What is the #1 issue that divides Moderate Christians from Conservative Christians?

[Basil the Great]

What do you think? Other than the very general answer of how Christians view Scripture, what is the key difference between Liberal/Moderate Christians and Conservative/Traditional Christians, regardless of which branch of Christianity they may belong?

 

[Hazelelponi]

What do you think? Other than the very general answer of how Christians view Scripture, what is the key difference between Liberal/Moderate Christians and Conservative/Traditional Christians, regardless of which branch of Christianity they may belong?

All of the above.

Its not just one issue, it's in how we do systematic theology as a whole (or in some cases "it's in how they don't do systematic theology at all).

 

[eleos1954]

What do you think? Other than the very general answer of how Christians view Scripture, what is the key difference between Liberal/Moderate Christians and Conservative/Traditional Christians, regardless of which branch of Christianity they may belong?

What defines a moderate christian?

What defines a conservative/traditional christian?

 

[Basil the Great]

Yes, of course there is more than just one issue that divides. I am just trying to see if people think that there is one overriding issue that distinguishes Moderates from Conservatives, that is more important than the all the other specific issues.

 

[Basil the Great]

What defines a moderate christian?

What defines a conservative/traditional christian?

That would be a matter of opinion. Most people would respond by saying how they view Scripture, but that is a general answer. I am looking to see if there is one key specific difference that stands out above all the rest.

 

[Hazelelponi]

.

 

[Not David]

Why do you put both moderate and liberals together?

 

[grandvizier1006]

Not sure how to vote since I'm not sure what constitutes "moderate". I thought ordination of women or homosexuals was a liberal/progressive thing. Conservative Christian makes me think more along the lines of homeschooling, maybe YEC, against contraception, etc.

 

[Basil the Great]

Why do you put both moderate and liberals together?

I lumped them together because it seems that they pretty much belong together, when it comes to the major divide between Christians. I almost went with Liberal and Conservative labels, but did not wish to upset those who feel that they are Moderates.

 

[Not David]

I lumped them together because it seems that they pretty much belong together, when it comes to the major divide between Christians. I almost went with Liberal and Conservative labels, but did not wish to upset those who feel that they are Moderates.

The problem is that I don't know what you mean by Conservative. Is Conservative the person who believes The KJV is perfect and that Catholicism is pagan?

 

[Basil the Great]

The problem is that I don't know what you mean by Conservative. Is Conservative the person who believes The KJV is perfect and that Catholicism is pagan?

Some might answer with your reply. However, I am attempting to find the #1 key difference, among all branches of the Christian family. Still, I listed an "Other" category, so people can vote their conscience and then explain, if they wish to do so.

 

[Rubiks]

Pretty sure everything except (4) would reasonably fall under "conservative Christianity"

A good description of "postconservative evangelical"

9 Things You Should Know about Postconservative Theology

 

[Halbhh]

What category will I be wrestled into if I believe in the Bible 100%, but believe in both "conservative" and "liberal" 0% each, and "moderate" 0% also? ( and this reinforced by dozens of in depth conversations with a wide variety of Christians)

 

[redleghunter]

What defines a moderate christian?

What defines a conservative/traditional christian?

The one thing the poll does not cover. Holy Scriptures.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I voted other, and am going to say the Gospel, especially in the details. If we could all agree on the Gospel, it would cure so many other minor disagreements. One can hope against hope, and one day meet Hope.

 

[straykat]

The one thing the poll does not cover. Holy Scriptures.

What he said. Sadly, I can find myself a bit at odds with people in my own faith tradition because of this (although it's rare), and still consider it a blessing to meet, say, an Evangelical who stands firm in this. I wouldn't complain at all if I was trapped in a room with them! It's good company to me. So much rises or falls on this subject.

 

[mkgal1]

I agree with Apologetic Warrior - there doesn't seem to be agreement in what the Gospel message is, and that seems to be the greatest distinction between the two groups (if I'm understanding the groups you're considering). The divide seems to be between whether a person believes that God is a punitive/retributive sort of God or a loving and restorative God that will accomplish His plan/will of reconciling all to Himself.

 

[Paidiske]

I suspect what people perceive as the dominant issue will vary depending on their circumstances.

So, for example, ordination of women is one I probably have to spend the most time thinking and talking about, but the reason for that is obvious. Someone whose job is to chair an ecumenical body will clearly spend more time on that issue.

I agree with what mkgal1 said, and I'd add that I think one of the biggest issues is how one integrates Christian faith with other fields of knowledge. I think a "liberal/moderate" is more willing to have a sense of faith which is integrated with the various sciences and so forth, and a "conservative/traditional" is more willing to reject other fields of knowledge in favour of a "pure" faith.

 

[Halbhh]

Both camps have believers that show fruit.

I only have concern about the individuals in the 2 camps that don't.

What do you think? Other than the very general answer of how Christians view Scripture, what is the key difference between Liberal/Moderate Christians and Conservative/Traditional Christians, regardless of which branch of Christianity they may belong?

I agree with Apologetic Warrior - there doesn't seem to be agreement in what the Gospel message is, and that seems to be the greatest distinction between the two groups (if I'm understanding the groups you're considering). The divide seems to be between whether a person believes that God is a punitive/retributive sort of God or a loving and restorative God that will accomplish His plan/will of reconciling all to Himself.

I suspect what people perceive as the dominant issue will vary depending on their circumstances.

So, for example, ordination of women is one I probably have to spend the most time thinking and talking about, but the reason for that is obvious. Someone whose job is to chair an ecumenical body will clearly spend more time on that issue.

I agree with what mkgal1 said, and I'd add that I think one of the biggest issues is how one integrates Christian faith with other fields of knowledge. I think a "liberal/moderate" is more willing to have a sense of faith which is integrated with the various sciences and so forth, and a "conservative/traditional" is more willing to reject other fields of knowledge in favour of a "pure" faith.

What he said. Sadly, I can find myself a bit at odds with people in my own faith tradition because of this (although it's rare), and still consider it a blessing to meet, say, an Evangelical who stands firm in this. I wouldn't complain at all if I was trapped in a room with them! It's good company to me. So much rises or falls on this subject.

I voted other, and am going to say the Gospel, especially in the details. If we could all agree on the Gospel, it would cure so many other minor disagreements. One can hope against hope, and one day meet Hope.

The one thing the poll does not cover. Holy Scriptures.

 

[redleghunter]

I agree with Apologetic Warrior - there doesn't seem to be agreement in what the Gospel message is, and that seems to be the greatest distinction between the two groups (if I'm understanding the groups you're considering). The divide seems to be between whether a person believes that God is a punitive/retributive sort of God or a loving and restorative God that will accomplish His plan/will of reconciling all to Himself.

I did post a thread where all could opine on the wrath of God.

The great wine press of the wrath of God

It’s Biblical so we can start there if anyone is interested.