What is considered as " Moderate Christians?"

[JimfromOhio]

I am a strong Christian and I am also a Patriot but I am very nuetural when it comes to politics. I do NOT like telling other people what to do with their lives. In the United States, we are in a "democratic country" which means the Government will follow what the people want. United States are NOT a "Theocracy Government" (i.e. Christian Moral Laws). The idea that Jesus Christ has absolute and final authority over all of us in every detail of our lives is simply regardless of legalistic control by some evangelical Christians in the political world.

As a moderate Christian, a person desires to be well-balanced, calm, careful, steady, and sane. "Moderate Christian" basically means those who are moderate, relaxed, and open in how they deal with the world, but who take Christianity seriously. Moderate’s character basically means a person whose primary form of witness is by their life, but they do not hide the fact that they are Christians and that they show their spiritual light through deeds first and then words.

I do like the fact that moderate Christians often behave better and have better credibility. I also learned that Moderate Christians do NOT jump into conclusions during controversies.

I have come to conclusion that being a moderate reminds me that I have no control of what is going on in this world. To me, spiritually stable is to be in an environment of peace or an environment of love in the fellowship. Because, discord, disunity, and chaos will always produce great insecurity that leads people to feel destabilize in their lives. There are some who seem to look on the gloomy side and never able to do respond in faith to life's problems, instead, they grumble about the trials that they forget God's powerful grace. We live in a fallen world and this is what is to be expected. In my faith, I will rest in the confident faith that my God is sovereign over all fallen world to effect His own eternal purposes. That's the solution to the problem, that perspective, an adequate knowledge of God is essential in the matter of spiritual stability. Christianity will always be running against the prevailing society of individualistic views. I have no problem working persistently and faithfully for a more peaceful community. But I am not going to allow anyone to compromise my faith and I will respectfully disagree with them. I will still fellowship and debate with my Christian brethren even though I may not agree with their beliefs. Grace is about loving other people that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. I just let God handle their beliefs that I disagree with.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

Yes, jynx, I think you have. Welcome home!

 

[youthwalk]

I consider myself a moderate in that I am not interested in tight legalism as it feels like man-made rules that try to equal God's word - whether it is to be more inclusive or more exclusive.

I agree with this.
I suppose this may be a good place for me to interact.

Hello

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

Welcome!

 

[gtmyers]

I consider myself a moderate in that I am not interested in tight legalism as it feels like man-made rules that try to equal God's word - whether it is to be more inclusive or more exclusive.

I feel the same way.

 

[jamescarvin]

I've heard some in this thread say they base their being "moderate" on their desire to steer away from legalism. Others seem to define it as being less vocal - live and let live, one person said. Another said something about not jumping to conclusions. Still another, actually several, point to tolerance.

I was drawn to this forum really because when I speak I prefer it if people are open to what I have to say. And I am also tired of hearing people speak from a mold. I like to hear creative thinking that comes from a personal rhema in the Spirit rather than a repetition of a team doctrine or dogma, even though I myself am an Orthodox Christian, (though some would say I am not). Orthodox have their doctrines and dogmas. And in fact, in some courters of Orthodoxy it is considered prideful if you think for yourself.

I make a very bad Orthodox Christian because my brain is very left-side dominant. I am an abstract thinker. I can't just parrot what others have said. I don't have it in me. My memory isn't that good. Repeating what has been said by others in the past is big in Orthodoxy. They believe in a living faith, but they don't believe the faith changes. So they don't really like to hear anything new. New ways of expressing things is all I've got.

Be that as it may, I also like the notion of bridge-building. Sometimes there is a way of saying things that can create authentic unity among willing listeners. So maybe my weakness can be put to use. Maybe an old truth just hasn't ever been said that certain way before. Maybe the way I express it might just reverberate and create a solid foundation for reconciliation. This is what draws me to a thread with this title.

I believe the Lord loves unity in Him. I don't think he loves unity that is superficial and tied together with nothing but tolerance, yet I do see in him an example of patience no human has ever matched until Jesus was conceived.

I view myself as a conservative, religiously and politically. I don't believe in simply preaching through your good life, as essential as that may be. There is a place for words, in as much as words can be a helpful guide.

In some ways I am a radical. I believe in giving everything you have to Jesus. I believe if you give him less than 100% that you are out of his will. He died for you and asks you to pick up your cross, to die with him in baptism and be raised with him to newness of life. This is not a compromising call. The one who is attached to the things of this world is saved, but as through fire.

I suspect that everyone in this thread would agree with what I just said. It's what they mean by "passion." Blessed are the peacemakers. They shall be called Sons of the Most High. If I identify with being a moderate it is in this - I see in Christ the uncompromised truth, which is reconciliation itself. If he did not come to condemn the world but that it might have abundant life and wants me to be clothed in Him, then I see this form of being a moderate as a common calling.

