There aren't many news outlets with religious writers these days, so I'm grateful that the National Post has Charles Lewis on staff to shed light on the religious life and experiences of Canadians. I appreciate particularly that Charles seems intrigued by The United Church of Canada.
Intrigued but also seemingly puzzled by a church that refuses to enforce a single “orthodox” point of view. In his eyes, I suspect, we appear to be going out of our way to raise questions that ought not to be raised, or provoke arguments that should be nipped in the bud.
I would not like to see the pain that besh went through in "when is a david not a person" be totally for nothing. (and I believe that he did indeed feel pain and frustration, even if it was of his own making)
So, I'd like to resurrect the following from that exchange and invite anyone to share their ideas:
Besh asked: How will you get into heaven? What's the point of your religion at all?
and I replied (I've reorganized a bit, if anyone happens to go back to the original)
This isn't terribly "new" of course, but for me, it pretty much sums up the crux of the debate that generally divides the so-called traditional and emerging paradigms of Christianity.
Rather than interpret our relationship with God through Scripture, Jesus shows repeatedly that we have to interpret Scripture through our relationship with God. And that we must see that relationship as extending to all.
In 2012 all United Church congregations will be able to vote on an important doctrinal remit. This is interesting for a whole bunch of reasons. It is the first use of the ter "subordinate standard" in our polity in many years. It clearly places the various statements of faith in context of each other, the Basis of Union and, most importantly, scripture.
[quote]
In August 2009, meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia, the 40th General Council adopted the following proposal:
LAst winter the group that was working through Revelation kept asking me a question, "What does the United Church believe about...?
WE have some people who whave expressed an interest in confirmation classes.
And so I have come to a conclusion that combines both things.
Starting in January I am going to offer a study group that will double as confirmation/re-affirmation of faith class for those who are interested. The group is called What does the United Church believe about...
and possible topic areas include:
I said I'm evangelical christian. It's truth. Also, for me relationship is more important than doctrines. It's why I came here because sometimes I found evangelical church to intolerant.
I thing everyone have the light of Christ within his life including people don't have my beleive. It's the reason why respect it's very important.
In another thread Actually asked for stories from people who had been made to feel unwelcome due to their sexual orientation, the following was one reply. To honour Actually's request not to derail her thread from the stories I open this one.
Jae]</p>
<p>[quote=Kinst wrote:
When I was Catholic and 10 or so I remember my priest saying that gay people are evil and everyone has to fight gay marriage. I decided that religion was stupid and I stopped believing in God.
All that I am really sure of is that some Creative Force, with some intelligent intent began with the creation of our Universe. Now that I have said this, I even wonder if I am stuck in "time talk", and this universe was always there, "unfolding as it should". However, the idea that it moves towards a higher level of complexity over time has also stuck with me, indicating some kind of "intent" or "direction" within a time frame context. So this becomes my Creative God.
