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"Over the past several years, I have found myself in frequent conversations with conservative Christians, most frequently on this blog, about a number of different issues. These conversations often are focused on the practical implications of the Christian faith—how might one expect one’s Christian faith to work out in real time? For instance, what sorts of political and social positions might a serious Christian faith lead one to?
As you might imagine, these conversations have been interesting, to say the least. This site is frequently trolled by conservative Christians who make sure that I and my ilk know that we are going to hell for our heresies. More frequently, I find myself in far more interesting conversations with agnostics and atheists who are surprised to find that there is such an animal as a progressive, liberal Christian".
As you might imagine, these conversations have been interesting, to say the least. This site is frequently trolled by conservative Christians who make sure that I and my ilk know that we are going to hell for our heresies. More frequently, I find myself in far more interesting conversations with agnostics and atheists who are surprised to find that there is such an animal as a progressive, liberal Christian".
I am a Liberal Because I am a Christian
Posted from patheos.com
Religion
Liberal
Christianity
Conservative
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.
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Mr. Nagel,
I read, and occasionally respond to your posts because first-you bring up good topics, and second-I, like yourself, am looking for the "reality" of faith. I'm going to pull out all the stops this time, and no matter how many words it takes... walk this trail with you.
To begin, why do I believe in God, let alone Christ? I've committed almost every sin in the Bible (and a few that I'm not sure are expressly mentioned, but must be included on the list). I've studied the works of avowed atheists, worshiped alongside Muslims, Catholics, Protestants of every flavor, consider myself an ideological "Zionist"... to some extent...and have made friends with people whose beliefs range from Buddhist to "Neo Pagan". I've drank so much that I once had my own stool in a popular Norfolk bar... have frequented places with names that would curl a nun's habit, and said/done things that I hope never see the light of day. I went through no less than a dozen "relationships" before finding my wife... and I can't claim I lived or acted "Christian" in most any of them. I'm pretty sure I've seen evil face to face more than once...
...which is why Christ's message makes sense to me.
Each time I've sinned, its like FEELING the separation from what's good, holy and just. Each time I've repented, dusted myself off, and come back... I could equally FEEL the warmth of forgiveness, compassion, and renewal.
...that's why I oppose portraying evil as good.
Is greed holy? Of course not. What was it the Lord said? "If a man ask for your cloak, give him your shirt also"... or something like that. How about hate? "Love they neighbor as thyself" seems pretty clear to me. What does the Bible say about weapons? "They who live by the sword shall die by the sword"... or again, something along those lines, correct? Naturally, it's easy to fit a great deal of "liberal" ideology within the confines of Christian doctrine... and a bit challenging to squeeze some "conservative" concepts into the same.
The problem, as I see it, is context.
Who is more guilty of greed, the man who tries to hold on to what he has worked hard for... or the man who is willing to take it from him rather than work? Who is more guilty of hate, the person who believes homosexuality is a sin... or the homosexual who labels anyone who disagrees with their opinion as a "bigot"? Who lives by the sword, truly...The woman who shoots an intruder... or the man who preys on the weak because he has the strength to do so?
I'm not a "Conservative" because I don't feel compassion, or a moral responsibility to my fellow man, planet, and the resources within it. I'm genuinely angered by those who suggest that race or language are grounds for declaring someone "inferior". I view the "radical" with the same contempt... whether they wear a white hood, or a black mask.
However, I cannot support ideologies which, as best I can tell, seem only to offer retribution, resentment, and rebellion.
To my mind, people on ALL sides need to take a step back my friend. If we would try to understand that "to whom much is given, much is required"... we may also come to understand that, "straight is the way, and narrow is the gate".
I read, and occasionally respond to your posts because first-you bring up good topics, and second-I, like yourself, am looking for the "reality" of faith. I'm going to pull out all the stops this time, and no matter how many words it takes... walk this trail with you.
To begin, why do I believe in God, let alone Christ? I've committed almost every sin in the Bible (and a few that I'm not sure are expressly mentioned, but must be included on the list). I've studied the works of avowed atheists, worshiped alongside Muslims, Catholics, Protestants of every flavor, consider myself an ideological "Zionist"... to some extent...and have made friends with people whose beliefs range from Buddhist to "Neo Pagan". I've drank so much that I once had my own stool in a popular Norfolk bar... have frequented places with names that would curl a nun's habit, and said/done things that I hope never see the light of day. I went through no less than a dozen "relationships" before finding my wife... and I can't claim I lived or acted "Christian" in most any of them. I'm pretty sure I've seen evil face to face more than once...
...which is why Christ's message makes sense to me.
Each time I've sinned, its like FEELING the separation from what's good, holy and just. Each time I've repented, dusted myself off, and come back... I could equally FEEL the warmth of forgiveness, compassion, and renewal.
...that's why I oppose portraying evil as good.
Is greed holy? Of course not. What was it the Lord said? "If a man ask for your cloak, give him your shirt also"... or something like that. How about hate? "Love they neighbor as thyself" seems pretty clear to me. What does the Bible say about weapons? "They who live by the sword shall die by the sword"... or again, something along those lines, correct? Naturally, it's easy to fit a great deal of "liberal" ideology within the confines of Christian doctrine... and a bit challenging to squeeze some "conservative" concepts into the same.
The problem, as I see it, is context.
Who is more guilty of greed, the man who tries to hold on to what he has worked hard for... or the man who is willing to take it from him rather than work? Who is more guilty of hate, the person who believes homosexuality is a sin... or the homosexual who labels anyone who disagrees with their opinion as a "bigot"? Who lives by the sword, truly...The woman who shoots an intruder... or the man who preys on the weak because he has the strength to do so?
I'm not a "Conservative" because I don't feel compassion, or a moral responsibility to my fellow man, planet, and the resources within it. I'm genuinely angered by those who suggest that race or language are grounds for declaring someone "inferior". I view the "radical" with the same contempt... whether they wear a white hood, or a black mask.
However, I cannot support ideologies which, as best I can tell, seem only to offer retribution, resentment, and rebellion.
To my mind, people on ALL sides need to take a step back my friend. If we would try to understand that "to whom much is given, much is required"... we may also come to understand that, "straight is the way, and narrow is the gate".
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