In no sense do I see in it lukewarmness or compromise. My guess is that others agree. Otherwise, there would be little reason to come here. Does that help define it?

 

[Worddancer]

Does that help define it?

Quite more than adequately, I would say! Added to the others, (I especially appreciated JimfromOhio's post) I've a lot to think about in trying to decide where I belong on these forums as far as catagorizing my stance and beliefs. I've just honestly haven't tried to do so for several years now.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

Welcome, Worddancer! I think you just might like this place!

 

[AnneSally]

I don't know what a "moderate" "liberal" or "fundy" is in any real sense and ultimately I don't care. As far as I can see from the scriptures, on the Day of the Lord there isn't going to be three lines asking mod/lib/fund to que up. There isn't going to be groups for religions either.....

We are either His or we are not. He will either recognize us or He will say "I never knew you."

So I just want to fellowship with true brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I don't know what a "moderate" "liberal" or "fundy" is in any real sense and ultimately I don't care. As far as I can see from the scriptures, on the Day of the Lord there isn't going to be three lines asking mod/lib/fund to que up. There isn't going to be groups for religions either.....

We are either His or we are not. He will either recognize us or He will say "I never knew you."

So I just want to fellowship with true brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

Exactly so! The only reason for those divisions here on CF is to make fellowship more convenient for like-minded believers. But that convenience is no small thing.

 

[AnneSally]

Exactly so! The only reason for those divisions here on CF is to make fellowship more convenient for like-minded believers. But that convenience is no small thing.

Yeah, good point.

 

[p0LkFliedLice]

Greetings in the name Jesus:

I was reading the announcements and memberships, but didn't see a clear distinction of what a Moderate Christian is supposed to be.

Just about every one see themselves as Moderate. But Moderate Christian, as opposed to Strict Christians, or Liberal Christian.

How about passionate Christian? I dont want to seem trivial or to minimize Moderate Christians. Which I dont know what they Are. But I like the Christian part, So they cant be all bad. But I shall seek, and hopefully find. I also asked, maybe I shall receive an answer, and find.

I pray my words do not offend, God bless all Christians in forum, and all those who use it.
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Moderate in the most basic sense = "balanced"

 

[WannaWitness]

I'm glad the term "Bridge Builders" has been added to this part of the forums. This should clear up any confusion anyone has had over what "moderate" means.

 

[jamescarvin]

Exactly so! The only reason for those divisions here on CF is to make fellowship more convenient for like-minded believers. But that convenience is no small thing.

I see two places to be. One is in the peace of like-mindedness. The other is in the battle of bridge-building. The latter takes energy. The former can nourish, but it can also build walls.

Sometimes when we are in agreement we enjoy the "us" so much that we build or reinforce in our minds a real or fictitious sense of "them." Part of being a good bridge-builder, I think, is having the energy to listen in the midst of "them" to the point that "them" becomes "us" too.

Being moderate then becomes being more understanding. We see more perspectives than one. I think the Lord fully understands us and challenges us to see and know as He knows (not that we can ever actually do that).

I actually look to a forum community as a place where people can finally get out of their churches, where they are always reinforced in their denominations or mindsets, and meet and grow.

Paul Harvey has his "other side of the story." It’s a lot like that. Only it's "the other side of the body." You've got to look for it. And then in the love of the Lord listen and ask questions.

Sometimes good questions are more persuasive than statements. But the need to persuade is usually not a genuin bridge-builder's motivation. The desire to see what the Lord will say by a conversation is what leads them. They wait patiently for the Lord to do the talking to the heart and through the conversation.

 

[Lion-Of-Zion]

I am a noob here and saw the title Moderate Christian/Bridge Builder. I guess I had the same question if I would belong in this group of faith. I grew up Episcopalian but went through about a 20 year stint of Atheism. Call me a freak who listens to, too much Reggae but a further understanding of Rasta and the idea that only you can find your way to God totally recharged me. I believe the way is through Jesus and I feel my beliefs are way out in left field. I believe that all 3 Abrahamic faiths are worshipping the same God, That homosexuals are human beings and should be treated so, and that to much emphasis is place on Jesus rather than God. God is the one I worship and he sent his only son Jesus to help/save/guide us. I see Jesus as the bridge between man and God. I also believe that God gives us free will, rather than a plan. I don&#8217;t blame God for suffering or excuse it with a simple its all in Gods works. I blame mankind for the stae of the world. (Those that believe in a plan I mean in no way to judge). Also I don&#8217;t think God loves us as individuals, rather as a species. I don&#8217;t feel I am worthy of such love and wouldn&#8217;t know what to do with the kind of love spoken of anyway. And after 20 years of not even believing in God to rediscover H.I.M is kinda cool.
But to sum it up Im a ?far left? Christian who isn&#8217;t afraid to look to other faiths for knowledge or different views. I think tolerance in todays world is the key.
Just 2 cents and what I feel (if I am) a Bridge Builder/Moderate Christian.
Bless

