Mutually exclusive

[fille_de_livre]

For friends of mine who have a religious bent. I was scanning a journal that had a pull quote "...to the consternation of both evangelicals and liberals

Comments

[sleepykins]

The one place where I might use the terms as mutually exclusive is in the context of other world religions and the appropriateness/necessity to preach Christianity to them. My "liberal" Christian orientation leads me to believe that God is present in many manifestations, and it is not necessary for someone to accept Christ in order to be in relationship with God. My sense is that many "evangelical" Christians would be uncomfortable with that, to a greater or lesser extent depending on their other beliefs.

[fille_de_livre]

I do agree with that. In the sense of that that would be appropriate. I also find it difficult when we do try to apply political terms to religion. They don't really work quite right.

[sleepykins]

That's why I tend to describe myself as a "progressive" Christian rather than "liberal," although that term also has baggage of being a little judgemental of the "regressive" Christians. Who I do judge, of course, but feel conflicted about doing so.

[fille_de_livre]

Yeah, I have the same conflict. I am judgemental, but then i feel guilty, and that can keep me going around for a while.

[calenorn]

Hope you don't mind me surfing in like this.

I remember during the Reagan years the press tended to use the term 'fundamentalist' to describe conservative Christians. In recent years the word 'fundamentalist' seems to have become attached to violent Islamist groups, rendering it distasteful (though technically acurate) as a descriptor of Bible literalists.

Describing conservative Christians as 'evangelical' might be a substitute for 'fundamentalist.' But I believe it also reflects an increased conservatism among members of mainline Protestant groups.

It is sad that 'evangelical' and 'liberal' are seen as mutually exclusive.

[fille_de_livre]

I used to study rhetoric and I find it very interesting on how well conservatives get that controlling the language allows you to control the debate. Those of a more liberal persuasion never seem to get how important the language is.

[calenorn]

They are savvy that way, aren't they. Still, they don't always get their way. The term "homicide bomber" never caught on.

[staceyrb]

I have to admit to being very guilty of assuming Christians and especially self-identified evangelicals are conservative. I even know a fair number of very reasonable, progressive Christians (in both the religious and political senses). This bias is something I need to work on.