I ran across a great article today by Johan D. Tangelder at the Banner Of Truth website. In this 4-page piece, some history is given as to why the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands [GKN] fell apart. (Gereformeede Kerken in Nederland)
The parallels could not be clearer with American churches, even those of Dutch heritage such as the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church.
Simply surfing around these denominational websites will reveal church organizations that have lost focus on Christ and his work and have become engrossed in such things as "social justice", global warming, and the Palestinian conflict. The adoption and promotion of politically-liberal causes do not good, solid churches make. One can only hope that these churches as well as many others in the United States and around the world will once again see the Lord in all His glory, as Isaiah did, and become once again truly Reformed.
Here are a few short excerpts from the article, followed by a link to it.
"Until the 1960s GKN membership increased yearly by 10 to 12 thousand. By 1973 the increase was only four souls. On the first of January 1975, the first decline was noted, a total of 1000, afterwards the decline became a flood of departures. In 1993 Prof. Dr. A.P. Bos of the Free University stated that 10,000 leave the GKN yearly for other pastures, some as sheep who no longer have shepherds in their own denomination and no longer view their church as mother but as stepmother."
"The dismantling of the GKN did not happen overnight. It was such a slow and quiet process that many scarcely realised what was happening in their denomination. It did not become public until the Synod of Sneek (1970-71) which chose not to discipline Kuitert and his followers who denied Adam's fall into sin."
"[GKN minister Lindeboom] stated the GKN has become not only a dialogue church but also a pluralistic church, which means that every viewpoint receives equal treatment and acceptance. Some theologians promote feminist, black, liberation, or homosexual theology. Lindeboom notes that a new theology, filled with old heresies, conquered hearts; a bureaucratic development arose; doctrinal latitude became widespread; local congregations came under pressure - the fundamentals of the faith were undermined. He comments that he can't escape the impression that with all the theologizing and preoccupation with church affairs, and also in many sermons, the contact with Jesus Himself has vanished."
Full article
The Dismantling of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands