Thanks for the link. I especially liked the comments posted in response.
With love,
Rev Dorris
I suppose we are all here because of the "like minded people" effect....after all..it is easier not to have to worry about what you preach, what positions you take, what groups you endorse and don't, and not having those awkward conversations during coffee.
I must be missing something, as I too expect people with common interests to associate with each other. I don't think that isolationism is a good thing, but commonality is what brings people together.
I think PeaceBang was focusing on the service aspect of the church where you encounter different people and must allow that to be a growth experience...or....internally IF the like minded aspect becomes too exclusionary....i.e. no Jesus references, not too much God talk or even secular issues where dissent is clearly frowned upon.
I agree that we are attracted to community by certain shared views, values etc....maybe not 100% in lock step but certainly enough that most differences are within our very broad boundaries.
So theologically, we are drawn together out of commonality...but with generous allowances for personal interpretation. I think when that aspect is left out...it becomes too exclusionary for a professed "liberal" faith.
"So theologically, we are drawn together out of commonality...but with generous allowances for personal interpretation. I think when that aspect is left out...it becomes too exclusionary for a professed "liberal" faith."
Agreed, well said.
I don't have a problem with folks wanting to be in community with other like-minded folks on Sunday mornings. This idea of going to church in order to be challenged is over-rated.
What's so bad about going to church to find comfort? Sarcastic answer: it wouldn't meet someone's definition of being socially just.
I don't mind a reminder of my ethical and moral duties as a human being, but for me church is predominately about worshiping God, not any of the other activities that so often creep in.
Words / Terms I have come to dislike when used in a liberal / mainstream religious church due to their misuse or interpretation:
Prophetic
Social Justice
Peace studies
Diversity
Coalition
Action
Advocacy
Witness
Responsible
Empowerment
Anti - ___________ fill in the blank
Unfortunately, there is a tendency to use these terms with what I consider very
"problematic" programs, efforts, agendas etc. in liberal churches.
Do conservative churches use this language as well?
Well Will you're probably right
I've complained about this before, but the last church I attended sometimes mixed appreciation day (for volunteers etc.) with the worship service, which considering the minister and his helpers were dressed in costume (clowns, magician) just completely denigrated any atmosphere of worship. The worst thing for me was the time that a congregation member dressed up like a "guru" and "answered" questions about the meaning of life etc. The hokiness, the imitation Indian accent, the whole thing was just stupid.