When an Age Begins to Preach

This chapter establishes the controlling thesis of the book: modernism, understood as a worldview rather than a mere historical period or the use of modern technology, transfers final authority from God and His revelation to autonomous humanity and thereby functions as a rival gospel. Through biblical exegesis of Genesis 3, Romans 1 and 12, Colossians 2, 2 Timothy 3-4, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Ephesians 6, Hebrews 4, and Jude, the chapter distinguishes legitimate modernisation from philosophical modernism, identifies the counterfeit doctrines of autonomous reason, self-created identity, therapeutic salvation, political redemption, technological transcendence, and progress without providence, and examines their infiltration into church language and practice. It engages the strongest defence of modernity by acknowledging genuine gains in science, medicine, rights protection, education, and communication, while showing that achievement in these domains does not establish moral or theological autonomy. The chapter concludes with differentiated pastoral appeals and a call to repentance, discernment, holiness, faithful witness, and readiness for Christ's return.