What is the most politically liberal Christian denomination?

Question

I am looking for a church that fits me best. I was raised in a Christian home, but most denominations that I know of are conservative, and I am very liberal.

*Update* I have completed the Beliefnet quiz. My top answer was Liberal Christian, but it didn't give much information into what that meant. Hence, the question here.

As for more information regarding what I mean in terms of liberal: I am pro gay marriage, pro choice. I believe in the core beliefs of the Bible, but I also believe in tolerance of all people, and if someone is wrong, to leave it in God's hands rather than feel the need to point out and condemn someone. I have no problems with pluralism, and take a live and let live attitude with most issues.

Answer 1

"True morality consists not in following the beaten track, but in finding out the true path for ourselves and fearlessly following it."
-- Mohandas Ghandi

Liberal Christians... that is a tough one actually. Easier to find examples than actual churches.

Martin Luther King was a Liberal Christian for example. His Christianity was people oriented first and foremost. Yet no one will doubt his devotion to his god. However, he was a Baptist preacher.

My first thought was Satanism for liberal attitudes...but that is nothing anyone wants if they have a bit of a brain.

I like this definition of Liberal Christian:

Sometimes liberals are thought to be Christians who have backslidden; people who don't have enough faith, or are too "in the world." Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth. Liberal Christians are committed believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who have thoroughly studied the scriptures and traditions of the Church, and have examined their faith in the light of reason and experience. They believe in Diversity, have a non literal view of Scripture, have an intimate personal view of God, universal salvation, and stress the centrality of community in the Christian experience.

What it looks like to me is that Liberal Christians are individuals practicing within their own Churches. But perhaps I am very wrong. I seem to remember that the Unitarian Church is extremely liberal. I went to a few Sundays years ago and loved the openness to other ideas. Everyone was welcome. The Ministry was a woman, something new to me.

I also know many fine Quakers who work for peace and environmental issues and are fearless when it comes to a cause they believe in. Very admirable people.

Although a Muslim, I plan to investigate these later, because they look to be intriguing. I am, I suppose, a liberal Muslim! (And yes, we do exist!) Here are some interesting sites:

http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/18861/seminar

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/2961/liberal.htm

http://www.adherents.com/largecom/prot_lib.html

Thanks... for the thinking question.

Answer 2

Are you speaking politically, socially, or Scripturally?

Seriously, please update details and let me know. And I can help you out.

Ok thanks for the UPDATE, but I wonder how you did that. Well there is no major denomination (that I am aware of) that claims to be either REPUBLICAN or DEMOCRAT. A lot of time it depends on what area of the country you live in. If you live in a RURAL area that is main democratic/liberal then the churches will probably reflect that and vica versa.

However, when searching for a good Bible based church I would search for a church that does not wear its political allegiance on its shoulders. I mean find a church that you can not tell if its a LIBERAL or CONSERVATIVE church by its teachings and such. Of course the actual make-up of the congregents will make a difference, because if they are mainly REPUBLICAN then the informal conversation may involve this viewpoint.

I am a Christian, and I lead a church and I am an Independent. And whenever I speak of something that may seem "political" I always show both viewpoints and try not to side on one side or the other. Most important political issues are NOT black and white in the Bible. However, when the Bible clearly teaches about something I will always stick with the Bible.

I know many whole-hearted Christians who are DEMOCRATS and those who are REPUBLICANS from a variety of denominational backgrounds. Church of Christ, Baptist, Various Pentacostal Denominations, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Christian Church, and others.

If you would like more advice feel free to EMAIL me.

Answer 3

Unitarian Universalism is probably the most liberal of denominations that have roots in the western Christian heritage. Because it is a creedless tradition, there is no specific doctrine that members must affirm, although there is general acceptance of a covenant of behavior that affirms the values of reason, compassion, mutual respect, and personal responsibility and growth. Unitarians and Universalists have ordained women to the ministry since 1863, were early supporters of the civil rights movement and women's rights and reproductive freedom, and welcome and support gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people and families in their communities. In the present era, they tend to be concerned with issues of peace, ecological care, and social justice. They celebrate diversity of culture, lifestyle, and belief systems, so you will find people with humanist, atheist, pagan, and Buddhist and other ideas, as well very literate Christians, among them, all committed to living out their values and making this world a better place.
You might try the survey instrument at Beliefnet.com; many people find it helpful in the kind of search you describe.

Answer 4

#1 by leaps and bounds: The Episcopal Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

United Methodist

Answer 5

I think you need to check out the United Methodists in your area ... they can vary from conservative to liberal (more often liberal). With the slogan, "Open hearts, open minds, open doors" I think you might find what you're looking for.

Check this link ...

Answer 6

Go to tickle.com. There is a spirituality test you can take for free that is very comprehensive and will tell you which denomination most closely matches your beliefs.

Answer 7

United Church of Christ

I went to one for a bit when I was soul searching. They are open to everyone of all races, sexual orientations, etc. They're pretty cool people.

But I decided that atheism was best for me.

Answer 8

I would guess the United Methodist Church is what you're looking for.

Answer 9

Unitarian. Unity is also pretty laid back.

Answer 10

liberal christian is an oxymoron. however...

you could look into Unitarian Universalism. it's a spiritually liberal church which means different perspectives are welcome. also its a politically liberal church which welcomes gay couples, allows female clergy, divorced clergy, and gay clergy.

Edit: lmao@mullah
[][]mullah!!![][]