Group proposal: Liberal Christian Strategy Forum and Support

[cally]

The purpose of this group is to discuss politics from a liberal Christian perspective. This group will discuss how to counter the RW fundamentalists and their attack on mainstream Christianity. We will discuss why we are liberal and Christians. We will also offer support to each other.

This is an offshoot of a few other posts on this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2295299&mesg_id=2295469

Please post your edits to the mission statement. I'm offering this as a first draft.

[Obviousman]

1. Count me in

It's about time to offer a Christian counterweight to Jerry Falwell.

[bobbieinok]

2. support, but no writing at this time

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Yes, it would be good to have a forum that isn't full of

atheist vs. theist threads, as the Religion and Theology Forum is. Perhaps it should be a group rather than a forum.

[BeTheChange]

4. Whew...

Wouldnt that be something.. on DU of all places :)

[supernova]

5. I'd be in it

:hi:

I agree with Lydia about the group thing. I think we should expend some energy conteracting the RRW spin on things.

[hickman1937]

6. counter, schmounter,

I say we establish a return to christian faith centered around Jesus. I'm tired of trying to re-define myself around their rules. I'd rather pray for their eventual redemption, and go on with my journey.

I promise, if you let me participate, I'm not nearly as cranky as I just sounded.

[Kat45]

7. It sounds good to me.

I belong to the UCC church; we're the ones running those ads that networks refused to air because they were "too controversial." Apparently, welcoming all people is controversial these days.

[RevCheesehead]

8. I'm in!

I like the mission statement. Maybe begin with:

"The Liberal Christians group is for all Christians and Christian-friendly persons who would like to have an open discussion about our faith and its role in the world around us. Group members agree to an open forum, and will not engage in proselytizing or denigrating other religions or non-believers."

or something like that.

[hickman1937]

9. So, how does this work?

I'm pretty new here.

[RevCheesehead]

11. We go to ATA and ask Skinner for a new group.

Need to have a mission statement and support of at least 10 people, I believe, for approval.

The reason I included the above was to be clear that we were not going to "bash the opposition." The Admins. tend to look down on that behavior, anyways, but some topics are more prone to bashing than others.

[cally]

12. If we get ten, I'm going to propose a combination of

Revcheesehead's mission statement and mine. If anyone has modifications or concerns, please post them.

[RevCheesehead]

14. By my count, I think we have ten.

Go ahead and draft a revision and post it here.

When we're done with that, then be sure to include a link to this thread in your proposal to Skinner (or Elad - I'm not sure Skinner's back yet).

Way to go, Cally!

[InvisibleBallots]

15. RevCheesehead, you are a minister?

Are you good looking and charismatic? FormerRushFan and I are interviewing replacements for Jesse Jackson - you think you could handle it? :)

[RevCheesehead]

17. Good looking? Heavens, no.

Middle-aged fat white woman here.

Of course, God thinks I'm beautiful. And once people get to know me, they tell me I'm beautiful.

I would not be a good replacement for Jesse - I don't rhyme well.

But I do preach extempore, and am absolutely committed to my faith. My politics come from my faith. That's why I'm a Dem.

But thanks for the smile! :)

[InvisibleBallots]

39. hmm, well work on the rhyming, and it could work

You think you could handle TV appearances? :)

[CBHagman]

10. I like it.

I'd be game to participate.

[SOteric]

13. I'm onboard.

[Wapsie B]

16. Sounds good to me.

If it were only as easy to mobilize Christians on the Left as the idolaters on the right. We need to take the very definition of Christianity back from the righties.

[RevCheesehead]

19. Psst... the secret is....

that Jesus is big enough for all of us!

Jesus is not a posession to have (that's a fundie thought), but rather, a life to be led.

I'm wondering if the name "Christian" is corrupted beyond repair. Perhaps not. God can take shit, and make it an apple pie. But just in case, maybe we can call ourselves "Jesusian" - or even "Left-Behind Christians!"

[hickman1937]

21. How about

Left with Jesus christians. Get it!(poke poke) As in after the fundies get raptured. ;-)

[RevCheesehead]

24. I LOVE IT! The "LWJ Christians", it is!

[Wapsie B]

29. I understand there's plenty of Jesus for all of us.

What gets me is the idea that conservative fundamentalists are implying that they speak for the entire Christian world.
Btw, I wish I were in your congregation. Too bad I've not met any Lutheran ministers with your views.

[Left Is Write]

18. I'd be up for this.

[liberalhistorian]

20. Definitely count me in!

I've had to leave my church of ten years because it's turned into a RW fundie haven, and am now looking for a new church. I've been a devout liberal Christian for many years, and am totally disgusted and dismayed over how the fundies have hijacked Christianity and twisted and distorted it beyond recognition. It truly frightens me. We need to stand up against this.

And people need to know that not all Christians are like the fundies. Think what good they could do for people if they put as much energy into helping the sick, poor, elderly, hungry, homeless, children, the uninsured who need care, etc., etc., as they do into bashing/harassing gays, "modern" women, wringing their hands over stupid shit like sex or bad words on TV/movies, sticking their noses into people's private lives, and trying to establish a theocracy.

[Frogtutor]

22. I'm interested, too n/t

[StoryTeller]

23. Please include me also. n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

25. Dupe--ignore

[pres2032]

26. count me in too!

i've been seriously considering a Christian Democrat party here in America.

This is a great idea!

[fishingriver]

27. When do we start?

I think "Left With Jesus" is perfect.

