Nathaniel William Taylor - Taylor and The Decline of New England Congregationalism

Taylor and The Decline of New England Congregationalism

It has been argued that the New Haven theology advocated by Taylor (and others) led to the New England Congregational churches being more open and amenable to the theological liberalism that influenced many mainline denominations in the late 19th century - an influence that is still being felt today.

While this may seem a harsh judgement - especially considering Taylor's support of revivalism and the ensuing "conversion" experience that accompanies it - the fact was that Taylor and other proponents of New Haven theology had deliberately abandoned teachings that were, up to that time, considered an essential part of traditional Calvinist Theology. By questioning and abandoning these beliefs, an historical precedent was made which allowed future generations to be more influenced by teachings which went further in denying other Calvinist teachings.

It is certainly true that mainline Protestant denominations that have been historically dominated by Liberal Christianity have declined in number and influence over time. New England Congregationalism, influenced by Taylor's rejection of "Old Calvinism", eventually embraced Liberal theology. Unlike the Southern Baptist Church, however, there was no Fundamentalist reaction to this - which explains why today one of America's most historically significant church groups is no longer a dominant force in American Christianity.