The most progressive Christian Denomination?

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: swbsam
I was born into a very, very Christian family (my grandfather was a minister), but have always been personally very left leaning. I gave up on Church during high school but now I'm coming back around. Now that I'm married, I think faith and a belief system's important to especially children, but I refuse to go back to a hate spewing, alarmist Church.

I'll stop being blunt, homosexuality is an issue that I hear mentioned at Churches far too often, and I really don't want to be a part of an organization that spews hate of any kind. I'm not looking for a hippy church, per say, but so many churches seem to take an active role on this issue. I'm ok with ambivalence, I just don't like the hate talk.

Are there any options out there?

EDIT

Also, I'll add that I actually enjoy going to Church now. It pumps me up for the week ahead and helps put my life in perspective, with the understanding that something larger exists than just myself. But, after visiting 6 churches in 2 months, I'm noticing either a lot of cult like conformity or hate, but I KNOW there must be something out there for centrists who like to think for themselves.

There is a difference between hate and disapproval. some churches do not understand this. some church patrons do not understand this.

It is possible to have a zero tolerance toward homosexuality without resorting to hate.
I question any church which does not oppose homosexuality, since the bible is quite clear on this subject. I also question any church which also refuses to seperate an individual from their actions. Jesus gave compassion to the prostitue mary, our churches should do likewise. The church is not here to condemn homosexuals, but to offer compassion and salvation. However, the homosexual also has the responsibility to realize his actions are sinful, he must repent and turn from those ways.

Yeah yeah, the ex-gay movement. You're entitled to your opinion.

There are a lot of things the Bible says that are not followed today. Why single out one line, from the book of Leviticus of all things, prohibiting homosexuality, but ignore all the other bizarre laws set forth in that same book?

I think what the OP is getting at is that he doesn't see the Bible as a rulebook but as more of a guidepost. He doesn't want to be told what to do and what not to do. He wants to simply be part of God's love. Or something like that. I'm not very eloquent in these matters, being a non-religious person.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: Crono
Where are you? Can use online sermon sites (like Sermon Audio) to find a biblical church. Yes, homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible, but it's not the only one, and no church should promote hatred of homosexuals. Churches shouldn't get involved in politics, either. Real churches are ones where forgiveness and the heart of the gospel (salvation) are taught in humility and love, and where the Bible is key in the teaching and preaching.

There are many denominations out there that are ok, but it depends more on the church itself and its members than a denomination.

I'm in NYC, Brooklyn to be more precise. I attended the Brooklyn Tabernacle church for a solid month before leaving, the theatrics and simon-says nature of it ('everyone put there arms up!' 'men stand, women sit, touch your nose and hop around!") all got silly to me.

I'm weird in that I'm both very old school (keep Christ in Christmas, let's sing hymns not "choruses", or worse, Christian Pop) yet am also very left leaning in my personal politics.

I understand that it's difficult to separate church from state, especially when Church is there to provide guidance. It's just something I can't personally accept, hatred of any kind when I believe that Jesus and God teach love.

Hey, a fellow Brooklynite Yeah, I know what you mean regarding Brookyln Tabernacle. I agree on that completely; it really is an "entertainment" church (that is to say, it's not really a church at all).

I agree with the hymns, too. Some modern Christian songs are ok, but very few. Most are just shallow, with no real depth in their pseudo-Christian lyrics.

I go to a church in Rockland county (where I live now), but a close friend of mine goes to Harvest in Manhattan. He says its a good, welcoming church with good programs and sound teaching. I haven't been there myself, though, but it might be worth checking out.

EDIT: Another church (also in Manhattan) that I recommend is Calvary Baptist Church. I have been to a couple of their events, and they do a lot of good work. They too have sound teaching from the Bible.

Born in Queens, but grew up in Brooklyn - it's a city that puts hair on your chest, especially since I live in Bed Stuy! Thank you very much for both recommendations, I'll surely add them to the list.

 

[Gibson486]

Def. not the catholic church.....I can tell you that. I went to a catholic school for 12 years...and I am not catholic....suprise.

My gf's sis is a catholic freak..somewhat...she is also contridicts herslef alot, but I am not the type of person to call her out on it.

She keeps saying the devil did this the devil did that....

she then goes the end is coming soon....


I have to agree...

the end is coming soon....

The end of you living in my dam apartment!

 

[freeway]

I was born a Quaker and it fits me quite well, however there is not an abundance of Quaker meetings around. To me it is a very personalized and progressive religion. My GF is a Methodist and I have attended several services with her. I find myself much more comfortable in these services then in Catholic or Lutheran.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Gibson486
Def. not the catholic church.....I can tell you that. I went to a catholic school for 12 years...and I am not catholic....suprise.

My gf's sis is a catholic freak..somewhat...she is also contridicts herslef alot, but I am not the type of person to call her out on it.

She keeps saying the devil did this the devil did that....

she then goes the end is coming soon....


I have to agree...

the end is coming soon....

The end of you living in my dam apartment!

Ha. I went to catholic school for.. 8 years.. Even though I was Presbyterian... I do not want to be a hypocrite and spew hate, so I'll just say that it's not for me.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: Gibson486
Def. not the catholic church.....I can tell you that. I went to a catholic school for 12 years...and I am not catholic....suprise.

My gf's sis is a catholic freak..somewhat...she is also contridicts herslef alot, but I am not the type of person to call her out on it.

She keeps saying the devil did this the devil did that....

she then goes the end is coming soon....


I have to agree...

the end is coming soon....

The end of you living in my dam apartment!

Ha. I went to catholic school for.. 8 years.. Even though I was Presbyterian... I do not want to be a hypocrite and spew hate, so I'll just say that it's not for me.

Seems like we've had completely different experiences, but yeah i defintely believe what both of you are saying and it sucks :thumbsdown:

 

[JDub02]

My wife lived in Brooklyn Heights for a while. I'll ask her what church she went to before I talked her into moving south with me. Pretty much anything in NYC is going to be "progressive" compared to what we have down south.

 

[IGBT]

..some preachers say the church era is over. the end is near.

 

[Xylitol]

depends on the church more than anything

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: Injury
Also remember that just because the clergy of a church chooses to emphasize a certain message doesn't imply that you can't believe differently.

Excellent point. If you are looking for a church that is 100% in accord with your beliefs, you'll never find one.

Our church emphasizes helping the less fortunate, helping widows, teaching parenting classes, etc. It is a welcoming, friendly church. There are a few issues on which I disagree with the minister, but I don't see that as a deal-breaker.

I remember a woman who came to visit our church with her two teenage children. They came for about 2 months, the kids fit in very well, but I knew they weren't going to stay. On the first visit, the woman told me that they had been going to different churches for 8 years(!) but can't find the right one. Sure enough, she quit coming. They are never going to find the "right one" because the church she wants doesn't exist. None of them are perfect.

 

[nonameo]

In regards to Unitarian Universalism, which so many people seem to be suggesting...

I have actually been to a Unitarian church a few times. The experience wasn't bad, but in the end I decided it wasn't for me. (note, I am not religious, and wasn't at the time either.)


1. It's not specifically a Christian church. This means that you will find ALL kinds of people there. The congregation I went to was small(20-30 people), but still seemed to represent a large amount of diversity even with its small population.

2. At the church I went to, they had guests come in a couple of the times. One was a Palestinian refugee(I think) and the other was an interpretive dancer.

3. The times I went, they had a Q/A discussion session. You didn't have to stay, but many did.

4. They had hymn books like traditional churches do, and we sang a few songs beforehand.

As an aside, I think that a part of the Unitarians broke off and started a more Christian centric version of the same thing. I forget the name of it though.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: kranky

Originally posted by: Injury
Also remember that just because the clergy of a church chooses to emphasize a certain message doesn't imply that you can't believe differently.

Excellent point. If you are looking for a church that is 100% in accord with your beliefs, you'll never find one.

Our church emphasizes helping the less fortunate, helping widows, teaching parenting classes, etc. It is a welcoming, friendly church. There are a few issues on which I disagree with the minister, but I don't see that as a deal-breaker.

I remember a woman who came to visit our church with her two teenage children. They came for about 2 months, the kids fit in very well, but I knew they weren't going to stay. On the first visit, the woman told me that they had been going to different churches for 8 years(!) but can't find the right one. Sure enough, she quit coming. They are never going to find the "right one" because the church she wants doesn't exist. None of them are perfect.

