I found out that I really don't fit the mold.
The website I found was one for Progressive Christians. Unfundamental Christians. "Love, Above All" was on the site - something I have believed for quite some time. The article on homosexuality was enlightening, for sure, so I did what all online surfers do, and I looked around a bit more. When doing research I always try to "consider the source". Originally, I was opposed to reading articles on far left or right websites or publications, but I have decided that it is important to see those viewpoints and instead read into who the author is and if they might have an agenda.
As I am browsing this site on progressive Christianity, I am beginning to feel a kinship with these progressives. The word "progressive" has adopted a bit of a bad taste, because I am definitely not a fan of "progressive" government policies, (as I find even their social welfare programs seriously flawed.). But I am liking what I read. A focus on Love -after all, God IS Love (1 John 4:8), and the behavior of Jesus suggests that it is more important to show love and compassion for all, even when it conflicts with other biblical law (Mark 3:1-6, Luke 14:5).
I have long believed that those things which I disagree with in my heart may (read that word again - MAY) be the Holy Spirit pointing me in another direction, regardless what another Christian may have told me.
While I am reading I stumble in to a "what we believe" page - Ah Hah! Here is the answer I am looking for! Let's see if we agree!
Right away I see theological issues, from their views on what the triune God is, to what it means to be Christian.
As I read more and more articles, I feel alienated, as though if I do not believe what they believe, with conviction, that I am stupid, archaic or ignorant. Often they despise the church. Often they speak of tolerance while spouting hate toward their far right brethren. Some believe that if "Jesus isn't right for you" then that is okay. Not sure where that is in the Bible - or in Christianity, for that matter. (Again, another topic for another blog)
And soon I see that we do not agree at all on many things. But the sad thing is that I find the same on the far conservative end of the spectrum. The identical ideas in opposition, all with the same clear cut hatred for the other side.
I don't have this hate. I don't agree, but I don't have this hate.
And so, while I certainly lean closer to the left side of center, I am most definitely NOT progressive by the definition they might put forth, even though a conservative evangelical might think so.
I sit here in this void between definition, wondering where I fit.
So I thought I should write down, stream of consciousness style, some of my current beliefs. If you don't agree, it doesn't mean you are archaic, stupid or wrong. This is just where I am on my faith journey, right now, based on my heart, my study, my life.
Here we go:
- I believe there is one God, and only one God.
- I believe God exists in the form of the Father/Creator, Son/Messiah, and Holy Spirit/Holy Motivation.
- I believe in God, the creator of all things, the essence of unconditional love.
- I believe that God was smart enough to put forth mechanisms to allow creation to adapt to itself, to change as needed, while putting rules for creation to prevent chaos.
- I believe God keeps all promises.
- I believe God feels the range of emotion, and often expresses it.
- I believe God expects us to have the personal responsibility to take care of creation, much of which was made for us.
- I believe God expects us to use what we know to care for others who need it. I believe the poor are our responsibility. I believe that God blesses some with much by giving them the talent to earn much, but that he expects those people to support, through free will and charity, those who are hungry and in poverty.
- I believe God gives us great ability, and expects us to use those abilities as best we can, even if those abilities are not church-related.
- I believe everything is spiritual, and all personal decisions should be made with that in mind.
- I believe God sent his son, Jesus, to earth as the messiah to save all people.
- I believe God forgives, and expects us to do the same.
- I believe God loves all people.
- I believe God does not stand in front of bad things, but expects us to react in goodness.
The tough stuff:
- I believe God loves gay people. I believe he expects us to do the same. I believe that the union between two people, monogamous and true and bound in love, is bound in God. I believe that for many, homosexuality is not a choice, and as such, is not to be abandoned or shunned.
- I believe that sexual immorality is the true wrong (rape, promiscuity without love, abuse,human trafficking, child molestation, etc), and is not bound to gender preference. I believe that to some, sexual immorality may include the opposite gender or the same, and that it is sexual immorality that the Bible condemns for the harm it does. The gender preference is not the problem.
- I believe that God is saddened by abortion that is used as a form of birth control because someone changed their mind. I believe that it may be necessary or the best option in certain situations, and I believe God knows that.
- I do not believe that God condemns people to hell for a literal eternity for any sin, as this would mean that God is not just.
- I believe that sin is what it means to "miss the target". It is often not conscious. I believe that sin is NOT about law, biblical or man made.
- I believe that Christianity is the most correct representation of God. I believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
- I believe that those not presented with the option of Christianity are not judged for not choosing to be Christian.
- I believe that God holds believers to a higher standard, and expects better behavior and adherence to his laws.
- I believe that the true way to happiness and "eternal life" is through living like Jesus, and making choices as such.
- I believe God created the scientific method, and is in no way afraid of it. The deeper we look and the more we discover, the more we should be in awe of God's creation.
- I believe that divorce in our society may be necessary, and I believe God knows that.
Other stuffs:
- I believe the church is a wonderful institution, offering great opportunity for support and aid for all of God's Children.
- I believe that fear is a poor motivator for good, and God hates it when people use hell as an extortion tool.
- I believe we have a duty to evangelize, through word or action, in a manner that is true to the love that God is.
- I believe that apathy and hate are the greatest sins.
And so, I believe that God loves me. I believe that God loves YOU. I don't believe that it is disrespectful to tell you that, whether you are Muslim, Mormon, atheist, or Buddhist.
So I guess that puts me right here. Not in someone else's camp. I welcome you to join me, stand beside me, while I journey along and meet others who believe like me, or those who believe differently.
Until next time
B
