fiatlux

Sorry, will disappoint you. Very funny article by a highly conservative woman and her son coming out as a Progressive. But I can't find it and will not do it justice. Yet I thought her use of the term "t***smoral" (alluding to the LBGTQ community) as funny and telling. (What in tarnation does "Q" mean?) Anyway, I know what my parents would have done: f**ed i was special needs. Pat me on the head frequently and maybe put me on a leash to show I was seriously off the mark mentally (and spiritually).

There was no doubt in their mind about Catholicism and its traditions being the absolute t***h. I no longer see that way. And I don't feel good about it. My entire extended family and four brothers still see Catholicism as "the one, true faith." Just for them, to feel that ease and acceptance amongst them, I am very hard pressed not to concede. How nice it would be. But though I really and truly respect their beliefs, and hunger not to be outside, their view no longer works for me. I am by no means saying they are wrong, no; as I said earlier, I think God is big enough to tolerate much foolishness in us if we are honest and sincere, in our clumsy and limited way, in following him. My entire family, as far as I know, disagrees. Only "one, true faith."

However, the topic is Progressives, or the t***smoral. What to do or say about this movement in Christianity or society? Help?

PaulPisces Loc: San Francisco

I think you've hit the proverbial nail on the head. The very idea that one can define, limit or even describe God borders on the hilarious. Yet there remain countless factions that continue to say their understanding is the only valid one. They cannot imagine that God is bigger than any of our ideas, more complex, completely un-understandable to our tiny human abilities.

Progressives, liberals, conservatives, etc are all labels that help us describe very big and broad ideas (sound familiar?). We tend to forget that humans are all individuals, and that there are innumerable nuances between each individual's perception in these groups that make the labels less and less valuable over time.

And thanks for using the inclusive L***Q. The "Q" is there to represent both individuals who prefer the term "q***r" - most often young people - and to represent those that are questioning their sexual orientation.

fiatlux

In questioning closely people of my faith back as a Catholic and continuing that tradition in numerous churches that I have attended, I feel somewhat safe in saying each person is a religion onto themselves. No one person I have ever met thoroughly agrees with wh**ever sect or denomination they are in. Just one thing is enough but so are shades. 10k registered Christian sects and how many more tens of thousands unregistered. You got it right and perfect? You? You?

As Francis said, always preach the Gospel, and when necessary use words.

son of witless

Religion sets behavior standards. Different religions can have different standards, but it is still about behavior codes. If believing in God has no limits or standards, then their is no point. There is no morality and limits to what an individual can do. May as well be honest and call yourself an Atheist.

PaulPisces Loc: San Francisco

I would say you are incorrect son of witless. Religion is not at all necessary to have standards by which differing people can live together peacefully and productively.

I am not an atheist, but an agnostic. And I'm perfectly happy for every individual to use wh**ever spiritual structure they need to deepen their understanding of their relationship to creation, and to each other. Just leave the violence out.

Your language above also seems to indicate you believe God has limits, which I myself find at the very least odd, and at the worst objectionable. It speaks to the need to put God in a box with a very narrow definition. I like to think God is amused by this rather than angered by this strategy.

son of witless

You like to think that God thinks like you. I get it. My point is still valid. Every religion sees God in their own way. Every religion sets rules of behavior for it's members, that adhere to what they believe God wants them to live by.

Anyone who does not want to live by the rules of a religion either has to find another religion or has to leave all religion. I have a hard time with someone complaining about the religion they grew up with. If you do not believe in it then leave.

God sets his own limits and rules. If he is in a box as you say, he put himself there. We mortals only try to interpret his will. And that is not easy. We screw up, , , a lot.

We can agree on leaving the violence out. That is what we Christians try to do.

fiatlux

Huh? Either that made no sense or I have no sense.

fiatlux

There is a good portion of people to whom there are no set limits or rules. But who believe in God.

Alicia Loc: NYC

***************
Your last comment is unclear. Everyone has standards and limits but many believe these hold true only after considering the conditions existing in each incidence.

J Anthony Loc: Connecticut

One does not need organized religion to believe in God or have morals.. No one knows what God is, we believe what feels right to us, and there is no "one true faith". If people could understand and accept that it'd probably be a more peaceful world.

jaydee

Lean not to thine own understanding.
There is a way that seemith right to a man, but the end there of is death. .

Good day.






.

son of witless

Why do they believe in God? Do they believe in a God who expects nothing of them? Wait, wait, they believe in a God who leaves them alone. Live and let live. They believe in an indifferent God.

Did your God create Planet Earth as a children's spinning top? He created everything on it, pulled the spinny string, and now he watches it spin across a Galactic table. He doesn't interfere and watches in amusement as those silly little critters live out their pathetic existences.

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

I feel that they believe God quite simply does not judge "how" they pay homage, that He does not hesitate to reach out and wrap His arms around them in Grace. I have strong faith. I constantly remind myself that "I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me" and while I know for many there is a comfort in the structure of being one with a Religion, I am not one of them. Like fiat, I have a personal relationship with God and that feels like the priority. I have long and heartfelt conversations with God. The last time I was in my former church of choice, I felt I almost couldn't breathe. I wondered how I had never noticed before the lack of passion, the autopilot. Religion does not necessarily ensure spirituality.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

You are SO right. sometimes the best place to seek and find God in sitting on the porch watching the deer and listening to the birds sign out His Glorious Name.

missinglink Loc: Tralfamadore

:thumbup: :thumbup: