Christian Community Networking

 Ramon Roane, author/speaker

Liberal Christians

I have often heard of the term liberal and conservative has it relates to political parties, but when it comes to Christianity that gives me pause. I can make the argument for the conservative Christian, but I am having some problems in getting my hands around the term, liberal Christian. I hope that a liberal Christian out there could help me out.

The definition of a liberal is being opened to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values. I could find no scripture to support this position. The definition of a conservative is holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in politics or religion. Now, there is the scriptural support for this position;

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 (KJV)

14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Let’s say that I don’t really believe in labeling any form of Christianity. Whether you call yourself conservative or liberal it does not matter, because Christians are not supposed to be divided. Nowhere in the bible are Christians divided in the doctrine of Christ. If Christ is not divided, then why should we?

My argument for conservative Christian is that they make an effort to follow the scriptures as written. The view points of the conservative are many times not the popular positions especially here in the United States. That is fine with many Christians, because Christ said that we would experience opposition when following Him.

However the liberal Christian seems to take a more emotional stance in their interpretation of the bible. I found that their belief is that the bible interpretation changes with time. What am I saying? They believe that the living bible is also an expanding bible. It is some belief that you can’t follow the bible today because of the time in which we are living.

I am not trying to be provocative, but I need clarity from my liberal church family. Let’s take the homosexual subject has it pertains to the church. If it was wrong in 33AD, what would make it right in 2011AD? If women pasturing churches was not permitted then, what would make it right, now? Again, I am not trying to step on anyone toes, I like many need some answers from the liberal Christians to these questions.

Jesus Christ, if He was nothing else He was consistent. We all would want a Savior that would be consistent. Who would want a Savior that would change like the calendar? Think about this, Jesus would be an Aries in April and change to Taurus in May that is not who he is. He is the same yesterday, day and forever more.

I consider myself a conservative, but in politics and life. However, when it comes to my faith it is just Christian. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26). That is enough for me!

What say you?