My 95 theses about my own church (Fundamentalist Christian)?

Question

As a fundamentalist Protestant these are two problems I see.

1) Putting too much time and activity campaigning against homosexual marriage. Why are we putting so much time and energy into this when the sins of divorce and adultery are rampant in many of our churches? I feel we purposely blindfold ourselves to this and not only will God hold us accountable, these sins are destroying the church from the inside out.

2) Hyper-Israelism. Because of several past efforts to wipe Israel off the map I support Israel's right to exist, including giving humanitarian and military aid. But Isreal is guilty of doing evil things itself. I believe it's wrong to say whatever Israel does is right because they are the chosen people, it is prophesized in the Bible and so it's God's will. I think this plays into Satan's hands and turns away Palestians and Muslims who might otherwise be open to the Gospel. They recognize the hypocrisy that some of us don't consider Israelis and Muslims to be equal.

Dr. Kemp, I saw the program on the architecture of the Byzantine Empire on the History channel, it was very well done and fascinating, thanks. Madderthanthehatter.

Answer 1

You are right there is little balance there and yes they will be held accountable .. I was involved in a Pentecostal church that was very political I don't disagree with taking stances but we should be having mentality changing sermons , and things such as adultery and divorce shouldn't have so many incidences..

The 4 walls is nothing but a worldly sanctuary to ease ones guilt and make them feel as if they can get away with their sins in some cases..Granted believers are not perfected but looking at the problems within those walls doesn't seem too much different then the worldly world to me...

Answer 2

As a fairly progressive Christian, I have always struggled with literal readings of the Bible. Why? Many reasons. The main one is I simply cannot literally believe much of what the Bible says. I find great meaning in reading the Bible metaphorically(if this is offensive to many of my fundamentalists brothers and sisters, I'm sorry, but it's how I feel).

In terms of homosexuality... Whether we as Christians believe that homosexuality is a sin or not, aren't there other things we should be obsessing about? As followers of Christ, I truly believe our first focus should be advocating for the poor, fighting injustice, and sharing God's compassion with all people. On our death bed, will we really regret we didn't make gays and lesbians feel worse about themselves?

Thank you for sharing your ideas. While fundamentalist Christianity does not work for me, I respect that it works for many people. That said, when ANY religious organization becomes aggressively exclusive (in the name of Jesus!), thoughtful people need to offer alternative views. You have done that today. Thanks.

Answer 3

you could divorce for any immorality. the Bible does no longer forbid divorce, in fact divorce is commanded in Ezra 10, Sirach 25:26 and a million Corinthians 5 (divorce andcontinual out are a similar ingredient). The Bible does no longer limit gay marriage it prohibits gay intercourse, If what your ingredient claims became real Christians would be attempting to have homosexuals accomplished.

Answer 4

You'll probably get reports for not asking a question, but before you do, let me shake your hand here in cyberspace: excellent theses. Any way you and I could go around the country nailing them to fundamentalist church doors from Bangor to Baja?

Answer 5

Okay, where's the other 93?

If you want to start yet another protestant-protestant church, you'll need to at least be up to par with Luther.

Answer 6

Good for you for examining your own faith and your church's teachings thoughtfully! Keep up the good work, and remember faith is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

Peace to you.

Answer 7

1. I agree

2. What is it the Isreali's have done that you think they shouldn't have done?