Why do you consider yourself a 'liberal' Christian?

[fragmentsofdreams]

"God must have given us an infallible source of doctrine."

I am liberal because I don't make this assumption.

 

[Bulldog]

It seems as though it is tough to define exactly what a "liberal christian" is.

I suppose I am liberal in the sense that I am far from a Biblical literalist. (non-literal Gen. 1-3, flood etc.) It has become clear to me that maby times Biblical authors our expressing Biblical symbology or theological truths instead of a literal undersanding of the words they say.

 

[redheadmt]

I consider myself a liberal Christian because I am NOT anti-homosexual, I am a Democrat, pro-choice, I don't make sweeping statements about any particular groups of people, and I am against the belief that some people aren't worthy of the love of Christ. I also would NEVER presume to know if another person is going to hell or not. I also accept that other people who are not the same faith as me are also good people.

Jesus didn't turn people away like some "good Christians" that I know. By the way, that phrase makes me gag.

 

[elanor]

I am not liberal in the sense of having "unorthodox" views about God. I think the Nicene Creed expresses my understanding of God pretty well. I think there are two things that make me fit under the liberal Christian mantle.

First is my approach to scripture. To describe the Bible as "inerrant" or insist on a literal interpretation seems too simplistic to me. I think a better approach is to find out what the scripture says, what is the context, how would the words have been understood by the original hearers (because that gives me insight into what the speaker would have intended), how does it fit within the culture of the time, and how does it fit within an overall understanding of how God has revealed Himself to us.

Second is the call that I feel on my life. I spent many years in churches where we were taught that our mission was evangelism and discipleship. I wholeheartedly agree that both of those are essential to the mission of the church. But when Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He said to make disciples and teach them to "observe all that I have commanded you." And I remember that part of His command to love my neighbor as myself. And, as best as I can understand it, that includes the poor, the hungry, the prisoner, the sick, the oppressed, and those who are excluded and disenfranchised (as the Samaritans and women were in Jesus' time). To me, loving my neighbor as myself doesn't just mean witnessing to them. It also means helping them if they are in need. And sometimes, it forces me to work for justice where justice has been denied. Some people deride that as a social gospel. But I KNOW God has woven that passion into me. For me to be involved in justice issues IS part of my obedience to God. I've always understood evangelism, discipleship, and works of compassion and justice to be woven together into a fuller description of the work of the church. But I've learned that not everyone thinks that, and some think issues of compassion and justice are merely political. I don't. For me, these are an integral part of how I obey Jesus. But this lands me in the liberal camp, and I'm just fine with that because here I find kindred hearts.

 

[Treasure the Questions]

People here may find this defintion of a Liberal Christian interesting http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/2961/liberal.htm

How many of you agree with this definition? Perhaps you can't go along with all of it or would like to add something? I'm sure it would be interesting to hear what you have to say.

You might enjoy the rest of the site, too.

Karin

 

[Toney]

Thank you, Karin. I agree with the statements of definition 100%. I also think the author's placement of 1 Cor 13:11 on "childish things" is poignant.

The observation on panentheism is particularly relevant. I am a panentheist, but not a pantheist. Panentheists believe in both the immanence and the transcendence of God. If we ever allowed the Trinity to teach us anything about God (through contemplation), it would certainly teach us this. God is, by definition, totally transcendent and unknowable. Given attributes, either by societies or by Church Councils, He becomes to us immanent and knowable.

Fortunately on this forum we will infrequently encounter the more childish, stunted notions of our faith.

Thank you again for posting the link!

 

[nyj]

I consider myself a liberal Christian because... I am a Democrat...

Does politics have to play into religion?

Didn't Jesus say "Give unto Ceasar what is Caesar's, give unto God what is God's." ?

 

[chalice_thunder]

People here may find this defintion of a Liberal Christian interesting http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/2961/liberal.htm

How many of you agree with this definition? Perhaps you can't go along with all of it or would like to add something? I'm sure it would be interesting to hear what you have to say.

You might enjoy the rest of the site, too.

Karin

Hey Karin,
First off - thanks so much for the excellent link; here come the reps!

Secondly, I think it describes much of the way I feel, but I have been unable to put such eloquent wording to it.

I think I will enjoy spending some time at the site.

By the way - I LOVE your screen name!
Joy to you,
Dent

 

[Polycarp1]

Does politics have to play into religion?

Didn't Jesus say "Give unto Ceasar what is Caesar's, give unto God what is God's." ?

Greetings, nyj! An excellent point, and the comment you made, more or less in response to me, up in the Official Forums some time ago, regarding the duty of all Christians towards their fellow man, would be wonderful to repeat here. I got convicted by it, and I know at least one fundamentalist did too.

That said, I'd offer this viewpoint. As a glittering generality, religious Liberals tend to be very concerned on issues of social justice and our responsibility towards the poor, the underprivileged, and the outcasts of society. (That is in no way intended to put down good Christians of moderate or conservative bent who are equally concerned, just to state a generalization regarding Liberals.) They are in general less concerned about the social enforcement of moral behavior, though they may themselves feel that individual personal morality is to be held to a high standard.

