Liberal Back-Slider??

[apenman]

What exactly is a liberal back-slider??

I would have thought that it's either a liberal Christian who's now a universalist, or who is now a conservative. I obviously have no clue.

Or, is it a liberal who is questioning their beliefs??

I'm reading into this that they are back-sliden from a liberal position, or point of view.

 

[Treasure the Questions]

There is a Welsh singer/song writer called Martyn Joseph who started his singing career with the support of the evangelical music industry. Then he visited the slums of Bangkok in Thailand and came away with a different point of view. he wanted to change your world and started to ask why the poor weren't fed. Some evangelicals didn't like this and wrote him letters calling him a liberal and a backslider, which hurt him and made him angry. Songwriting is his therapy, so he let his hurt and anger out in this song

Liberal Backslider



[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider I’ve been sliding ‘bout ten years[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]People ask me how I’m doin’ and I confirm all their fears[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m swearing like a trooper, and I’m drinking like a bum[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider and it sure is a lot of fun.[/font]



Been following these Footsteps now for many a year gone by

But you always upset someone there no matter how you try

Well the good things they’re forgotten if a bad thing comes around

Now all these stones are flyin’ they’re gonna knock me to the ground



[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider I’ve been sliding ‘bout ten years[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]People ask me how I’m doin’ and I confirm all their fears[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m swearing like a trooper, and I’m drinking like a bum[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider and it sure is a lot of fun.[/font]



I take a stand on justice, I take a stand on race

Gonna take me a TV evangelist and punch him in the face

I sing about the hope that’s in me and ask why the poor aren’t fed

But if I don’t tow the party line, it’s be better if I were dead



[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider I’ve been sliding ‘bout ten years[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]People ask me how I’m doin’ and I confirm all their fears[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m swearing like a trooper, and I’m drinking like a bum[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider and it sure is a lot of fun.[/font]



So I’ll be asking for forgiveness then until the day I die

Though I can’t be sure of what I’ve done I think I’d better try

Thank God you’re not the jury, thank God I’m not the judge

Here’s to a bigger picture, here’s to the bigger love!



[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider I’ve been sliding ‘bout ten years[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]People ask me how I’m doin’ and I confirm all their fears[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m swearing like a trooper, and I’m drinking like a bum[/font]

[font=Arial,Bold]I’m a liberal backslider and it sure is a lot of fun.[/font]

He sang it for a few people and has found ever since that it strikes a chord with a lot of people.

Btw I am reliably informed that he is a teetotaller, but he does swear when angry.

I am a liberal backslider, and I hope you'll join us on the run! , as Martyn has been known to say.

Karin

 

[apenman]

So, then a "liberal" back-slider is just a plain old back-slider, has nothing to do with a liberal theological position.

All the years that I was just a plain, regular old Christian, who didn't understand the law of Christ, a back-slider was just a back-slider, and on occasion, I was a back-slider.

 

[Treasure the Questions]

On the contrary a "liberal backslider" is someone whose thoelogy is more liberal than a conservative evangelical's and takes their faith seriously. They are not a backslider, but some of a more fundamentalist persuasion might see them that way.

Karin

 

[apenman]

On the contrary a "liberal backslider" is someone whose thoelogy is more liberal than a conservative evangelical's and takes their faith seriously. They are not a backslider, but some of a more fundamentalist persuasion might see them that way.

Karin

Oh, so then, to a conservative, a liberal, by definition, is a back-slider.

In that case, I am definitely a back-slider.

 

[Treasure the Questions]

To those who think a Christian shouldn't go into a pub or bar, even if they don't drink, should avoid the cinema and so on, and those who are far more worried about personal morality and impeccable doctrine than social justice, we are probably seen as backsliders.

Karin

 

[Polycarp1]

So, then a "liberal" back-slider is just a plain old back-slider, has nothing to do with a liberal theological position.

All the years that I was just a plain, regular old Christian, who didn't understand the law of Christ, a back-slider was just a back-slider, and on occasion, I was a back-slider.

Brother, that strange windlike noise you heard has nothing to do with the hurricane threads; it's the point to the song going directly over your head at Mach 4.

If you've spent any time in N&CE or Politics, you'll notice a wide variety of people whose views are that a good Christian must therefore be a supporter of the incumbent U.S. President, must oppose a national health care plan which for some obscure reason they deem to be "socialized medicine" (perhaps as opposed to the sociopathic plans we have in place now? ), consider that extending respect to two men or two women who have fallen in love with each other and consider themselves lifemates is "condoning sin," etc. I'm not out to condemn their views; they're entitled to them. But my stance on what Jesus Christ calls us to do is significantly different than theirs -- and I can demonstrate mine by direct quotes from Him in the Gospels.

