So what exactly is a Moderate Christian anyway?

chaoschristian · Oct 30, 2007

BelindaP said:
You are absolutely right, Chaos. He is the epitome of a moderate.

For the longest time I've been under the misapprehension that the only way to get to the radical inclusiveness and social justice of the Gospel is to also embrace a radical liberalism.

That's not true.

Looking at examples like Carter and Gordon Cosby I've come to realize that traditional orthodoxy points straight at what I've always viewed as the necessary outcomes of the Gospel.

So that's why I'm here. Attempting to make sense of this new understanding.

BelindaP · Oct 30, 2007

Who knows? Perhaps we will be a beacon in the midst of darkness.

MrJim · Oct 30, 2007

chaoschristian said:
Our forum specific logo should be a portrait of Jimmy Carter.

He expresses both a traditional conservatism regarding orthodoxy and a desire to pursue the radical inclusiveness and social justice embedded in the Gospel.

My first instict is

but I'm willing to hear it out~Carter and Conservative sorta never said in the same breath AFAIK; but then maybe I jes need educated

He's my first president I ever really followed~I remember Nixon & Ford, but Carter was my first taste of actually paying attention to politics, and, well, it wasn't the best of times...but you would be speaking of his post presidency stuff, right?

GreenMunchkin · Oct 30, 2007

chaoschristian said:
For the longest time I've been under the misapprehension that the only way to get to the radical inclusiveness and social justice of the Gospel is to also embrace a radical liberalism.

That's not true.

Looking at examples like Carter and Gordon Cosby I've come to realize that traditional orthodoxy points straight at what I've always viewed as the necessary outcomes of the Gospel.

So that's why I'm here. Attempting to make sense of this new understanding.

Those 3 represent about a million of 'em.

BelindaP · Oct 30, 2007

Well, he tried while in office, but couldn't get past Congress.

What most people don't realize is that he is a faithful Southern Baptist. Very conservative in theology, but tolerant.

Criada · Oct 30, 2007

BelindaP said:
Who knows? Perhaps we will be a beacon in the midst of darkness.

Amen!!!

MrJim · Oct 30, 2007

chaoschristian said:
Looking at examples like Carter and Gordon Cosby

never heard of Gordon Cosby...had to google & find out about him there's not even a wikipedia article...

Willtor · Oct 30, 2007

Also, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But, yes, I certainly agree on Carter, too.

JimfromOhio · Oct 30, 2007

edb19 said:
For me (and I've had multiple theologically conservative pastors agree with me) while I consider my self conservative theologically, I often find that some "conservatives" get too hung up on certain issues that don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Based on that I feel that I have what many may consider "moderate" views.

edie

When I first read this last night. I knew what you are talking about. I have had issues with people that got hung up on issues that didn't really matter and out of my control. I rather discuss the real issues.

chaoschristian · Oct 30, 2007

MrJim said:
but you would be speaking of his post presidency stuff, right?

I don't know that there's a lot of difference between President Carter and Jimmy Carter, the man who once was President.

But yes, I am mostly looking at his efforts through the Carter Center in terms of what I call the radical inclusiveness and social justice of the Gospel.

But, keep in mind, Carter (IIRC) had all the alcohol removed from the White House. He's pretty much an old fashioned Baptist.

Anyhoo, this isn't a discussion of Carter per se, but why he's an example to look to when we ask 'So what exactly is a Moderate Christian anyway?'

chaoschristian · Oct 30, 2007

MrJim said:
never heard of Gordon Cosby...had to google & find out about him there's not even a wikipedia article...

Cosby is the founder of the Church of the Saviour. Googling Church of the Saviour will turn up more stuff. Gordon himself doesn't have much of a presence on the web.

Izdaari Eristikon · Oct 30, 2007

chaoschristian said:
Our forum specific logo should be a portrait of Jimmy Carter.

He expresses both a traditional conservatism regarding orthodoxy and a desire to pursue the radical inclusiveness and social justice embedded in the Gospel.

Well, yes, he does, and I admire him for that. I think he's a genuinely good man and a good Christian, and a fine example of the spirit of moderation. But I still don't think he was a very good President.

MrJim · Oct 31, 2007

I'd feel a bit odd lookin' at him up there myself

Catherineanne · Nov 1, 2007

higgs2 said:
Well you're going to a fun and surpising addition to our little group Good insights! Glad you made it to our little place.

Give it a week and you'll be calling me a heretic and making up the bonfires.

However, that week might be fun.

Catherineanne · Nov 1, 2007

DailyBlessings said:
I'd like to think that you are correct, yet I have never strayed from any of those values, but have been consistently warned away from community with the conservatives of the forum... I really do think a certain level of exclusivity is implied by the claiming of the label.

I think a certain defensiveness is almost inevitable from conservatism. I have never ventured to visit there myself, and have no idea how I would be received. But I think it helps to try to think as others think, before judging them. Just as we all contain both male and female, we all contain both liberal and conservative.

Criada · Nov 1, 2007

Catherineanne said:
I think a certain defensiveness is almost inevitable from conservatism. I have never ventured to visit there myself, and have no idea how I would be received. But I think it helps to try to think as others think, before judging them. Just as we all contain both male and female, we all contain both liberal and conservative.

Excellent point!
And a good reason not to label ourselves.
There is a continuum between extreme conservative and extreme liberal, and I doubt that any of us are at exactly the same point on that line.

(And, FWIW, you would be welcomed by most atCC!)

Catherineanne · Nov 1, 2007

Criada said:
(And, FWIW, you would be welcomed by most atCC!)

I am welcomed almost everywhere to start with. Even the Mormons thought I was lovely for about a week.

(And I appear to already have a stalker of the less than liberal persuasion, who has reported about ten of my posts in the past week or so, scattering accusations of blasphemy like confetti. I am not sure I want to acquire any more such. )

higgs2 · Nov 1, 2007

Catherineanne said:
Give it a week and you'll be calling me a heretic and making up the bonfires.

However, that week might be fun.

Oh please.

We're out of wood.

No worries, just be nice

Catherineanne · Nov 1, 2007

higgs2 said:
Oh please.

We're out of wood.

No worries, just be nice

I am always nice.

I just seem to have a habit of bringing out the best in some, and the opposite in others. It's a gift.

chaoschristian · Nov 1, 2007

MrJim said:
I'd feel a bit odd lookin' at him up there myself

So what exactly is a Moderate Christian anyway?

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