[DemBones DemBones]

28. Sounds like a good idea, I'll sign on. nt

[goodbody]

30. me too

I'm interested

[checks-n-balances]

31. I'd like to be considered a card-carryin' charter member also

Thanks for the idea! I would also like to propose that occasionally we consider this more as an educational venture, too - for us to learn things and to point others - DUers - to positive resources out there that help to clarify misconceptions about Christianity, etc. Many people have already cited articles from Sojourners, etc. and we can help make sure that stuff like that continues...

I've been fortunate in my life to do full-time theological study with some excellent professors who welcome questioning and working through contemporary faith issues (bio-medical ethics, etc.) and will be happy to share some of the things I've learned about, when it's appropriate to do so. And I don't think those things will be boring because I've learned a lot from some interesting people!

Example: One contemporary theologian - a prof I had once - who spoke on the topic of "Narcissistic Religion" or "Religious Narcissism" (I forget which) - the somewhat American idea that the Christian faith is all about ME, what Jesus can do for ME, what I have to do to be saved (like God had nothing to do with reconciliation) - like God is a great gumball machine in the sky, waiting to dispense goodies for those who are good enough...etc.

This is one of mainline Christianity's most well-kept secrets - that there are lots of people who have ALREADY been educating and enlightening people about things like this, and perhaps we'd be in better shape today if they hadn't been kept so secret. Falwell and Robertson are NOT the only Christian "leaders" in the world today; they just get the most press attention.

One question - I know we aren't literally preaching - but how do we make sure that we aren't just "preaching to the choir?" amongst ourselves? Can we be a support group and still serve as decent examples of what Christianity is supposed to be about (without tooting any horns)? Kind of like being part of a group that is fully engaged with things at DU like everyone else - contributes to the health & well-being of the world - and still be part of a group that pretty well understands our own orientation / point of view? Hope that makes sense...

Sorry for rambling - there's just so much eye-opening stuff to think and talk about but so little time!

Please keep me posted and thanks again!!

[RevCheesehead]

32. Excellent!

I think the idea of a "group" is to provide a safe haven for discussion and support, apart from the anti-Christian crowd. But we sure could "strategerize" on how to express our beliefs in positive, non-threatening ways across the board.

I've got this thread bookmarked, and either Cally or I will be approaching Skinner with our proposal.

Looking forward to some good theological discussions with you, checks!

[DemExpat]

33. About time something like this was available here. Great idea.

:thumbsup:

DemEx

[tanyev]

34. I'm interested, too.

[KittyWampus]

35. Sterling Idea!

I'd like to join.

[greyfox]

36. Count me in please

since we say no bashing...

[Beer Snob-50]

37. great idea. i'm in,

[KittyWampus]

38. There's One Thing Though. Can We Also Discuss Progressive Judaism?

In my mind, I've thought of such a group as more of a Religious or Spirutal Left... that incorporates Christians, Jews and Muslims... all taking their faiths back from the extremists.

[RevCheesehead]

42. That's why I suggested "Christians and Christian-friendly.."

I would have no problem with other faiths entering the discussion. Personally, I believe the three monotheistic religions all stem from the same belief in the same God.

My only concern is that people may engage in flame-baiting; therefore, Christianity would be the starting point.

But if others disagree, I'm open to the possibility.

[checks-n-balances]

46. I LIKE the idea from cryingshame, and I appreciate your response

I probably wouldn't be very good at discussing other progressive religions, but I'm all ears to learn more about it.

IMHO, I feel that I have more in common with self-professed non-believing / agnostic / atheist DUers than I do with many (non-DU) conservative and/or Republican Christians; and I would probably feel even more commonality here with sisters & brothers of progressive Judaism. Also, it has also been my (limited) experience that Jewish folk in America are often better acquainted with basic Christian beliefs than Christians are with Jewish life and practices.

Anyway, additional input from, about, or for Progressive Judaism sounds very helpful!

Edited twice to clarify a confusing sentence

[Done]

40. I'm in.

It would be great to have a group to discuss liberal theology without the fear of being flamed.

[UrbScotty]

41. I'm in!

Blessed Are the Peacemakers.

[RevCheesehead]

43. Just a reminder to y'all:

The DU Groups are restricted; that is, if you want to post, you need to have a donor star. But you may lurk for free.

But, really, you know deep in your heart that you've wanted to make a donation to DU for all it's provided, right? And I think you can donate any amount (I started at $50, but I think they'll be glad to take whatever they get).

Your star status lasts for one full year. Just think of how much you'd personally gain from participating in our new group (that is, presuming we are approved). So go ahead and donate! :)

(did I do good, Administrators? :) )

[GreenPartyVoter]

44. Sounds good :^) But I am open to including

progressives of other faith traditions as well.

------------------------------------
Would Jesus love a liberal? You bet!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/

[hickman1937]

45. Fishing

:kick:

[RevCheesehead]

47. OK, Here's the Mission Statement proposal:

Please PM me if you have any suggestions or changes. I will post a request to the Administrators tomorrow.
*******************************************************************

Christian Liberals and Progressive People of Faith

"The Liberal Christians group is for all Christians and Christian-friendly persons who would like to have an open discussion about our faith and its role in the world around us. Our group will provide a safe haven for discussion and support, and find ways to express our beliefs in positive, non-threatening ways across the board.
Group members agree to an open forum, welcoming all progressive faiths and other open-minded people. By participating, we agree that we will not engage in proselytizing or denigrating other religions or non-believers."

The purpose of this group is to discuss politics from a liberal Christian perspective. Discussions may include, but not be limited to: how to counter the RW fundamentalists and their attack on mainstream Christianity, and how our faith forms our understanding of progressive politics.

Thread with support for this group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2295667

Original post, from where the idea came:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=214x4014