Well, why are you a liberal?

[QuakerOats]

In an effort to bring some life back to this forum, I wanna know why you're liberal, progressive, etc., and what it means to you.

 

[willem]

I'm a liberal because JC was beyond liberal. His life was (is) about challenging and destabilizing institutions and and pompous religious machinery while elevating the value of the individual.

Liberalism is something akin to optimistic dissent. When I look around the Church, I'm infuriated by all the hurtful nonsense that's passed off as faith. But I see glimpses of The Good here and there, so I'll never give up on it.

 

[broken_one]

To put it succinctly: I care more about people than money.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

In an effort to bring some life back to this forum, I wanna know why you're liberal, progressive, etc., and what it means to you.

Mmm, I don't know that I am.

Theologically, I'd say I'm this kind of a moderate: conservative on the very basics of the faith, liberal on much else, and generally reasonable and open-minded. And although I'm a member of a Pentecostal church, I don't limit my theology to that tradition. Notably, I'm completely Lutheran on soteriology, and on the matter of heaven and hell, I agree more with Eastern Orthodoxy than with any Protestant group. I very much appreciate the work of Emergent writers, who I believe have some key insights, though many of them are too liberal for me.

Politically, I'm a classical liberal or libertarian. I'm very concerned with the rights of individuals and distrustful of government, not at all like today's big government liberals. In my view, government is like fire: a good servant, but a terrible master. I see using government to promote social justice as very much like playing with fire. You see that people are being warmed. I see that the fire is longer confined to the fireplace, and threatens to burn down the house.

 

[wiggsfly]

After reading the bible completely I started to consider myself liberal. Now I don't know how someone who actually follows Jesus could be labeled a modern liberal.

As for this board, good luck. I think the witch hunts of late have scared many away.

 

[TheManeki]

* I prioritize Jesus' teachings over Paul's
* The historical/critical way of reading the Bible makes more sense than so-called "Biblical literalism"
* In light of the evidence, evolution makes more sense than any of the many conflicting creationism or intelligent design stories
* I realized gay people weren't the boogeymen conservatives made them out to be

 

[willem]

As for this board, good luck. I think the witch hunts of late have scared many away.

Huh? Care to elaborate?

 

[Kaonashi]

Why am I liberal? It's because I view the journey as more important than the destination

 

[TheManeki]

Huh? Care to elaborate?

Citizen, asking about unpersons is above your security clearance, and deemed treasonous by The Computer. Please report to the nearest disintegration facility, and remember that The Computer is your friend!

​

 

[AzA]

I post in this section (albeit infrequently now) because I enjoy talking to different kinds of people.

My corner of the universe is rather open and I haven't stopped asking questions yet. Lately I have found that some kinds of people freak out less about this than other kinds, and so I prefer to spend free/social time with those who freak out less. I can spend work/ministry time anywhere, but let-off-steam-time goes to people who are willing to quest.

The questing, the movement, is more important to me than the classification or categorizing.

 

[QuakerOats]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've always found it interesting to know what people believe in and why. There are many reasons I identify as liberal theologically, but I think the biggest one is the inability to ignore the scientific world around me. As a young teen, I attended a more conservative church in my area and I remember 'going through the motions' every week, being left wanting. From an early age, I was always one to question everything, and I realized later that the church I was involved in simply didn't foster that kind of thought; that kind of faith. I've personally found that focusing more on Jesus' life and how he lived it has made a much richer Christianity in my life. And I mean no disrespect to anyone by this post, I'm simply speaking from my own experience, past and present.

 

[lismore]

As for this board, good luck. I think the witch hunts of late have scared many away.

Witch hunts never fail. If you want to find witchcraft badly enough then you will find it, whether it is there or not.

 

[lismore]

Why am I a liberal?

Basically because no-one else would have me

I've seen too much to be a conservative, besides, Jesus was bumped off by the conservatives because he didnt fit their mould.

I like the 'whosoever' may come. That's the way it should be. The only criteria for being allowed in should be that you want in.

 

[lux et lex]

I'm a liberal so I can sleep at night.

 

[Zoness]

To put it succinctly: I care more about people than money.

This.

Why am I a liberal? Mostly because conservatives wouldn't dare have me. I challenged too many of their ideas simply by existing. I didn't fit their theological mold and when it came right down to it. I wasn't welcome. Plus to them all of my music, interests, beliefs, ideas and opinions are all evil...it's hard to make a point to someone who already sees you as an unperson.

 

[seekingbutnotfinding]

Good question.

I suppose it's because I love and care about people. I hate the fact that there are people worse off than me, and that a lot of people aren't bothered by that. I feel that it's important not to judge people based on their actions.

Politically, I'll just say this: Barack Obama isn't liberal enough for me. That should say plenty. ;p I'm pro-choice and pro-gay rights, and am a feminist bordering on radical.

Theologically, I reject the idea of eternal damnation. I'm a Christian because Jesus means everything to me--I love him so much, and believe in his divinity, and cannot imagine not being a Christian. But there are a lot of problems I have with traditional Christianity. I was raised Catholic, but left the church because of their views on homosexuality, gender roles, etc. I also think their emphasis on sexual purity can be dangerous to young women and men.

There are a zillion other reasons, but those are the main ones. The number-one reasons is the "eternal damnation" thing. I believe in universal salvation, which is a very radical idea.

 

[MattLangley]

After reading the bible completely I started to consider myself liberal. Now I don't know how someone who actually follows Jesus could be labeled a modern liberal.

Apparently I am at odds with your statement

As to the OP:

I am liberal because I reform... I feel I am always reforming and conserving at the same time, I prefer to conserve few things, and things that are at a high level. I conserve things like treat others as you would like to be treated, like doing good, like trying to do what's right, being open minded, etc. The specifics and the details I am always reforming when makes sense.

I do in fact hold to ideas and support them and do in fact strong defend them, but I am always open to reform and try to constantly challenge my current ideas and beliefs so I can progress. I think we are being of learning and progress and should always be looking to grow and that is why I am a liberal.

 

[MattLangley]

Good question.
...
Politically, I'll just say this: Barack Obama isn't liberal enough for me. That should say plenty. ;p I'm pro-choice and pro-gay rights, and am a feminist bordering on radical.
...

I can relate to everything there except the feminist part. I believe in equality between all, including women and men so at times I am a bit of a feminist, but I'm willing to support either side depending on the situation and whose the underdog in the specific situation.

To add to my post... politically I am very liberal... much like "seekiingbutnotfinding" I don't feel Obama is liberal enough for me.

In US terms I am extremely liberal (even though I support aspects of capitalism and think it needs to exist in part)... though in world terms I am fairly moderate politically.

 

[emilybeingemily]

I'm a liberal because I believe that all people are children of God, no matter their gender, race, religion, sexuality, etc and deserve to be treated with love, respect, and kindness.

 

[childofGod31]

I believe that you can hear God speak to you personally. I believe that God doesn't only speak when something is important or life/death or to teach something, but He speaks because He enjoys fellowshipping with us.

I believe that lots of Christians who go to church to worship God don't actually worship Him, but are simply going through the motions that resemble worship. Because I believe that we "worship" God everyday in our hearts.

I believe that God is in love with us.

I believe that God cherishes us above ALL that He has.

I believe that God the Father is my father who adores me.

I believe that Jesus Christ is my special closest friend, lover, husband and my God - all at the same time.

I believe that God writes love songs. (because He is in love with us)

I believe that God wants our heart 100%. (not only some part of it)

All of the above are NON-traditional beliefs I think. So I guess maybe that makes me liberal.