A part of me thinks that, yes, I'm being a stick in the mud. That I'm looking for perfection that doesn't exist. But I'm just looking for a Church that values intellectualism and tolerance, but also doesn't resort to silly hippy theatrics. Seems like I'm getting one or the other.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: swbsam
I was born into a very, very Christian family (my grandfather was a minister), but have always been personally very left leaning. I gave up on Church during high school but now I'm coming back around. Now that I'm married, I think faith and a belief system's important to especially children, but I refuse to go back to a hate spewing, alarmist Church.

I'll stop being blunt, homosexuality is an issue that I hear mentioned at Churches far too often, and I really don't want to be a part of an organization that spews hate of any kind. I'm not looking for a hippy church, per say, but so many churches seem to take an active role on this issue. I'm ok with ambivalence, I just don't like the hate talk.

Are there any options out there?

EDIT

Also, I'll add that I actually enjoy going to Church now. It pumps me up for the week ahead and helps put my life in perspective, with the understanding that something larger exists than just myself. But, after visiting 6 churches in 2 months, I'm noticing either a lot of cult like conformity or hate, but I KNOW there must be something out there for centrists who like to think for themselves.

There is a difference between hate and disapproval. some churches do not understand this. some church patrons do not understand this.

It is possible to have a zero tolerance toward homosexuality without resorting to hate.
I question any church which does not oppose homosexuality, since the bible is quite clear on this subject. I also question any church which also refuses to seperate an individual from their actions. Jesus gave compassion to the prostitue mary, our churches should do likewise. The church is not here to condemn homosexuals, but to offer compassion and salvation. However, the homosexual also has the responsibility to realize his actions are sinful, he must repent and turn from those ways.

I appreciate your point and do not want to threadjack my own thread, but my problem is my firm belief that homosexuality is a born trait - genetic...I do not believe it is a choice, and there fore I can't accept that there is any other choice than to accept the individual for who he is, sinner or not. Does that make any sense?

I reserve judgement on the genetic-homosexual link, because evidence is anecdotal at best.

Like i said, I believe the church should accept a homosexual, not turn them away.
However, whether or not the church accepts a homosexual individual, shouldnt be the main focus. Ultimately God has the final say in heaven/hell of the afterlife of an individual, not the church. The church is not to judge. but again according to the bible, Gods judgement on homosexuality is a negative.

This is the biggest conflict of christian life... how do you love and accept someone (like christ did) who practices that which you oppose.

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: swbsam
I was born into a very, very Christian family (my grandfather was a minister), but have always been personally very left leaning. I gave up on Church during high school but now I'm coming back around. Now that I'm married, I think faith and a belief system's important to especially children, but I refuse to go back to a hate spewing, alarmist Church.

I'll stop being blunt, homosexuality is an issue that I hear mentioned at Churches far too often, and I really don't want to be a part of an organization that spews hate of any kind. I'm not looking for a hippy church, per say, but so many churches seem to take an active role on this issue. I'm ok with ambivalence, I just don't like the hate talk.

Are there any options out there?

EDIT

Also, I'll add that I actually enjoy going to Church now. It pumps me up for the week ahead and helps put my life in perspective, with the understanding that something larger exists than just myself. But, after visiting 6 churches in 2 months, I'm noticing either a lot of cult like conformity or hate, but I KNOW there must be something out there for centrists who like to think for themselves.

There is a difference between hate and disapproval. some churches do not understand this. some church patrons do not understand this.

It is possible to have a zero tolerance toward homosexuality without resorting to hate.
I question any church which does not oppose homosexuality, since the bible is quite clear on this subject. I also question any church which also refuses to seperate an individual from their actions. Jesus gave compassion to the prostitue mary, our churches should do likewise. The church is not here to condemn homosexuals, but to offer compassion and salvation. However, the homosexual also has the responsibility to realize his actions are sinful, he must repent and turn from those ways.

Yeah yeah, the ex-gay movement. You're entitled to your opinion.

There are a lot of things the Bible says that are not followed today. Why single out one line, from the book of Leviticus of all things, prohibiting homosexuality, but ignore all the other bizarre laws set forth in that same book?

I think what the OP is getting at is that he doesn't see the Bible as a rulebook but as more of a guidepost. He doesn't want to be told what to do and what not to do. He wants to simply be part of God's love. Or something like that. I'm not very eloquent in these matters, being a non-religious person.

im not looking to get into a religious debate as it will send this thread off course.
However, how do you assume that I am deriving my position from Leviticus and all its "bizarre" laws?

