What is considered as " Moderate Christians?"

[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the name Jesus: :hug:

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.:wave:
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[Izdaari]

Well, I hope we are passionate. God's love for us is not moderate, nor should our love for Him be. But I also hope we are reasonable, and neither too prickly nor too gooey. ^_^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXi_ldNRNtM&eurl=http://patriotsplaypen.blogspot.com/2007/10/alan-watts-prickles-and-goo.html

[WannaWitness]

I joined because, although I feel I'm conservative in my Christian walk (I am also a member of CC), I tend to be indifferent when it comes to politics, and any views I have in that area tend to be fairly neutral overall.

Moderate, in the case of this section of the forum, is not to be confused with "lukewarmness", but rather (as someone else had pointed out) "behaving with moderation", in other words, pretty much trying to keep our cool in sticky or controversial (highly debated) issues.

[SwirlingEd]

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.
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Welcome!

Well, I must challenge your idea that everyone sees themselves as moderate. Spend a little time in the Conservative Christian forum, and you'll meet many people who would be insulted to be lableled moderate. In my view, moderate on this forum is not meant to imply dispassionate or lukewarm. It goes more to tolerance of others' views and ideas.

[ladyt28]

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.

[WannaWitness]

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.

The same here. When I think of "legalism", I think of rules such as no pants for women, no music in contemporary or jazzy styles, and no Bible versions except for the King James, no TV or games, and sometimes even such extreme things as no wearing colorful clothing nor joking around. These things are fine if they are personal convictions, but not when they start thinking that everyone who doesn't think their way are either "less spiritual" or "unsaved". Then that's when the actual "legalism" sets in.

[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the Name of Jesus::hug:

I would first like to thank, and express my appreciation for those who attempted to answer my question. And did answer from their perspective.

But it would seem, that there is no monolithic concept, as to a Moderate Christian. As My original point was, that any one can see themselves as Moderate in one thing or way or another. But the Important word was Christian. And I wondered if there was a Group meaning for moderate with Christian of Moderate Christian.

Swirlinged: wants to relate Conservative Christians meaning concept, to relate the term, moderate. Which is one reason I mentioned " liberal".

The belief of an Open, peaceful forum, accepting all who seek God and his words: seems like some thing, that would be desired by the spirit, for Gods people and also Lost sheep and the chaff.

Now I was a Member of Conservative Christians; but they labeled my conservatism on Gods words too constrictive. And My teaching against Precepts of men, and doctrines and creeds not written in the word they didn't like me questioning their loved precepts of men. And accepting the rules, requiring faith in creeds and precepts of men. forced me out.

And of course the same thing happened in Non denominational forum, where I objected to the denominational precepts of men, above the word rules. which went down to a 60 to 40% vote.

I was impressed with Ladyt28, and here Inclusive opposed to exclusive concepts and beliefs; which is more like Jewish form of church.

Wannawitness discernment of the Less spiritual, and unsaved concepts of Denomination, to me points to the greatest evil of the Church, which is its divisions.

Before Moderate Christians hear my spiritually interpreted Scripture only beliefs, be not offended for I love you, even though I call some unfounded non scriptural precepts as Pagan. I always seek to honor and respect the Individual.

I accept the mantle of Pagan origins, and " Wild Grapes" and " Grafted On" status, which all Christians are so termed and related to God. Having not Jewish pure vine roots.

I also like the word. " Tolerant Christian".

But I know not what the rules for membership are, which I looked for and couldn't find. I would suggest the only one that counts, is:

Belief that Jesus is divine and savior. or Lord and God.

something like that is enough for me.

I pray my words do not offend, God bless all Christians in forum, and all those who use it.:wave:
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[Izdaari]

Greetings in the Name of Jesus::hug:

I would first like to thank, and express my appreciation for those who attempted to answer my question. And did answer from their perspective.

But it would seem, that there is no monolithic concept, as to a Moderate Christian. As My original point was, that any one can see themselves as Moderate in one thing or way or another. But the Important word was Christian. And I wondered if there was a Group meaning for moderate with Christian of Moderate Christian.

Swirlinged: wants to relate Conservative Christians meaning concept, to relate the term, moderate. Which is one reason I mentioned " liberal".

The belief of an Open, peaceful forum, accepting all who seek God and his words: seems like some thing, that would be desired by the spirit, for Gods people and also Lost sheep and the chaff.

Now I was a Member of Conservative Christians; but they labeled my conservatism on Gods words too constrictive. And My teaching against Precepts of men, and doctrines and creeds not written in the word they didn't like me questioning their loved precepts of men. And accepting the rules, requiring faith in creeds and precepts of men. forced me out.

And of course the same thing happened in Non denominational forum, where I objected to the denominational precepts of men, above the word rules. which went down to a 60 to 40% vote.

I was impressed with Ladyt28, and here Inclusive opposed to exclusive concepts and beliefs; which is more like Jewish form of church.

Wannawitness discernment of the Less spiritual, and unsaved concepts of Denomination, to me points to the greatest evil of the Church, which is its divisions.

