I would say somewhere between the extremes of fundamentalism and the extremes of liberal theology lies a moderate Chrsitianity, a via media if you will.
Not moderate in our passion for God, but moderate as in not going to one or the other ends of the theological spectrum.
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Because CF no longer has an atmosphere conducive to free discussion, I have left for greener pastures (TR, SoF) where I maintain the same username.
Moderacy when claimed from within as a label usually refers to a disavowal of theological extremes or the claiming of special/exclusive knowledge of God by one group or another, not moderacy in the level of commitment one feels to the things one does believe in. Agnostics perceive themselves as being honest about the limits of human knowledge, as a moderate also might, so there are some common movements of the consicence that inform both. Both groups value communication and the consideration of alternative ideas. However, the "ideal agnostic" admits no knowledge of anything, whereas the ideal "moderate Christian" no doubt accepts the central tenets of the faith as they understand them. I think I would prefer to keep the categories separate, if we are to use them at all, and acknowledge the possibilities that one could just as easily be both, or neither.
It's what I know. Moderate (in the forum since) is deceitful - man attempting to rule over other men by their own authority. But as you can see "My People love it so" saith The Lord.
God forgive those who are joined up loving "Moderatations".
It's my impression (and I could be wrong here) that at least on this board "moderate" has a bit of a different meaning than in the world "at large." Usually when I hear the term "moderate Christian" I think of someone who might believe in Jesus, but disagree on major issues of Christianity (such as the Bible being inspired etc...)
On this board I find myself more at "home" in the Moderate category because of more stylistic issues in how you present the gospel to non-Christians. But I hold views that in most places would put me in a "conservative" or "fundamentalist" camp.
Well said
Since accepting Christ I have seen myself grow and change in a fairly short space of time from an extreme liberal to moderate. I am still liberal with others...but I hold myself to a higher standard than those around me (I don't mean to sound superior or anything). There are things that others can do, as far as I'm concerned that I would never do myself eg...I have great respect for GLBT people, I feel that they should be treated in the same way as everyone else regarding marriage, children etc, but whilst I believe that I could never myself be gay...if others want to have sex outside of marriage, I'm not bothered, but I won't do it myself...if people want to take the LORD's name in vain, go for it, but I'm not going to join you.
It could be said that I'm easier on others than on myself...and that is becoming the case, but then others are not following the Christian faith, and I am, so I can't make them follow the guidelines that are set out for me by Scripture (I hope that this makes sense? )
Originally Posted by Joykins
I would say somewhere between the extremes of fundamentalism and the extremes of liberal theology lies a moderate Chrsitianity, a via media if you will.
Not moderate in our passion for God, but moderate as in not going to one or the other ends of the theological spectrum.
I agree
I am not going to condemn of judge anyone for the things that they do, as it's not my place...following the middle path of faith feels right to me.
My Mum is an agnostic, and she is fine with Christianity as a whole, she is fine with me talking about stuff with her, and I suppose her opinion is one of "that's nice, dear, whatever you say" instead of the response I get from a very cynical atheist family friend, which goes something like "I don't know how you can believe all that <insert expletive> load of old <insert expletive> just don't talk about it when I'm around 'cos just hearing about it makes me really angry and want to throw up!!!"
I think that agnostics, for the most part, aren't all that bothered where as atheists can be really hostile and mocking (well they have been to me, I know that there are others that will disagree). There is the same kind of thing that happens within Christianity, sometimes liberals can be too much so, and fundementalists can be majorly unbending...moderates take the middle ground, and as such I think that there is a greater need for us at the moment, now more than ever
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“You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”
NO. Moderate Christianity represents true and accurate, balanced and comprehensive Christianity. It's the Liberals and the Conservatives who are the agnostics!
NO. Moderate Christianity represents true and accurate, balanced and comprehensive Christianity. It's the Liberals and the Conservatives who are the agnostics!
I don't think anyone said that. Anyone who believes in their heart that Jesus Christ was resurrected, and confesses with their mouth that He is Lord, is saved. Or so Paul says (Romans 10:9-10). Liberal (excepting some extreme ones whom I would count as apostates), moderate, conservative and fundamentalist Christians can agree on that. It's people who don't know if there's a God or not who are agnostics, and they're the only ones.
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I meant that liberal and conservative Christians are agnostic as to many aspects of correct Christianity--I am well aware that by definition, all Christians profess to believe in Christ. My post was in response to the original poster who seemed to be suggesting that moderate Christians were somehow deficient or skeptical because they weren't conservative enough. Whereas my view is that moderate Christians know the conservative extreme, and they avoid it, and rightfully so!
Izdaari, I can agree on that. Too many people are so quick to say you are not a Christian if you do not agree with me on abortion, gay marriage, death penalty issues, or war. You are right to be saved is not the same as being moderate, liberal, or conservative in your views on what scripture says on various issues. You can be wrong on those issues and still be saved.
I know good Christians who doubt sometimes. Of course we doubt from time to time...thats why it is called faith. If you were certain and never doubted it would be something you knew as fact and faith would not be needed. When it becomes apostate (in my view) is when one firmly and finally rejects God and says he does not exist and forever turns away. As long as man struggles and doubts he has not turned away the holy spirit.
I am a moderate in many of my views. Of course this is subject to ones definition of moderate, liberal, and conservative. But thats a longer question.
I meant that liberal and conservative Christians are agnostic as to many aspects of correct Christianity--I am well aware that by definition, all Christians profess to believe in Christ. My post was in response to the original poster who seemed to be suggesting that moderate Christians were somehow deficient or skeptical because they weren't conservative enough. Whereas my view is that moderate Christians know the conservative extreme, and they avoid it, and rightfully so!
Aye, in the sense that I think liberal and conservative Christians sometimes go too far to one side or the other, and thus are unbalanced in certain aspects of their faith, I agree with you and would be classified as a moderate.
On the very basics of the faith, I'm a fundamentalist. On other matters, I may be liberal or conservative, but not across the board.
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No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
Izdaari, I can agree on that. Too many people are so quick to say you are not a Christian if you do not agree with me on abortion, gay marriage, death penalty issues, or war. You are right to be saved is not the same as being moderate, liberal, or conservative in your views on what scripture says on various issues. You can be wrong on those issues and still be saved.
I know good Christians who doubt sometimes. Of course we doubt from time to time...thats why it is called faith. If you were certain and never doubted it would be something you knew as fact and faith would not be needed. When it becomes apostate (in my view) is when one firmly and finally rejects God and says he does not exist and forever turns away. As long as man struggles and doubts he has not turned away the holy spirit.
I am a moderate in many of my views. Of course this is subject to ones definition of moderate, liberal, and conservative. But thats a longer question.
IMO, when someone who claims the label of Christian denies the resurrection of Jesus, as some more extreme liberals do, they're denying the essence of Christianity and are definitely on the wrong track. It may well be that they're earnestly struggling with their faith and that God will lead them back. I certainly hope so.
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. No guilt of life, no fear of death This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
We need GOD!!! 
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