A noticeable chunk of the modernized churches have drifted toward New Age-style thinking and practices, which is pretty far from the traditional Orthodox and Catholic roots. This shift is part of a broader trend within mainline Protestantism, where traditional doctrine and liturgy have been watered down or replaced by more experiential, self-focused spirituality.
Theological Liberalism – Over the last 50–60 years, many mainline Protestant denominations have moved away from traditional Christian doctrines:
The authority of the Scriptures has been questioned or outright rejected.
Core teachings about sin, salvation, and the divinity of Christ have been downplayed.
Moral issues like sexuality and marriage have been reshaped to fit cultural norms rather than biblical standards.
Influence of Eastern and Mystical Spirituality – Many churches have blended Christian worship with practices from Hinduism and other Eastern religions:
Meditation techniques like mindfulness are promoted in place of traditional forms of prayer.
Yoga and energy healing are sometimes incorporated into church programs.
Pantheistic or panentheistic views of God (where God is seen as part of creation rather than separate from it) have crept in.
Social and Political Focus – The churches have placed heavy emphasis on social justice, environmentalism, environmentalism, and political activism — sometimes at the expense of core gospel teaching.
Sermons in some churches focus more on climate change or racial issues than sin and redemption.
Salvation is sometimes framed in terms of political liberation rather than reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
Rise of Progressive Theology – Some modernist churches have even adopted Universalist or syncretic views:
The idea that “all paths lead to God” is openly taught in some circles.
Christ is reduced to a moral teacher rather than the Son of God and the only path to salvation (John 14:6).
Some even question the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.
This is part of why the Western Rite Orthodox movement (and other traditionalist offshoots) have gained renewed interest — they have remained more rooted in historic Christian teaching and sacramental worship. Orthodox tend to resist this New Age drift, holding to traditional views of the Bible, the sacraments, and moral teachings.
It is ironic that some individuals within the Orthodox and Catholic churches that once defended apostolic tradition is now one of the most progressive and theologically liberal denominations in the West. That is also why we have seen so many breakaway movements, as people try to reclaim historic Orthodox identity.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 is playing out in real time:
“For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.”
(Bro. Jacob A.)