Ergo, to many of them I am "preaching a false Gospel," "watering down the Gospel," and a wide assortment of other phrases that basically target my intention to follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior as I hear Him calling me to do, not as their particular ideologial slant calls them to interpret His views. And that makes me a "liberal backslider" in their eyes -- just like Karl, Karin, and Martyn.

 

[apenman]

Brother, that strange windlike noise you heard has nothing to do with the hurricane threads; it's the point to the song going directly over your head at Mach 4.

If you've spent any time in N&CE or Politics, you'll notice a wide variety of people whose views are that a good Christian must therefore be a supporter of the incumbent U.S. President, must oppose a national health care plan which for some obscure reason they deem to be "socialized medicine" (perhaps as opposed to the sociopathic plans we have in place now? ), consider that extending respect to two men or two women who have fallen in love with each other and consider themselves lifemates is "condoning sin," etc. I'm not out to condemn their views; they're entitled to them. But my stance on what Jesus Christ calls us to do is significantly different than theirs -- and I can demonstrate mine by direct quotes from Him in the Gospels.

Ergo, to many of them I am "preaching a false Gospel," "watering down the Gospel," and a wide assortment of other phrases that basically target my intention to follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior as I hear Him calling me to do, not as their particular ideologial slant calls them to interpret His views. And that makes me a "liberal backslider" in their eyes -- just like Karl, Karin, and Martyn.

OK, then as I said above, I too am a liberal back-slider.

 

[PaladinValer]

I'm a moderate back-slider; can I join the club? I mean, we moderates are just as reviled

 

[Treasure the Questions]

I only wish I could let you know how the tune goes. it's very catchy with something of a country feel about it - I often feel it could end with a yeehah or two.

Martyn has to let us all sing along to it at every concert these days as his audience contains a lot of liberal backsliders, although I know a few non-Christians who enjoy singing it, as well as an Anglican vicar who works for an evengelical college in his spare time.

 

[Polycarp1]

I'm a moderate back-slider; can I join the club? I mean, we moderates are just as reviled

Hey, Paladin! (I keep picturing Richard Boone walking in with a card reading "Have Bible - Will Travel"!

Heh-- I know just what you mean:
[bible]Revelation 3:14-17[/bible]

Welcome aboard!!

 

[McCravey]

I would like to add a few comments about the lyrics I heard in the song.

He said "I'm swearing like a trooper" etc.

I had a dream one night that changed my perspective on "swearing".

I dreamed my wife and I were stranded by an intersection. We were trying to escape from upcoming danger. As we tried to catch a ride with all the nice people in cars passing us by....they refused to let us in.

A man with a boat pulled up (there was a river nearby) He called to us and offered us a ride to safety....we accepted. On the way to safety he swore a lot...mf this and d.... that. I almost asked him not to swear around my wife (being self righteous and religious and all that) but something stopped me.

I asked myself a question "Is he really swearing when he swears?" (maybe that is just the way he talks), His character was different than the character of those that refused to help me. They, by their actions, wear swearing me when they refused to help....he by helping me was the only one not swearing. (I don't feel I've written this well enough to convey the meaning....maybe someone else can help me?)

It changed my pre-conceived idea of what swearing is and drinking is and other ideas of "signs of backsliding"

Sorry if I butchered this one.

 

[Polycarp1]

I would like to add a few comments about the lyrics I heard in the song.

He said "I'm swearing like a trooper" etc.

I had a dream one night that changed my perspective on "swearing".

I dreamed my wife and I were stranded by an intersection. We were trying to escape from upcoming danger. As we tried to catch a ride with all the nice people in cars passing us by....they refused to let us in.

A man with a boat pulled up (there was a river nearby) He called to us and offered us a ride to safety....we accepted. On the way to safety he swore a lot...mf this and d.... that. I almost asked him not to swear around my wife (being self righteous and religious and all that) but something stopped me.

I asked myself a question "Is he really swearing when he swears?" (maybe that is just the way he talks), His character was different than the character of those that refused to help me. They, by their actions, wear swearing me when they refused to help....he by helping me was the only one not swearing. (I don't feel I've written this well enough to convey the meaning....maybe someone else can help me?)

It changed my pre-conceived idea of what swearing is and drinking is and other ideas of "signs of backsliding"

Sorry if I butchered this one.

"There was a man who went up to Jericho, and on the road...."

I think your dream re-told that story in modern terms quite nicely!

 

[Treasure the Questions]

I was brought up not to swear and still don't, but Martyn and other "liberal backsliders" have helped me adopt a different point of view about it. I think Martyn decided to do so because he felt it helped him to identify with a certain type of person who was alienated from the church by self-righteous and disapproving attitudes found there.

