The most progressive Christian Denomination?

[SirStev0]

Originally posted by: 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 ...

we are like the same damn person.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Probably Unitarians, followed by the United Church of Christ (formerly known as the Congregationalist Church).

 

[BurnItDwn]

Originally posted by: SirStev0

Originally posted by: 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 ...

we are like the same damn person.

Nah, I am probably an ignorant ass more often than you ... (as proof, I'll mention that I sometimes post in P&N.)

 

[AstroManLuca]

My dad's best friend is a Quaker and he's probably one of the nicest people I've ever known. He's an elementary school teacher. But that doesn't mean he can't have fun - he loves beer, camping, nature, and telling dirty jokes, preferably all in combination. He's got a very easygoing outlook on the world.

You should really look into it. There aren't many Quakers around, but if you're in New York there's no doubt to be at least a couple communities you can look into.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: 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!!

meh, like i said, there still needs alot of reform to be done in the catholic church, but there are lots of parishes, communities and groups that don't emphasize on the BS and hypocrisy.

if you don't think the catholic church is progressive, take a look at commonweal magazine. it's a very liberal leaning catholic publication that talks about relevant issues and it's pretty good most of the time.

 

[ITJunkie]

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.

Umm...this is precisely what the OP was talking about. You may leave now and thanks for coming :roll:

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: ITJunkie

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.

Umm...this is precisely what the OP was talking about. You may leave now and thanks for coming :roll:

Yeah

This is why America can't have nice things.

OP has no use for extreme christians gtfo!

 

[TehMac]

Originally posted by: 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!!

Nice to see retards still voice their opinions in such a brilliant and constructive manner.

 

[JS80]

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 grew up methodist, they never preached about burning in hell, etc. It was more God loves you that's why he sent Jesus so be happy.

 

[JS80]

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?

Homosexual acts is a choice, which I think the Bible implies.

 

[citan x]

Also, why do you limit yourself to a church, and then a christian church at that. Sounds to me like you want a community to belong to. If you don't want to be preached at, try volunteering. You would be helping people out, and volunteers tend to be pretty easygoing and open. Also, you would be doing what you believe instead of just being preached at.

 

[rudeguy]

I didn't read the whole thread because I am not that patient.

I consider myself Christian but I don't attend a church. I believe that a lot of churches have strayed too far from God's word. There are a group of us that get together and talk but never formally. I believe what is wrote in the bible and not what some preacher decides it means.

I consider that spirituality.

 

[counterstrikedude]

i think you're looking for a church that validates your beliefs than something spiritual. home-style churches are nice, less preachiness and more discussion. im sure your city offers one. i went to several in-home churches and remember liking them very much..

 

[Babbles]

I found that the Catholic Church (not any form a Catholic, by the way) seems to be rather more open-minded than many other denominations. Sure there is the ban on homosexuality and birth control - however unlike many Protestants the Catholic church acknowledges evolution, the big bang and the fact that the Earth is older than 6000 years.

 

[SirStev0]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
My dad's best friend is a Quaker and he's probably one of the nicest people I've ever known. He's an elementary school teacher. But that doesn't mean he can't have fun - he loves beer, camping, nature, and telling dirty jokes, preferably all in combination. He's got a very easygoing outlook on the world.

You should really look into it. There aren't many Quakers around, but if you're in New York there's no doubt to be at least a couple communities you can look into.

There are a ton in SE Pennsylvania in the Phillah area.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: Babbles
I found that the Catholic Church (not any form a Catholic, by the way) seems to be rather more open-minded than many other denominations. Sure there is the ban on homosexuality and birth control - however unlike many Protestants the Catholic church acknowledges evolution, the big bang and the fact that the Earth is older than 6000 years.

their teaching on birth control is stupid. no one follows it. thats one thing i cherry pick on

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: 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.

Very good suggestion.

 

[Dumac]

Originally posted by: videogames101

Originally posted by: ITJunkie

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.

Umm...this is precisely what the OP was talking about. You may leave now and thanks for coming :roll:

Yeah

This is why America can't have nice things.

OP has no use for extreme christians gtfo!

Isn't he right, though? There is no reason to follow a Christian denomination if you are not going to adhere to the doctrine. Without the doctrine, Christianity wouldn't exist.

Also, I agree that churches should, and often do, differentiate between the act and the individual. It is the act that many churches focus on, while still loving the individual.

OP: Does the church have to be Christian? Are you specifically looking to teach your child the ways of Jesus or do you just value, as your post implies, some sort of belief structure?

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: TehMac
Lutheranism--Very liberal, maybe too much.

LOL, which kind of Lutheranism? I used to work at the ELCA's national headquarters, and found their progressiveness to be several cautious, tentative steps behind my Episcopal church (married lesbian priest, gay organist and sacristan, etc.).

LCMS on the other hand, I've heard that they make Southern Baptists cringe. I went to college in Arkansas and met plenty of SBs, and also know a small handful of LCMSs, and all have been fine, reasonable, pleasant people.

 

[Red Squirrel]

As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.

As a Christian, you don't speak for me.

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: Steve

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.

As a Christian, you don't speak for me.

Well actually, since god can kill people, god's rules don't apply to himself. Which means Jesus could have been homosexual... Bad, huh?

 

[TehMac]

Originally posted by: Steve

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.

As a Christian, you don't speak for me.

That's a great attitude to have to someone trying to address the situation.

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: TehMac

Originally posted by: Steve

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.

As a Christian, you don't speak for me.

That's a great attitude to have to someone trying to address the situation.

LOL!

 

[videogames101]

OP, please, consider that raising your child to think objectively will get them way farther in life, then brainwashing them into a fairy-tale story of magic and going to a super-happy place when you die.

They'll think for themselves, won't discriminate, and will have a deeper appreciation for the short time they have on this earth.