Christianity Subforum Poll - Page 2

InLove · 06-13-2007, 04:28 PM

Yeah, this one is hard for me, too. With all my heart, I wish I believed that one Christianity board would work out best. But we’ve been there, done that. There are subjects that come up which I just don’t think can be ever be discussed without an element of what some might call “righteous wrath” on both sides. There are wonderful people here with diametrically opposing viewpoints—wait, make that “convictions”. So, while I do think we have made some recent progress coming together in some areas, I still think there are some that we are nowhere near being able to resolve without once again calling an unwanted kind of attention to ourselves rather than magnifying Jesus Christ.

The term “Liberal Christian” has actually grown on me and here’s why: If I was someone out there looking for a safe place to ask my questions without fear of offending someone regarding tradition, I might see that word “liberal” and think it a good starting place, especially if I had felt out-of-place around Christians before. I’m not sure that “alternative” holds forth the same connotation. I don’t know—it just sounds more complicated. And maybe a little redundant since we already have the alternative boards. Any thoughts on this?

I haven’t decided yet. I thought I’d go ahead and post what I’m struggling with and maybe get some feedback before I cast my vote.

InPeace,
InLove

Dondi · 06-13-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Yeah, this one is hard for me, too. With all my heart, I wish I believed that one Christianity board would work out best. But we’ve been there, done that. There are subjects that come up which I just don’t think can be ever be discussed without an element of what some might call “righteous wrath” on both sides. There are wonderful people here with diametrically opposing viewpoints—wait, make that “convictions”. So, while I do think we have made some recent progress coming together in some areas, I still think there are some that we are nowhere near being able to resolve without once again calling an unwanted kind of attention to ourselves rather than magnifying Jesus Christ.

But even Jesus was a separatist, and diametrically opposed some of the teachings of the religious leaders of his day. I don't think we will ever resolve our differences. Maybe we shouldn't try. After all, convictions come from within.

I, Brian · 06-13-2007, 04:38 PM

Personally I'd rather remove the Liberal Christianity board and simply move all of the threads into the Christianity board, and push on inclusivism rather than exclusivism as an approach for all faith boards.

I mean, if we have a Liberal Christianity board, when do we get a Catholic board? Then a JW board? Then a Protestant board? Then ... we no longer have a single place to discuss Christianity, but instead a single faith artificially divided into different sects and schisms which at present I don't think would be helpful for anybody.

The only reason I don't simply remove it at present is because I appreciate that some people, such as wil, have made the liberal board something of their safe place on CR, and I really don't want to start rocking the boat at a time when I'd much prefer everything to be relatively settled.

Sure, that means we'd probably end up seeing liberal and conservative viewpoints engaging actively in the same threads on a more regular basis, but I have seen this working before elsewhere, and think that all we need is the will to accept that Christianity itself is a very diverse sphere, and so discussions of Christianity will be necessarily diverse.

InLove · 06-13-2007, 04:51 PM

Okay, I have another question which I think will help me decide on how to vote. Does "Esoteric Christianity" describe Christianity that is not necessarily Abrahamic in origen? And if so, how inclusive is it of streams like Christian Druidry, Native American Spirituality, etc.? That may sound like a crazy question to some, but maybe someone can attempt a response?

lunamoth · 06-13-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InLove

Okay, I have another question which I think will help me decide on how to vote. Does "Esoteric Christianity" describe Christianity that is not necessarily Abrahamic in origen? And if so, how inclusive is it of streams like Christian Druidry, Native American Spirituality, etc.? That may sound like a crazy question to some, but maybe someone can attempt a response?

I don't know the answer to your question InLove. Thomas might be the best person to explain this one. If he does not notice this thread soon maybe I'll ask him by PM. Good question.

InLove · 06-13-2007, 05:03 PM

Thanks, luna. I don't want to take him away from his studies, but you are probably right. You the man, Thomas.

Stop by anytime.

Snoopy · 06-13-2007, 05:04 PM

I hope you're not going to be getting the lawyers in to decide this one!

s.

InLove · 06-13-2007, 05:05 PM

LOL--no. But I don't mind their input as long as it's free.

seattlegal · 06-13-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InLove

Okay, I have another question which I think will help me decide on how to vote. Does "Esoteric Christianity" describe Christianity that is not necessarily Abrahamic in origen? And if so, how inclusive is it of streams like Christian Druidry, Native American Spirituality, etc.? That may sound like a crazy question to some, but maybe someone can attempt a response?

IMHO, "Esoteric Christianity" would be a term that would apply to Wisdom traditions such as the Gnostics, Masons, Rosicrucians, and the like. They can be Abrahamic or non-Abrahamic in origin.

Snoopy · 06-13-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InLove

Does "Esoteric Christianity" describe Christianity that is not necessarily Abrahamic in origen?

just how many Christianity forums do you need??!!

There's another well known (Buddhist) web forum which has loads of active members on it. But for me, its got so many sub-forums on it, when I look at it I feel like a rabbit in front of car headlights...where would I start a thread?...where would I look for a thread on a particular topic?...where will so-and-so be posting?...

s.

InLove · 06-13-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

just how many Christianity forums do you need??!!

That Jesus just won't stay in the box, will He?

Dor · 06-13-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

That said, I voted for number five. I think the traditionalists have been clear in expressing their desire for a separate board, and ignoring their wishes will bring us around yet again to this point if they aren't happy or feel disenfranchised.

Might want to go back and check it was liberals that wanted a new board. One in particular that I recall.

Snoopy · 06-13-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InLove

That Jesus just won't stay in the box, will He?

strikes me as a bit of of a megalomaniac.

s.

Dor · 06-13-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattimax

You are not alone.
Jesus Christ does NOT belong in a sub forum.

No but he definately belongs in this forum no matter who all comes in here.

InLove · 06-13-2007, 05:55 PM

By the way, Seattlegal--thanks for your input. It's pro bono, right?