Before Moderate Christians hear my spiritually interpreted Scripture only beliefs, be not offended for I love you, even though I call some unfounded non scriptural precepts as Pagan. I always seek to honor and respect the Individual.

I accept the mantle of Pagan origins, and " Wild Grapes" and " Grafted On" status, which all Christians are so termed and related to God. Having not Jewish pure vine roots.

I also like the word. " Tolerant Christian".

But I know not what the rules for membership are, which I looked for and couldn't find. I would suggest the only one that counts, is:

Belief that Jesus is divine and savior. or Lord and God.

something like that is enough for me.

I pray my words do not offend, God bless all Christians in forum, and all those who use it.:wave:
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You won't find a definition of Moderate Christian because there isn't one. Not only that, but most of us here don't even define ourselves as being "Moderate Christians" but only as reasonable, easy to get along with Christians... and the majority of us, judging by the early threads about coming up with a definition, consider ourselves to be more or less theologically conservative, but inclusive.

Along with tolerance and inclusiveness, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and God would indeed seem to be what MC is all about. It just might be you've found your home. :hug:

[karen freeinchristman]

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 statement.

:)

[Mamajulie79]

I agree with this statement.

:)
That is how I feel too :)

[staveoffzombies]

I thin Conservatives go too far in one direction, and Liberals go to far in the other direction. Both sides get equally loud, but they seem so one sided and "black and white" on every issue..it drives me crazy.

So I'm moderate, I usually find that truth lies in the middle of two extremes. The problem is, moderates tend to be the quite ones, and it's the crazies on the two extremes that do all the vocalizing.

[Anglian]

On the Conservative Christian board I seems to come across as liberal; on the liberal board as Conservative. Does that make me a 'moderate'?

Peace,

Anglian

[Izdaari]

On the Conservative Christian board I seems to come across as liberal; on the liberal board as Conservative. Does that make me a 'moderate'?

Peace,

Anglian
I would say you exemplify the spirit of "moderate" Christianity, at least as we intend it in this forum, the real name of which is Bridge Builders.

[Anglian]

I would say you exemplify the spirit of "moderate" Christianity, at least as we intend it in this forum, the real name of which is Bridge Builders.
Dear Izdaari,

Thank you. The same is true of your contributions. He said that we will be known as His children by our love each for the other; as we bear that in mind we are ardent in our prayer for unity. Not at any price, but in His name.

I recognise that those who take another view are also motivated by their love for those of us they think are going wrong. But in building bridges of dialogue we can begin to understand each other. You have helped me greatly, as has our brother Albion. I feel that I understand much better than I did the bases of your Faith and his; and I recognise in that my own Faith. We may have different traditions, but we have the One Lord Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Anglian

[Mick116]

Perhaps "moderate Christianity" is akin to "mere Christianity", in the spirit of C.S. Lewis.

[BabyLutheran]

I view being moderate as understanding that the liberals and conservatives both have valid points of view, but despising how overzealous they are about their particular view.

[SwirlingEd]

I view being moderate as understanding that the liberals and conservatives both have valid points of view, but despising how overzealous they are about their particular view.
Great explanation.

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

The same here. When I think of "legalism", I think of rules such as no pants for women, no music in contemporary or jazzy styles, and no Bible versions except for the King James, no TV or games, and sometimes even such extreme things as no wearing colorful clothing nor joking around. These things are fine if they are personal convictions, but not when they start thinking that everyone who doesn't think their way are either "less spiritual" or "unsaved". Then that's when the actual "legalism" sets in.

BARF. :sick: :sick: :sick:

Legalism SUCKS.

So does toxic soteriology subtly based on it PRETENDING to be about "obedience" and "holiness" when they haven't a CLUE that no human being can obey God by merely "choosing" to do so or else we would not have needed a Saviour.

Keep those lies away from Moriah!!!! :eek:

[The Bubba]

There is an old saying which I think goes here. Live and let live. Yes we believe in God and that he's our saviour. But as far as the rules of everyday life, I let everyone choose their own path. As long as we call on God and say hey, I need some help here. Why should it matter what religon or denomination we are.

[jynx]

Oooh oooh! I've found a home at last.

Generally speaking I have conservative morals, but I don't jive with the leaglisim group, the gotta look a certain way group, or the you can only scialize with your own kind group. I am not waaay out there with the liberals... but.... I do not condem others for being different. Jesus simply did His Fathers work, He wasn't drug into the arguments of the pharosees ( I can't spell worth a hoot). I am by no means luke warm but I feel I show Christs love best by the way I love,live and behave rather than the arguements over theology and doctrine. After all, isn't that what Jesus did?

ummm....

Yaaaay! I've found a home?

[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]

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

[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 :wave:

[Izdaari]

Welcome! :wave:

:hug:

[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]

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

[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]

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: :hug:

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.:wave:
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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’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

[Izdaari]

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! :hug: :clap:

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! :hug: :clap:

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!! :sohappy: