How long have you been a centrist?

[IsmailaGodHasHeard]

I have been a centrist ever since this conservative broke my heart and I started to question what I had been forced to believe.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I don't really know that I'd call myself a centrist, either theologically or politically. Rather, I have some very conservative views and some very liberal views. On the political side, the common thread is I believe in maximizing individual liberty consistent with an orderly and just society. On the theological side, I just try to be true to my best understanding of Scripture and of the nature of God... sometimes that agrees with conservatives, sometimes with liberals, and sometimes not especially with either.

 

[jannikitty]

For six years now I have considered myself moderately conservative..am open to reform and changes..and progress yet respecting established paths in which the Word of God is lived out in daily life. I don't think I would consider this centrist, however.

 

[PloverWing]

Like Izdaari, I think I may be a mix of conservative and liberal, rather than truly centrist. I can say the Nicene Creed without serious reservations (so my liberal friends think I'm conservative), but on matters not addressed in that creed, I have some views that make my conservative friends think I'm liberal.

I grew up in a conservative Protestant church. In college, I took a collection of courses on theology, church history, and Biblical criticism. As a result, I became both more orthodox and more liberal -- more orthodox, as I became more appreciative of the development of Christian theology through the centuries, and more liberal, as I moved away from beliefs in inerrancy and young earth creationism. So I would date my current centrism to my college years, about 30 years ago.

 

[PloverWing]

Like Izdaari, I think I may be a mix of conservative and liberal, rather than truly centrist. I can say the Nicene Creed without serious reservations (so my liberal friends think I'm conservative), but on matters not addressed in that creed, I have some views that make my conservative friends think I'm liberal.

I grew up in a conservative Protestant church. In college, I took a collection of courses on theology, church history, and Biblical criticism. As a result, I became both more orthodox and more liberal -- more orthodox, as I became more appreciative of the development of Christian theology through the centuries, and more liberal, as I moved away from beliefs in inerrancy and young earth creationism. So I would date my current centrism to my college years, about 30 years ago.

 

[WannaWitness]

I think I relate to some people here in Bridge Builders - leaning quite conservative in some issues (such as homosexuality and abortion), and at the same time, leaning somewhat liberal, you might say, when it comes to certain economy-related issues, along with many other issues (politically and theologically) in which I am in the middle. Not to mention that I sometimes get a bit annoyed (yes, I admit it, and it's something I have to work on) by the mindsets of extremists on both ends; you know, the ones who are so set in what they're going to think that they have everyone else tuned out. I mean, it's not that people don't have rights to hold differing (and even opposing) viewpoints, and speak them whenever they feel they can. After all, it is only natural that we, as humans, are not going to agree on every single thing. It's just that there needs to be a little more general respect for one another -- despite these disagreements. That is why Romans 14 is among some of my favorite Scriptures.

But that's just it. It's not as easy being "moderate" (or so it's called) as one would think. I mean, the very word moderate seems to be controversial in that it is seen from both positive and negative viewpoints. And then you have one group of people who write you off for being too strict or legalistic while receiving flack from others who may not think you're strict enough (for whatever reason). And that is where the general confusion comes in.

What I do believe, however, is we Christians have the responsibility to study Scriptures, and trust the Lord to give us understanding of how to apply His Word to our lives. If we are doing that (even with differing convictions), we can't go wrong, as He speaks to His children as the unique individuals that we are.

 

[Albion]

I have been a centrist ever since this conservative broke my heart and I started to question what I had been forced to believe.

If you're thinking that "moderate" in this forum means political centrist, it doesn't. It means only that we here intend to avoid the routine left-right bitterness in our posts and instead stick to considerate conversation. It may be that a political centrist tends towards that profile, but I couldn't say for sure.

 

[Michaeles]

Yeah, "centrist" is a political term really. Someone who is theologically neither very liberal or conservative is often called moderate.

I personally do happen to be centrist in my political convictions, as well as a moderate in religion.

 

[Albion]

Yeah, "centrist" is a political term really. Someone who is theologically neither very liberal or conservative is often called moderate.

I personally do happen to be centrist in my political convictions, as well as a moderate in religion.

Understood. But again, on this forum, "moderate" doesn't refer to a theological position or POV either.

 

[Michaeles]

Understood. But again, on this forum, "moderate" doesn't refer to a theological position or POV either.

What does it refer to? Are you saying that it means only that "we intend to avoid the routine left-right bitterness and stick to considerate conversation"? Is this forum then a place where we ignore the liberal/conservative gap for discussion's sake or is it for Christians who hold a real in-between position? Or both?

 

[Albion]

What does it refer to?

The temperament of the members. We are expected to discuss things not in the manner of the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]-sure partisans who are to be found on most other forums, but as calm, interested parties in whatever the issue happens to be.

Are you saying that it means only that "we intend to avoid the routine left-right bitterness and stick to considerate conversation"?

That's the more or less the idea, yes.

Is this forum then a place where we ignore the liberal/conservative gap for discussion's sake or is it for Christians who hold a real in-between position? Or both?