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I am a noob here and saw the title Moderate Christian/Bridge Builder. I guess I had the same question if I would belong in this group of faith. I grew up Episcopalian but went through about a 20 year stint of Atheism. Call me a freak who listens to, too much Reggae but a further understanding of Rasta and the idea that only you can find your way to God totally recharged me. I believe the way is through Jesus and I feel my beliefs are way out in left field. I believe that all 3 Abrahamic faiths are worshipping the same God, That homosexuals are human beings and should be treated so, and that to much emphasis is place on Jesus rather than God. God is the one I worship and he sent his only son Jesus to help/save/guide us. I see Jesus as the bridge between man and God. I also believe that God gives us free will, rather than a plan. I don’t blame God for suffering or excuse it with a simple its all in Gods works. I blame mankind for the stae of the world. (Those that believe in a plan I mean in no way to judge). Also I don’t think God loves us as individuals, rather as a species. I don’t feel I am worthy of such love and wouldn’t know what to do with the kind of love spoken of anyway. And after 20 years of not even believing in God to rediscover H.I.M is kinda cool.
But to sum it up Im a ?far left? Christian who isn’t afraid to look to other faiths for knowledge or different views. I think tolerance in todays world is the key.
Just 2 cents and what I feel (if I am) a Bridge Builder/Moderate Christian.
Bless

Welcome to Bridge Builders!

But you did say something kind of odd... too much reggae? Is that possible? :o

The Rastas are right about so much, but they do have some really odd beliefs... like about Haile Selassie being the Messiah... to me that's just bizarre. Yet so many Rasta religious lyrics would totally work in any Christian church.

 

[Lion-Of-Zion]

Welcome to Bridge Builders!

But you did say something kind of odd... too much reggae? Is that possible? :o

The Rastas are right about so much, but they do have some really odd beliefs... like about Haile Selassie being the Messiah... to me that's just bizarre. Yet so many Rasta religious lyrics would totally work in any Christian church.

Yeah I don’t get that either. He seemed like a great thing for Ethiopia at first until the Italians invaded and he went off to England. It sounds as if he was a bit corrupt when he got back and let the country slip, and spent all his money on bribing the rich, Military, and Police rather than feed the starving and helping those suffering in poverty. Lol I don’t get the liveity thing either. I gotta have my steak!!!
And I stand corrected, one could never have too much Reggae!!!!
BLESS UP!!!!

Yay Im a Bridge Builder!!

 

[Emmy]

Dear Spiritofprophesy. I have read dozens of messages, talking about Moderate Christians, Liberal Christian, Conservative Christians, Fundamentalist Christians, etc. Yet I cannot see any difference about Christians, except different traits, or qualities of the WAY they believe. What is most acceptable to God? All Christians are supposedly, followers of Christ. Why the enmity between Christians? Our Lord died for all Mankind, His Love is for all who love Him, and follow Him, where is the difference after that? Love is Love, and the Love God has for us, is AGAPE, pure and simple. The love we have for God should be all-embracing, and the love for each other should be the same, without any strings attached at all. I have tried to understand the main differences, yet I cannot find any worth to fall out about. A Christian should be in the image of Christ. I say this humbly and with love, Spiritofprophesy. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[tnjaguar]

Hi. I'm a newbie.

Conservatives generally won't have me because I'm a die-hard believer in Biblical equality, and liberals won't have me because I'm a creationist, so I'm not sure if that makes me moderate by default or something else.

I also like going to events at a synagogue and the local Orthodox church. I really need and value those differing POVs after growing up in an extremely strict church.

 

[NorrinRadd]

Hi. I'm a newbie.

Conservatives generally won't have me because I'm a die-hard believer in Biblical equality, and liberals won't have me because I'm a creationist, so I'm not sure if that makes me moderate by default or something else.

If you're a "Young-Earth" Creationist, you're similar to me.

If you're an "Old-Earth" Creationist, you're similar to Izdaari.

I also like going to events at a synagogue and the local Orthodox church. I really need and value those differing POVs after growing up in an extremely strict church.

Since my little town of 8000 has 2 or 3 OC churches, I really should get around to visiting one someday. For the most part, I'm stuck between Pentecostal and Charismatic, and prefer a contemporary, not-a-one-man-show worship format. However, I do also enjoy a more formal, liturgical service every so often.