As if thats the only place in the bible which mentions homosexuality? Its mentioned at least 3 times in the new testament which supercedes the old.
Acts 15 Romans 1 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

 

[Tiamat]

Unfortunately, the only way is to go to the specific church. I've had better luck with protestant churches. Further, churches that have guitar/drum/bass "modern" music I have been very uncomfortable in. Older style churches with pipe organ music is what I like better.

Churches that have a "love your neighbor" type message seem to be more easy going and while stating their disagreements about abortion/homosexuality/etc. they do not verbally crucify.

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: G Wizard
methodists are pretty liberal (progressive) for a mainstream sect.

Unitarian is an obvious one.

the UCC (i think?) might be another...

Methodists? I'll check them out. I haven't found many unitarian churches around me, but I'll do some more searching.

Thanks for the input

I'm Methodist, and I can't remember a single time being preached about homosexuality, etc. We've had several great discussions about other religions and their principles. And we wear shorts to church in the summer for our lakeside service

I tried a Baptist church for a while and hated it, there were four straight sermons on titheing. Gimme a break.

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: preCRT
Unitarian

is hardly a church at all, more like a liberal social club, so, If you really must have a church, go with UU.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: videogames101

Originally posted by: preCRT
Unitarian

is hardly a church at all, more like a liberal social club, so, If you really must have a church, go with UU.

Episcipals (sp) are the same way.

OP, wht region of the country are you in? there are regional demoninations that might be of interest.

 

[SirStev0]

Originally posted by: G Wizard
methodists are pretty liberal (progressive) for a mainstream sect.

Unitarian is an obvious one.

the UCC (i think?) might be another...

United Church of Christ. Very similar to methodist.

Both Methodist and Lutherans can be incredibly progressive, or can be very conservative. Depends on the church and the subdivision it is in.

I am not religious at all but I was raised Lutheran in a fairly progressive church with a female pastor taboot. I always considered that I lucked out.

 

[Leafy]

Another option is not going. Your children are better off thinking rationally and practicing healthy skepticism than being instructed to believe in "absolute truths" or anything of the such, things totally opposed to the very tenets of philosophy, critical thinking and rational thought.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: evident
i was born and raised roman catholic and i can say that if you can find there are alot of elements that are very progressive, which is why im still in the church.

Yeah, the Roman Catholics were stuck in the 8th Century up until a few years ago, now they've progressed to the 11th. Sadly though, most of their progress has been in the man-boy love area. They still hate pretty much everything else. "Very progressive"????? ROFL!!

 

[NuclearNed]

Try the Christian Church - I've been a member most of my life, and can attest to the fact that most of them value intellectualism.

The Christian Church even has 2 flavors - the Disciples of Christ, which is more liberal, or the other option (simply called the "Christian Church") which is more moderate.

 

[SirStev0]

I will also say that I recently had a lot of dealings with a Quaker family and I have to say that their religion is incredibly interesting and surprisingly open. They are pacifists and pretty left leaning. Their church service which they call a "meeting" is also pretty cool. they don't have any real "pastor" or leader. Just kind of a network of people. They get together. Pray. Tell stories. Sing. stuff like that. Kinda free flowing with no pomp and circumstance. They don't really have any rituals or anything like that. No preachers giving sermons. Just getting together and "celebrating" god. Thought it sounded really cool and unique.

I imagine it would be kind of a huge change if you are more comfortable with a more ordered "normal" christian church, but it may be worth a try.

 

[SirStev0]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: videogames101

Originally posted by: preCRT
Unitarian

is hardly a church at all, more like a liberal social club, so, If you really must have a church, go with UU.

Episcipals (sp) are the same way.

OP, wht region of the country are you in? there are regional demoninations that might be of interest.

If I remember correctly Episcopal's are pretty much the same as Angelicans and Church of Englanders.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Episcopalians are pretty open-minded. They allow female and gay ministers, and lack all the hypocrisy of the Catholic church.

in fact, my church gets picketed every week by Fred Phelps.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Atheist here, Much of my family is Lutheran though ...

I think Quakers are probably among the least "puritan" of the Christian Denominations... Seems like good, open minded, freedom loving people ...