What is it that allows...?

[muffler dragon]

I have read the thread in this forum that gives a basic understanding or definition to the moniker, "Liberal Christian". However, it didn't address one major question I wanted to ask (among others, but bringing up only one):

Be it that Liberal Christians have a tendency to receive a great deal of persecution, what is it that allows the posters on this forum to not retaliate with the resistance of the same intensity?

I would not say that I agree with liberal theology as a whole, yet I don't agree with most Christian theologies as a whole any longer. Yet, I have found in my brief attendance on this forum that most everyone is very warm and welcoming. I have also seen a number of the posters in this forum conduct themselves in the same manner elsewhere. So, does it just come down to self-confidence, 'been-there-done-that', battled enough to make you sick, what different things have brought the majority of you to the point where you can retain such a peaceful atmosphere when others have not treated you with as much respect as you tend to give?

m.d.

[seebs]

Well, I guess... We're Christians first, liberals second, by and large. We don't have the focus on "right doctrine" and orthodoxy everyone else has, so all the time they spend arguing over spelling, we spend trying to hear the still small voice inside us and follow it.

[CaDan]

A few years ago, I heard Justice Albie Sachs speak at my law school. Justice Sachs, of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, was a white member of the African National Congress who was exiled from South Africa by the Apartheid regime for his work.

During his exile, South African security forces attempted to assassinate him with a car bomb. While he survived, he lost his right arm.

After hearing him speak about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the work of trying to put South Africa back together after Apartheid, all I could think was that if you still have both arms, you haven't been persecuted yet. And if Albie Sachs can forgive the man who planted the bomb in his car, I can handle the infinitely smaller slights in my life.

[Toney]

m.d.,

It appears that the members here for the most part have moved beyond "correct beliefs" and dutiful comformity. In other words, we are no longer foolish Corinthians. For my part, I tend to trust the Holy Spirit completely and see no need to ridicule the beliefs of those whom the Spirit of Truth is leading along another path to the same destination.

[Rev. Smith]

Part of Liberal Theology is the acceptance that there are, in fact, Questions. If you know that all things are neither settled by, or resolved by the reading of your own, favorite Bible translation then you take everything people have to say and measure it. Do I wish that more people could master their passions and discuss issues in a polite, respectful manner? Sure, but knowing that we are all hear to learn - even those who pretend there is nothing left to know - I listen (read), and speak (type), and try to do so always in a manner befiting one who loves and serves Him.

[McCravey]

Although I aways try to maintain my cool, I am reminded that even my Lord got quite upset at the religious fundamentalists of his day.

"But a kind word turneth away wrath."

What upsets me is when the theology, competition of intellects, and winning the argument becomes more important than the feelings of others.

[Duggie]

[Toney]m.d.,

It appears that the members here for the most part have moved beyond "correct beliefs" and dutiful comformity. In other words, we are no longer foolish Corinthians. For my part, I tend to trust the Holy Spirit completely and see no need to ridicule the beliefs of those whom the Spirit of Truth is leading along another path to the same destination.
For me, this sums it up perfectly.....

[Im_A]

I have read the thread in this forum that gives a basic understanding or definition to the moniker, "Liberal Christian". However, it didn't address one major question I wanted to ask (among others, but bringing up only one):

Be it that Liberal Christians have a tendency to receive a great deal of persecution, what is it that allows the posters on this forum to not retaliate with the resistance of the same intensity?

I would not say that I agree with liberal theology as a whole, yet I don't agree with most Christian theologies as a whole any longer. Yet, I have found in my brief attendance on this forum that most everyone is very warm and welcoming. I have also seen a number of the posters in this forum conduct themselves in the same manner elsewhere. So, does it just come down to self-confidence, 'been-there-done-that', battled enough to make you sick, what different things have brought the majority of you to the point where you can retain such a peaceful atmosphere when others have not treated you with as much respect as you tend to give?

m.d.
one thing i have noticed and been greatly blessed with the Liberal Forum is the respect for one's personal walk with God. philippians 2:12 is now my new favorite verse. a good verse for you to check out.

one thing i have to say in comparision with liberals and conservativess, is liberals seem more desintational and conseratives are more conclusionists as i put it. for myself, the only thing i can offer to anyone, Christian or not, is the love and grace that Christ showed on the cross. Christ said, "They will know you by your love." He never said they will know us by our theologies/doctrines. which i believe is something missed in some Christians today. again another liberal scripture to me comes to mind when Paul speaks about, "Do not burden your brother with your freedom."

for myself, i once used to be very conservative, (my name may not show it, but just talk to me more about my past.) i never questioned to much. my prayers were made in selfish desire for inmaterial things. now, not all my prayers were that way, but a lot of them. now i even see my prayers life changing. because i question so much now, my prayer life is more directed to other's need, than my own, and thus "healing" me in the meantime, kind of like an accident side bonus gift if you will.

with theology, the only thing i am for sure is, Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life and His death is the Ultimate Sacrifice. i have hoped all over the border within Christianity in the search of the true doctrine. it is hard for me to say i am a liberal though. like i said in the new introducing thread, i see myself more of a moderate/middle of the road. example: some liberals would see me as a conservative, and some conservatives would see me as a liberal, but out of the forums, i love these the best, because to me it seems to be more a communal search and respect for one another's individual walk with Christ, instead of saying that there is one set way for everyone, which seems pretty contradictory to me, just because how God made leaves that change colors all the time.

i still have anger in me towards the Christians who shove everything down my throat, as i am always wrong and they are right. but i try to remember what christ did when He was questioned during his trials before his death. he remained silent, and when he spoke to Pilate, he still had love, but truth in him, no matter what he went through. now i am not meaning to compare my past with the pain that Christ went through on the cross, but the mindset still is somethign that needs to be remembered when other who differ than you come and attack you. i'll admit, i have come a long way from my anger/hatred. still, sometimes, when i hear the same thing i have always heard from certain types of Christians, it just brings up that old anger inside of me. but now, i can honestly say, i deal with it better. really learning what agreeing to disagree means.

so that's a little of my side of the liberal thing. hopefully it stayed with your post :)