The Subtle Shift: "What Would Love Do?" and its Erosion of Truth
A common example of this subtle shift, and one that demands our careful consideration, is the popular phrase, “What would love do?” While seemingly benign and even well-intentioned, this phrase, when unmoored from the full counsel of Scripture, subtly distorts the very nature of God and the essence of Christian love.
Here’s why this seemingly innocent question can be problematic and how we can understand it more robustly:
- Reducing God to a Single Attribute: The phrase often takes God’s multifaceted character and distills it into just one attribute: "Love." While God is indeed love (1 John 4:8), He is also holy, just, righteous, sovereign, and true. To focus solely on love, as defined by human sentiment, can diminish His other essential qualities. His love is not a boundless, uncritical affirmation of all desires; it is a holy love that seeks our ultimate good, which often involves discipline, truth, and challenging us to grow.
- Elevating Human Assertion Over Divine Authority: When the question "What would love do?" is asked, the answer often becomes subjective, based on an individual's personal feelings or contemporary cultural norms of what is deemed "loving." This approach effectively elevates human reasoning and sentiment above God’s revealed will in Scripture. True Christian love, as defined by God, is not simply a feeling; it is an action rooted in obedience to His commands and consistent with His perfect character. It’s a love that compelled Christ to the cross, a love that calls us to repentance, and a love that seeks justice and truth alongside compassion.
- The Danger of "Love" Without Truth: If "love" is detached from God's complete character and biblical authority, it can be twisted to justify anything. Actions that are contrary to God's commandments, that promote injustice, or that lead people away from saving truth can be rationalized under the guise of "love." Yet, as Ephesians 4:15 teaches, we are to "speak the truth in love." Genuine love never sacrifices truth, just as truth without love can be harsh. They are inseparable components of God's nature and His call for us.
As thoughtful Christians, we are called to diligent and prayerful discernment. We must recognize that while the banners and slogans may appear familiar, the message beneath them may be anything but. Instead of asking "What would love do?" based on our limited human understanding, let us constantly ask, in what way should I proceed in obedience to God - "Instead of following my own heart, what does God's Word say my response should be?" This deeper question anchors us to the unchanging truth of Christ and empowers us to live out a love that is truly transformative and eternally meaningful.
Understanding the Tactic: Why Borrow from Christianity?
The allure of borrowed authority is multifaceted. Christianity offers a rich tapestry of legitimacy and trust, woven over two millennia. Its deep historical roots, its emphasis on a coherent moral framework, and its widespread acceptance imbue it with an intrinsic weight. When a new idea or movement aligns itself, even superficially, with Christian ideals, it can immediately gain a measure of respectability and familiarity. This offers a comforting entry point for those seeking spiritual answers but perhaps wary of overtly "new" or radical propositions. Terms like "love," "light," "spirit," "healing," "faith," and "blessings" resonate deeply within the human psyche, and when these are employed, they evoke a sense of the sacred, even if stripped of their biblical context.
Beyond comfort, there's a powerful appeal to moral weight. Christianity has long championed values like compassion, justice, community, and service. Movements that adopt this language, even if their foundational principles are secular or self-serving, can present themselves as inherently good and altruistic. Furthermore, tapping into perceived spiritual authority is a significant draw. Many yearn for transcendent meaning, and the language of "redemption," "grace," or "new creation"—terms steeped in evangelical tradition—can be powerfully evocative, even when used for non-evangelical or even anti-Christian ends. This is not necessarily malicious, but it highlights the potent appeal of Christian vocabulary in the marketplace of ideas.
Common Areas of Borrowed Influence
The appropriation of Christian elements manifests in various forms. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for discernment:
New Age and Spiritual Movements
These movements frequently employ what might be termed "Christian-adjacent" terminology. Concepts like "Christ Consciousness" or "spiritual awakening" are used, yet they often redefine Jesus not as the unique Son of God, but as one of many "ascended masters" or simply a highly enlightened being. Biblical concepts such as "forgiveness" or "love" may be embraced, but often without the accompanying biblical context of sin, personal accountability, and the atoning sacrifice of Christ. This often leads to syncretism, a blending of Christian ideas with other religious or philosophical traditions, creating a spiritual cocktail that looks appealing but lacks the singular truth of the Gospel.
Secular Humanism and Social Movements
More subtly, some secular humanistic or social justice movements may adopt Christian ethical principles—such as caring for the poor, advocating for the marginalized, or promoting peace—yet decouple them from their theological roots. While these actions are commendable, when they are presented as purely humanistic endeavors without acknowledging their origin in God's commands or Christ's example, they borrow the moral authority of Christianity without its foundational truth. "Love" becomes a supreme virtue, but often redefined as mere affirmation, devoid of the biblical understanding of a holy, sacrificial, and sometimes challenging love that seeks true flourishing.
