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.

[sleepykins]

I guess that's the difference between "progressive" and "fundamentalist" Christians - we're all judgmental, but the progressives feel guilty about it :)

[fille_de_livre]

Yeah, good point. I wonder if that guilt keeps ups a few steps behind

[sleepykins]

Probably - I always wonder what it's like to be able to do stuff like evangelize during the dalai lama's visit w/o a second thought

[fille_de_livre]

that has been a huge issue here at work

[divalibby76]

I guess that's the difference between "progressive" and "fundamentalist" Christians - we're all judgmental, but the progressives feel guilty about it

OHOHOH!!!! fantastic! can I quote you?

[sleepykins]

sure!