Those topics are fair game for the forum, that's for sure. They are not ruled off limits. However, it's expected that everyone of whatever perspective can speak without there being accusations, insults, or someone demanding that there is only one possible answer, etc. That's what brought about the creation of this forum.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

The temperament of the members. We are expected to discuss things not in the manner of the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]-sure partisans who are to be found on most other forums, but as calm, interested parties in whatever the issue happens to be.



That's the more or less the idea, yes.



Those topics are fair game for the forum, that's for sure. They are not ruled off limits. However, it's expected that everyone of whatever perspective can speak without there being accusations, insults, or someone demanding that there is only one possible answer, etc. That's what brought about the creation of this forum.

For the most part I concur with Albion.

But there was one other consideration in the founding of Bridge Builders: To provide a "home forum" for those of us who were not comfortable in the Liberal, Conservative or Fundamentalist forums. Some of us may not have been comfortable with the overly contentious tone of those forums though we agreed with the content, and that lines up with what Albion was saying. But some of us didn't fit the beliefs either: like me, somewhere in between all of them.

 

[Albion]

For the most part I concur with Albion.

But there was one other consideration in the founding of Bridge Builders: To provide a "home forum" for those of us who were not comfortable in the Liberal, Conservative or Fundamentalist forums. Some of us may not have been comfortable with the overly contentious tone of those forums though we agreed with the content, and that lines up with what Albion was saying. But some of us didn't fit the beliefs either: like me, somewhere in between all of them.

This is quite true. This forum is for Liberals and Conservatives so long as they can keep it academic, tolerant, respectful, etc. BUT you are certainly correct to add that anyone who is a moderate by any definition should feel at home here too, under the same guidelines, of course.

The viciousness on some of the other forums at the time this one was proposed was really something, wasn't it, Izdaari? We kind of forget that now.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

This is quite true. This forum is for Liberals and Conservatives so long as they can keep it academic, tolerant, respectful, etc. BUT you are certainly correct to add that anyone who is a moderate by any definition should feel at home here too, under the same guidelines, of course.

The viciousness on some of the other forums at the time this one was proposed was really something, wasn't it, Izdaari? We kind of forget that now.

Yeah, it was ugly.

I appreciate that all are welcome here so long as they mind their manners. This may be the only Faith Groups forum that deliberately decided NOT to have a Statement of Purpose that excludes anyone.

Though this hasn't ever been one of the most popular forums, it has at least had modest steady use, enough to keep it open, and I'm glad of that because we can have discussions here that don't really fit elsewhere or attract such diverse participants.

 

[Michaeles]

Interesting, thank you.

 

[Maid Marie]

I don't really know that I'd call myself a centrist, either theologically or politically. Rather, I have some very conservative views and some very liberal views. On the political side, the common thread is I believe in maximizing individual liberty consistent with an orderly and just society. On the theological side, I just try to be true to my best understanding of Scripture and of the nature of God... sometimes that agrees with conservatives, sometimes with liberals, and sometimes not especially with either.

Like you, I have some theological beliefs that are conservative, as well as liberal and in the middle.

Regarding politics, I tend to be the type that sticks her head in the sand begging God to make it all go away... That attitude comes from all the bickering, posturing, lack of reasonable discourse found in politics. But when it comes to voting, I tend to have a smattering of each side in mind.

 

[mark kennedy]

I have been a centrist ever since this conservative broke my heart and I started to question what I had been forced to believe.

I was forced into the center, I would have gladly joined either side. The Liberals were far to friendly with atheists and the 'conservative' right was more concerned with organizations and institutions then people. I think most of religion is about turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, giving asking nothing in return and forgiving even as we are forgiven. Not a big social agenda and not a big fund raising concept but it keeps me at peace with the convictions of my beliefs.

I would love to be mainstream traditional, pro status quo. I would absolutely adore being more progressive and socially relevant. The problem is I seek peace and pursue it and the best way I know how to do that is compromise and consensus. While I will not bend on foundational doctrine, marginal issues are almost always resolved through negotiation.

I guess I'm a centrist because the extremes won't have me. So now I'm forced to live in this crowded middle ground, where most of us end up sooner or later anyway.

Grace and peace,
Mark

 

[Albion]

Very interesting analysis. I too could never support the Democratic Party, as it is these days. That's because of its willingness to use violence to have its way. I know that there are good Democrats who don't agree with their party and don't care for hardball politics, but still...

 

[Norah63]

Back in the day I voted democratic against Nixon. Since then I have grown in my faith, and now can't see how re-distributing the wealth is the way to go.
That only teaches people to wait for what someone else has worked for.
When Carter put the fed in the school system, it has went downhill ever since.
Now the young never want to finish school, cause where are the jobs?
In faith there's no middle ground, cause lukewarm is a no no.
Building a bridge is over water, and that means the Word to me.
All who are in Christ Jesus are seeking to grow and mature, so the Word is our guide. As we explore and get revelation of the bread of life, sharing is only natural. So this forum is a nice place to visit.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Hopefully I'm not the only one who had to google this word!