What are some forms of liberal christianity?

Question

just wondering...kinda relates to my other question.

Answer 1

Liberal (or progressive) Christian churches: The Episcopal Church, Unitarian Universalists, Metropolitan Community Churches, Unity, Swedenborgians, and more. These churches will generally be theologically progressive, welcoming to gays, open to new ideas, intellectually challenging, and very charitable. Most have female clergy. There are also liberal movements that can be observed within other denominations, such as the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, Roman Catholicism and others. In the liberal branches and movements of Christianity, questioning and intellectual curiosity are encouraged.

Answer 2

How do we define liberalism? How can we recognize it if it does begin to seep into the church?”

There are so many different perspectives on the issue that it is almost impossible to precisely define the term “liberal.” (Being a liberal is also sometimes referred to as being a progressive or a modernist.) Any attempt to deliniate the “tenets” of liberalism is an exercise in futility. Instead, it is more productive to ask, “What does liberal Christian theology allow for?” From my perspective and understanding, here is a rough outline of the parameters or features of liberal Christianity:

An internal diversity of doctrine is allowed. Each individual is urged to read Scripture for him or herself and to reach the conclusions formulated in her mind. No overarching authority figure (e.g., the Church as a whole or any ecclesiastical official thereof) can determine correct doctrine for all persons in all contexts. The Nicene Creed or other traditional formulations of Christian doctrine are considered, perhaps, but are not considered binding (although most Christians that I know pretty much agree with the doctirnal statements contained in the Nicene Creed).

There is an embracing of higher criticism of the Bible with a corresponding willingness to doubt supernatural elements of biblical stories (e.g., the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, etc.).

There is a rejection of biblical literalism and the inerrancy of the Bible. The belief is that the Bible contains the Word of God but that it also contains much "humanity" as well.
There are differing views on salvation that may include universalistic beliefs.

There is a willingness to consider and adopt viewpoints which have their roots outside of Christianity (e.g., other faith/philosophical traditions).

There is a willingness to re-evaluate and modify beliefs in the light of modern scientific theories.

There is an emphasis on inclusive fellowship and community. This inclusiveness is often applied to racial minorities and to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. There is also a huge emphasis to include women alongside men in the church and in the ministry of the church.

It is my experience and belief that there is a little bit of liberal and a little bit of conservative within each one of us. The question is, “What issue are we discussing?” On some issues I may lean toward "liberalism;" on other issues I definitely lean toward "conservativism."

Answer 3

Barth-ian philosophy

Presbyterian Church of the USA (not to be confused with the other Presbyterian Churches)

Mostly anyone who proclaims that the Bible is not historical and truthful.

Theological Liberalism is the movement that defines a set of people that take the Bible as myth and/or fable. It was started in the Modern period by Friedrich Schleiermacher as a way to make it possible for a learned modern man logical as well as Christian.

Ultimately Schleiermacher just turned Theology into Anthropology. He said that God is Transcendant and unknowable (Schleiermacher was greatly influenced by Immanuel Kant) Sch. said that he only way to know God was to experience him through yourself and others.

If you don't know about Kant, he said there is a noumenal world (the world as it is, which we have no access to) and a phenomenal world (the world as seen through our perceptions of what is going on) We can never see the noumenal world because our perceptions will always paint what we see.

Answer 4

I go to a Vineyard church.
I think most other Christian denominations consider the Vineyard to be pretty liberal.

My experience is that even within the Vineyard the "liberal-ness" varies from church to church. Mine is pretty liberal I guess. Definitely in the eyes of most other churches we are liberal, to the point that some Christians definitely judge us harshly. I certainly would not consider myself a "right wing fundamentalist", nor would I consider most of my friends that.

Answer 5

There are many Christians within the Spiritual Metaphysical community.........they are far more liberal - to the point of
accepting or respecting the belief systems of others, that
serve to lead them to higher enlightenment and spiritual evolution. They do not judge other on their beliefs but on their
character as divine beings of the Oneness we are.

Answer 6

The terms "liberal" and "conservative" are a little confusing in Christianity. Most politically conservative Christians are actually liberal in theology, and vice versa. "Conservative" means "traditional."

But the stereotypical liberal denominations are Epicopal, Unitarians, Quakers, and Methodists.

Answer 7

Just my opinion here, but I think Liberal Christianity is an oxymoron. While I think one can be religious and Liberal, even Christian and Liberal, I don't think that Christianity it's self can be liberal and still be Christianity.

Answer 8

3 examples:
The "More Light" Movement within the Presbyterian Church.
The Episcopal Church of America.
Roman Catholicism.

Answer 9

Those that follow Jesus instead of Paul.

Answer 10

That's an oxymoron.