Liberal Christians vs. Fundamentalists?

Question

are liberals wrong, influenced by the enemy, going to hell, needing more Word/ enlightenment, or are they more in tune with the true and basic nature of Christ?
are fundamentalists wrong, too extreme, influenced by the enemy, needing more word or enlightenment, or are they the ones more in tune with Jesus?
Is there perhaps a spectrum somewhere on which we all fall as believers? is one right, and another wrong? are some better Christians than others? how about you, what makes you liberal or fundamental? OR, just so the question is open to everyone, how do you see others that believe?

Answer 1

i think most christians use the bible to suit what they already believe instead of basing what they believe on the bible

Answer 2

Liberal and Fundamentalists differ on the main view of the Bible.

Liberals say that most of the Bible does not have to be followed because it was written for a different time as ours. They say that a lot of the stories like Jonah and the Big Fish and Noah's Ark are not true but have lessons we need to learn from them.

Basically, Liberals pick apart the Bible and follow what seems best to them.

Fundamentalists, on the other hand, believe that the Bible is pretty clear about what God defines as SIN. The new testament is clear that homosexuality and adultery is wrong. Women and men have roles in the family, that God has ordained, that aren't demeaning.

Fundamentalist believe that the Bible is God's Word to us.
Liberals view it as a story book.

Answer 3

There is only one truth. Not many truths. With Christianity, people have greated doctrines around what the Bible says. There doctrine book is thicker then the Bible. Get a Greek Lexicon(translater)to help yourself with troubleing passages. Yes , you can debate secondary issues like the Rapture, but the essentials must hold, like the nature of God . Who is he? What does he say? The Christian Bible answers these questions, but many corrupt the scriptures or bend it to fit their particular need. A liberal view of the Bible is just that, Liberal: meaning to distribute generously. In other words, take it light , make the Bible fit your need. Fundemental is to hold to what is says. That doesn't mean take each passage literally. Their are vague times when a story is being told to relate a message and you must study upon it to discern the proper meaning. Again, with the New Testament get back to the original Greek meaning. Jesus basically said those who hear my word and do it are "in tune" with me. Examine yourself and you find the answer. Yeah, there are plenty of times when "Christians" are flat out wrong.

Answer 4

I think the biggest problem with both is that they are trying to force their beliefs on others. They should just live their beliefs and allow the world see them doing so. Christ led by example, not by legalism. The word of God is capable at any time we live in and time has proven it. It is mans interpretation of it that can cause the most harm. As for judging whether someone is going to hell or not, only they know in their hearts if their salvation is true. My religion does not allow for abortion, homosexuality, sex out of marriage, among other things. My faith, though, allows me to love these people no matter of whether I approve of their choices or not. If they decide to choose my faith, that is between them and God. If they choose my religion (my practice of my faith) then they would be required to make certain changes in their lives. What upsets me the most is those people in this world that think an organization should change its policies for their way of life.

Answer 5

I like this forum on Yahoo Answers to discuss and evaluate our core beliefs that guide us. I appreciate that. It's a safe place to express our thoughts and if our thoughts tend toward judgmental isolation, you can see how it so and perhaps be influenced.

Now, to answer your question about liberal christians and fundamentalists: Define: What is a liberal? Perhaps without fundamental values that guide decision, more of a quasi-moto type outlook-- anything goes except those that exclude because of moral convicitons. However, that is a moral value in itself, too.

What is fundamental: Those who believe in God who cares deeply for and yet will judge men and women according to the ten commandments (which are for man's benefit) and beyond since Jesus said he judges the heart-- "He who looks on a woman to lust in his heart has already committed adultery." "He who is extremely angry with his brother has already committed murder." (Balance that with verse in Ephesians "Be angry but sin not -- Let not the sun go down on your wrath.")

Oh-- I reread your question
I hear your question as a valid one. Liberal Christians might be more in tune with God's grace - graciousness - mercy - since "God so loved the world he sent his only Son that whoever believes on Him wouldn't perish but have everlasting life.

The problem with Liberal Christianity is that perhaps it leaves out the fact that God does judge sin. It's not the favorite thing about us, though each of us does plenty of it. That great dichotomy (sp?) is one to grapple with to bring us closer to God's heart, and help us sin less. That is good!

Perhaps the best way to analyze ourselves which we should do ("Examine yourself - see if you are in the faith" says Paul) is see if there is a habitual sin that's dominating your life. It will bother others or maybe just yourself. God wants to bring you closer. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (Psalms I think)

I've gotta go and be with my family now.

Answer 6

To God there is only a believer. Either you do or you don't.
The word believe, as related in scripture means to 'put full weight upon'. Like that of a three legged stool. You trust it to hold you.

If you belive the words of the Holy Bible, you put all your trust in the words that they are true. You allow God to have all your faith and dependence upon Him, nothing wavering, or compromising.

That being the case, your motives of thought, word and deed are to be completely in line with the word of God. This will produce a relationship with Him that you walk in unity.

Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice and follow me. The word also states that on the day of Judgement, he is going to separate the sheep, from the goats. There will be those who say we shared the gospel , cast out demons, in your name, and Jesus will say Depart from me, I never knew you.

The key is to know God. Proverbs states, "The fear(reverence of holiness, with the hatred of evil) of the Lord is Knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Therefore, fear God and live in right relationship knowing Him.

Answer 7

What the Bible says about Democracy

Luke 19:12-27
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.... But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.... But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Numbers 16:1-35
Now Korah...and Dathan and Abiram...and On...rose up before Moses, with...250 princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?...And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment...And it came to pass...that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and ... they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Answer 8

Who cares; there is far greater things to discuss.