"Christian" Cults or Aberrant Groups
Perhaps the most deceptive are groups that maintain outward Christian appearances—using biblical names, singing hymns, and employing Christian vocabulary—but alter core doctrines. They might subtly twist the nature of God, redefine the divinity of Christ, or introduce new conditions for salvation beyond faith in Jesus alone. Often, these groups will emphasize a "new revelation," a modern prophet, or a reinterpretation of scripture that supersedes the clear teachings of the Bible. The danger here is particularly acute because the surface-level familiarity can lead genuine seekers astray.
Self-Help and Motivational Gurus
Many within the booming self-help and motivational industries borrow extensively from Christian language. Concepts of "faith," "blessings," and "abundance" are frequently used, often aligning with a prosperity gospel or a "manifestation" mindset that suggests divine favor is primarily for material gain or personal success. This often minimizes the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty, the purpose of suffering, and the true nature of spiritual blessings. Promises of "transformation" are offered, but frequently without addressing the biblical concept of sin, the necessity of repentance, or the reliance on the Holy Spirit for genuine, lasting change.
The Christian's Discernment Toolkit: How to Read Carefully
Discerning truth requires more than just a quick glance; it demands careful, prayerful engagement. Here's how thoughtful Christians can equip themselves:
Back to the Bible (Sola Scriptura)
This is our primary and ultimate standard. Is the message consistent with the entirety of Scripture, not just isolated verses taken out of context? Does it truly elevate or diminish Christ as He is revealed in the Gospels and throughout the New Testament? We must critically examine whether key doctrines—the nature of God (Trinity), the divinity and humanity of Jesus, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the reality of human sin, the meaning of salvation, and the atonement—are being accurately represented or subtly altered.
Examine the Foundation and Source
What is the ultimate authority being appealed to? Is it Scripture alone, a new revelation given to a modern leader, personal experience elevated above truth, or human reason? True Christian teaching always points back to God's revealed Word. We must ask: where does the "power," the "truth," or the "guidance" genuinely originate?
Analyze the Language
Be hyper-aware of redefined terms. Do "sin," "salvation," "heaven," "grace," or "faith" hold their biblical meaning, or have they been subtly twisted to fit a different narrative? Is the language intentionally vague or ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations that stray from orthodoxy? Sometimes, a teaching might "sound" Christian, yet leave a nagging sense of unease. This often indicates a disconnect in the underlying definitions.
Look at the Fruit and Implications
Jesus taught, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). Does the teaching lead to greater love for God and neighbor, characterized by humility, repentance, and service? Or does it foster self-focus, pride, or a judgmental spirit? Does it align with the character of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit as described in Scripture, particularly the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance"? Finally, what is the ultimate end goal or "salvation" offered? Is it worldly success, self-actualization, or reconciliation with God through Christ?
The Plain Truth of It
In an age of information overload, the call to discernment is more critical than ever. We are urged to constantly engage with Scripture—reading it, studying it, meditating on it—and to remain in prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Christian community is also vital; we need fellow believers and wise counselors who can help us test what we hear and see. Do not be afraid to be curious, to ask difficult questions, and to respectfully challenge ideas that seem inconsistent with the Gospel. Our confidence is not in our own intellectual prowess to untangle every deception, but in the enduring power, clarity, and truth of God's Word, which the Holy Spirit illuminates. Let us be vigilant, for in recognizing the borrowed banners, we reaffirm the unique and saving truth of the One who holds all authority.
Friend, in a world of imitations, hold fast to the truth. It is the truth that sets you free.
Citations:
[1] Boa, Kenneth, and Robert M. Bowman Jr. Works on Christian apologetics and discernment, addressing the redefinition of Christian terms and syncretism in various spiritual movements. (General reference due to the lack of an exact title "Sense and Nonsense About God," but acknowledges their expertise in the field of apologetics and countering misrepresentations of Christian doctrine). [2] Machen, J. Gresham. Christianity and Liberalism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1923. (Classic work on the redefinition of Christian terms and ethics in modern thought). [3] Enroth, Ronald. Churches That Abuse. Zondervan, 1992. (Explores characteristics of groups that distort Christian doctrine and practice). [4] Costas, Orlando E. Christ Outside the Gate: Mission Beyond Christendom. Orbis Books, 1982. (Discusses distortions of the Gospel, including prosperity theology). [5] 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (Biblical basis for Sola Scriptura).