Speaking as a liberal agnostic with Mahayana leanings, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone to whom "Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers" sounds like an interesting topic and not a threat. (That includes people besides Christians (Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and none of the above, I'd also love to hear from you), but that was the first book of comparative religion that I thought of.) By the way, if it does sound interesting, read it. It's a fascinating book.
Why did you come to your faith? How does it affect your daily life? How do you deal with harsher elements of your religion? How do you respond to social issues where your conscience tells you one thing, and fundamentalists tell you another? I'd love to hear from anyone who thinks they'd fit the definition above. Thanks!
2007-03-20 14:51:25 · 8 answers · asked by Kate S 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As an Episcopalian, it bothers me sometimes that people get the idea that all Christians are automatically right-wing fundamentalists. They hear some TV preacher saying that gays are subhuman, and then the public walks away with the notion that all Christians actually believe such things. But all Christians are not homophobic bigots. My church treats women as equals, and I think that's great (if they didn't, I wouldn't have bothered staying around). My priests (and the vast majority of my fellow parishioners) have postgraduate degrees, or are working on the same, so it also irks me when people suggest that Christians are somehow intellectually deficient. Because my church is generally in step politically with the things I already stand for (peace, social justice, equality), I feel supported by the church rather than thwarted by it.
2007-03-20 15:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm a liberal Catholic. I came to my faith by virtue of being born into it (I'm an Italian Catholic). But I began examining different religions early in my life. I became interested in comparative religion, but stayed Catholic because that religion has always been so profound and beautiful to me. As a Catholic, it's easy for me to part company theologically with the Fundamentalists, but insert "Church dogma" in the same place, and yes, I have serious conflicts of conscience, particularly regarding issues of birth control, women's rights, and so forth. I speak my mind on these issues, but many people don't want to hear it. I feel strongly that one can love the Church, but still point out flaws. To me, suggesting change and improvement is not heresy.
2007-03-20 22:11:31 · answer #2 · answered by solarius 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
hi.
liberal pagan here.
i was always drawn to paganism. it seemed a natural choice to me.
in my life i try to harm none - wiccan rede, i try to care for the planet to the best of my ability. i try to help others whenever possible.
i have not found any harsh elements to my religion. i am fortunate in that i don't offend easily, and i don't really care what most people think about me. there are only a few people whose opinions i value.
i always follow my own conscience. i have never met a pagan fundamentalist.
the book you mentioned sounds interesting. i think that i will try to read it soon.
bb
2007-03-20 23:55:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How liberal is this?
Harmony is harmony; disharmony is the only sin against God.
I am a self-read Christian. I am very suspicious of any Bible verse that encourages disharmony or ignores the value of harmony.
2007-03-20 23:28:38 · answer #4 · answered by MrsOcultyThomas 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you mean Faith in the fact that if you study enough religions you will find some common truths.
2007-03-20 22:13:12 · answer #5 · answered by Terry 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a liberal Muslim
2007-03-20 22:01:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm curious, too.... good question.
2007-03-20 21:56:57 · answer #7 · answered by Ũniνέгsäl Рдnтsthέisт™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
isn't "liberal people of faith" an oxymoron
Jesus wasn't liberal about anything
2007-03-20 21:56:47 · answer #8 · answered by firechap20 6 · 0⤊ 8⤋