If you will note the "moral values" of the two major American parties dispassionately, you will note that the Republicans' values tend to be focused on that "social enforcement" mechanism, while the Democrats' values tend to match the concerns expressed in the first long sentence of the previous paragraph. So there is a reasonably strong correlation between religious liberalism and support for the Democratic Party -- but, I hasten to add, not an equating of them. And your own Catholicism-based standards, as I've seen them expressed in OBOB, N&CE, and a few other spots, don't closely match those of either party IMO, though the Republicans come closer.

 

[elanor]

Does politics have to play into religion?

Didn't Jesus say "Give unto Ceasar what is Caesar's, give unto God what is God's." ?

It's a good question, nyj. I know people do have different thoughts about being a liberal Christian. I know for me, one aspect--one extremely important aspect--is the lens through which I view the world. I mentioned above that I feel a strong call to issues of compassion and justice. Some people call it a social gospel, and seem to think it is somehow a weak substitute for evangelism. For me, the two go hand in hand. If my brother is hungry, it feels hollow to me to speak to him of God's love and forgiveness if I do not do what Jesus has called me to do and share my bread, too.

It works out on a bigger scale, too. I've been in a discussion over in International Politics about the US embargo against Cuba. Our denomination, the United Methodist Church, is growing in Cuba. The people are spiritually hungry, and there is freedom enough there to witness, to teach, and to worship. But the people are struggling because food is rationed and there aren't enough supplies available for those who don't have US dollars to spend. I have come to believe, and my denomination has taken a stance, that the US embargo contributes to the suffering of the Cuban people. So for me, the same principle that applies on an individual level applies here--my brother is hungry and I must do what I can to help end that: I feel compelled to work for an end to that embargo. I'm not there to directly share my bread, but I MUST do what I can where I am. Some call that political. To me, it's my faith in and love for God in action.

The fact that many (not all) of us who are liberal Christians are also more liberal politically is, I think, because the political left tends to align itself with the stance on issues that best fit the goals we seek. It's certainly not a perfect match. And we are Christians first and foremost. But we are often political creatures because we feel compelled to try to change the systems that create injustice and suffering.

I do not speak for all liberal Christians, and that is just one aspect of what it is to be an LC. For me, though, it's one of the most important. Hope that makes some sense.

 

[mrshoward]

Okay, I'm new here. I am a fundamentalist when it comes to Scripture and most things regarding my faith, but I'm a knee-jerk liberal when it comes to social isses. I don't fit in anywhere!

 

[seebs]

Okay, I'm new here. I am a fundamentalist when it comes to Scripture and most things regarding my faith, but I'm a knee-jerk liberal when it comes to social isses. I don't fit in anywhere!

You do now.

 

[Risen Tree]

You do now.

aww...

 

[nyj]

Greetings, nyj! An excellent point, and the comment you made, more or less in response to me, up in the Official Forums some time ago, regarding the duty of all Christians towards their fellow man, would be wonderful to repeat here. I got convicted by it, and I know at least one fundamentalist did too.

I'm honored that something I said convicted someone... anyone! For the life of me however, I can't find what I said.

 

[BigToe]

Um because I am told by others on this site that I am. I didn't know that such a thing existed before, but I wear the title with honor. Welcoming people and loving them regardless is something Christ taught and I wish to emulate.

 

[Im_A]

i think i would be lumped into the category of liberal christian because i question things. social issues, i am both liberal and conservative, political party that i support is neither, middle of the road person. if there is a good democrat, i'll vote for that person, a good republican, i'll vote for that person. i tend to like government policies of the democrat party over republican. but within the faith, i believe i would lumped into the liberal category because i question things of the established church. sometimes i feel like one of the old catholic saints, who is torn between my conscience, and the established church of the time, and please do not take that as me being prideful, which is why i respect Martin Luther out of all the reformers, he went with his conscience(i am not luthern).

interesting quote i heard in one of the forums on here(meaning CF). fundies quote the epistles, and liberals quote the gospel, interesting eh?

one thing i think to that classifyes certain Christians liberal because some Christians see the historical aspects of the Word of God, and with knowing that, can see why some things were said that may not have been meant for today. i mean there are a bunch of things of course that go for today, but history shows a lot of reasons why things were changed and so on so forth. maybe a liberal Christians is also noticed because maybe they look different than most Christians. maybe they listen to non-Christian music as long as Christian music because they love all kinds of music and expression. who knows, but i know for my case, i believe it is because i question things, for only one purpose, to know the God we serve more and more.

 

[elanor]

Welcome, tattedsaint!

 

[MoodyBlue]

I am a "liberal" Christian because I am accepting of all people, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or whatever label anyone cares to pin on our fellow humans. There is room at God's table for everyone. I believe the Bible means different things to different people, and that's just fine. Some choose a literal reading, I don't. Nothing disappoints me more than the intolerance demonstrated at times by fellow Christians. The older I get, the more sure I am that nobody has a monopoly on the truth. "All you need is love" - indeed! Peace to all!

 

[Toney]

MoodyBlue,

Welcome to LC. You should join the revolution of the Ones.

God bless you.

 

[Reader Nilus]

I consider myself liberal in the sense that I believe that as a Christian we must use our voice to speak for those who are powerless in our society. We must be one with the poor and oppressed, and not sit ourselves with those in power no matter what their creed is. We are aliens and strangers, just as the poor and oppressed are.
Jeff the Finn