Karin

 

[UberLutheran]

I started taking questions about religion, faith, and the nature of our existence REAL seriously.

I started making a real effort to understand the reasoning behind so many of the "shoulds" and "have to's" which make up modern religious thought.

I started studying religion and theology like crazy -- almost obsessively. (I still do.)

I gave myself permission to examine my beliefs, to think things through, to discard beliefs which I knew did not work (even if they were "Scriptural"), and to adopt new beliefs as necessary.

My ability to show compassion to others, and to really try to model Christ for others (not because I thought they "needed it", but because I wanted to truly honor Christ thorugh me and to see Christ in other people) also increased.

My prayers started taking on the form of asking for God's will for me each day, and being granted the power to carry that out.

My faith grew -- exponentially.

Thank you, God, that I became a liberal backslider.

 

[apenman]

I began to study the law of Christ and the fact that "mercy triumphs over judgment". These things I never did before I was a liberal back-slider. My knowledge of the Bible has never been so clear.

Oh, and I wrote a book entirely based on the law of Christ. Anyone want a free MS Word copy, just send me a PM. Read the review at www.wordweaving.com just do a site search on "Beyond Religion".

 

[ladybrett1974]

I'm a newby to CF, but it's GREAT. I grew up in super-conservative West Texas. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Liberal Christian, we just had Conservatives and Ultra-Conservatives.

So, I've started questioning these beliefs that were beat against my head from birth. I believe I've always questioned, actually.

They're horse-hockey.

So many things have dropped into my lap to encourage me since I've started searching for these answers and for direction. (It tends to leave one without direction, when you realize that what people have told you for 30 years is not necessarily the truth). I have found these boards, I have found books, I have found a congregation to attend....so much!

God works TODAY! He works in ME! All I need to do is listen and ask for guidance...(ok, some other things too...but these are the biggies). LOVE MY NEIGHBOR>>>>>LOVE MYSELF>>>>LOVE GOD>>>>

Wow....I was never taught to love yourself....I was always taught to deny yourself.

Ok, this went a direction I wasn't expecting. So, thanks to all of y'all for your encouraging posts. They're much much appreciated.

 

[apenman]

I'm a newby to CF, but it's GREAT. I grew up in super-conservative West Texas. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Liberal Christian, we just had Conservatives and Ultra-Conservatives.

So, I've started questioning these beliefs that were beat against my head from birth. I believe I've always questioned, actually.

They're horse-hockey.

So many things have dropped into my lap to encourage me since I've started searching for these answers and for direction. (It tends to leave one without direction, when you realize that what people have told you for 30 years is not necessarily the truth). I have found these boards, I have found books, I have found a congregation to attend....so much!

God works TODAY! He works in ME! All I need to do is listen and ask for guidance...(ok, some other things too...but these are the biggies). LOVE MY NEIGHBOR>>>>>LOVE MYSELF>>>>LOVE GOD>>>>

Wow....I was never taught to love yourself....I was always taught to deny yourself.

Ok, this went a direction I wasn't expecting. So, thanks to all of y'all for your encouraging posts. They're much much appreciated.

Why we're all just so happy that you found us!!!!

 

[ladybrett1974]

Thanks! I'll try to contribute when and how I can. I tend to get a little disjointed when people get in a "I can quote more scripture than you" battle...but, hopefully, I can contribute something!

 

[trekker]

I'm a newby to CF, but it's GREAT. I grew up in super-conservative West Texas. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Liberal Christian, we just had Conservatives and Ultra-Conservatives.

So, I've started questioning these beliefs that were beat against my head from birth. I believe I've always questioned, actually.

They're horse-hockey.

So many things have dropped into my lap to encourage me since I've started searching for these answers and for direction. (It tends to leave one without direction, when you realize that what people have told you for 30 years is not necessarily the truth). I have found these boards, I have found books, I have found a congregation to attend....so much!

God works TODAY! He works in ME! All I need to do is listen and ask for guidance...(ok, some other things too...but these are the biggies). LOVE MY NEIGHBOR>>>>>LOVE MYSELF>>>>LOVE GOD>>>>

Wow....I was never taught to love yourself....I was always taught to deny yourself.

Ok, this went a direction I wasn't expecting. So, thanks to all of y'all for your encouraging posts. They're much much appreciated.

Wonderful post! What a great testimony!

I, too, spent most of my life living in the black and white world of the conservative, fundamentalist view. It led to nothing but a tornado for me -- so many opinions, so many doctrines, so many truths all swirling around in a mass of confusion. Thankfully, my house of law finally fell and I opened the door to discover a world ablaze with color, life and love. Hurray! The wicked witch is dead!