during my initial observations on this subject, I visited a second Methodist church.  The outside of the building was festooned with the rainbow flag known as PRIDE.  When I asked about religious instruction for the congregation I was told they meet in the bar across the street.

For purposes of instruction to the reader, the Methodist church now suffers from several ailments, not least of which are the social disagreements voiced by members.  I once attended a Methodist church locally.  It was small and suffered, as many do, from an overextended debt.  When the old pastor retired a younger one was requested of the DC (district conference/leaders).  Our idea was to bring in young ideas, young energy and young/smaller salary.  We were refused.  We were refused three times.  After the third refusal the DC caused an older less energetic and less dedicated person to lead.  Financial difficulties prevailed and the church eventually went belly up. 

Therefore I conclude that two additional causes of Methodist inability to decide future action is based not on social issues, but on financial ones and leadership control issues.  No leader wants to give up control, but that is what division requires.   No leader wants to own up to financial distress, but that is what fuels failure.  No leader wants to come down on social issues, but that is what the members want decided.  Therefore the church sits on the fence of indecision.

I surmise the "light gospel", which does not insist upon repentance or offer redemption (spiritual responsibility) is being offered as a substitute for the real thing, the real message of Christ to be saved.

Some have also called it the "greasy gospel" or "sloppy agape".

I remain interested in the observations of others and their opinions in this thread.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

Edited September 22, 2021 by choir loft
Highlight a paragraph.

[David1701]

On 9/14/2021 at 9:33 PM, choir loft said:

Or if I rephrase the question I could have written it as; what is "gospel light" (as in Coors light or Bud light).

It's difficult to pin down the phrase via google search as it's normally been used to describe what one might refer to as a legitimate church position statement and/or church Sunday school publishing programs.

The normal definition or understanding of the words 'gospel' and 'light' are in reference to Biblical truth and dedication to following Christ.  Since He has been described as the light of the world His message has been normally construed to serve as a beacon for right living or righteousness.  Not any more, apparently.

During a recent discussion with a Methodist preacher I was told that she preaches, "a light gospel".  When I attempted to engage her in a further refinement of its meaning she seemed to indicate that the doctrine does not allow for 'righteousness' or 'repentance' as is normally understood by those who've been exposed to traditional doctrines and definitions by members of that denomination (or the Bible).   When I attempted to define what I understand as repentance and righteousness she disagreed.  

If I understand the conversation I had with this "minister of the gospel" we are now treading upon unholy ground when we refer to this subject.

What then is it?  What is gospel light or a light gospel?   Is it like light beer or filtered cigarettes?   What is religious observation without some form of righteousness and repentance?  I'm at a loss to go further here.

Perhaps you can.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

There is no such thing as a "light gospel".  It's either biblical, or it's false teaching.  There is no middle ground, as far as the gospel is concerned.

2 Cor. 11:3,4 (WEB)

3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
  4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different “good news”, which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough.

Gal. 1:6-12 (WEB)

 6  I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;
  7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
  8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
  9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.
  10 For am I now seeking the favour of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
  11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
  12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

[Leonardo Von]

Quote

WHAT IS "LIGHT GOSPEL"?

It is when preachers don't show the price to be paid to follow Jesus (quoted, for instance, in Luke 9:23).