The Bathwater.

Malevolent forces in our society are using the insights of Progressive Christianity to destroy the Church.

By reinforcing doubts about traditional doctrines they are concluding that it's all bullshit and there's no God.

But this is throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

What Progressive Christianity is trying to do is rescue the baby from the bathwater.

So, by challenging certain traditional teachings, we seek to reinforce our intuitive image of God as wholly benevolent, merciful, and forgiving.

God is Love.

As Jesus taught us.

So do not listen to those who mock and despise the Church.

And do not listen to negative Orthodox doctrines.

God is good.

And His Love is sure. 

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Revisions.

Despite the fact that Fundamentalists say that the Bible is all literally true there is evidence that the prophets' image of God evolves with time.

There are several revisions to the Law and earlier understandings of God.

".....visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children's children to the third generation."  Exodus 34:7 (NRSV)

"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.'  As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.  Know that all lives are mine; the lives of the parents as well as the life of the child is mine; it is only the person who sins that should die."  Ezekiel 18:2-4 (NRSV) 

This is a revision by the prophet Ezekiel of the earlier Law of Moses.

And Jesus does likewise:

"'You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."  But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.'"  Matthew 5:38,39 (NRSV)

"'You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"  Matthew 5:43,44 (NRSV)

So there is Biblical evidence that some of the words put into the mouth of God by earlier prophets are mistaken.

How can the inspired word of God be mistaken? 

The understanding of primitive prophets is limited to the knowledge and worldview of the time.

The revelation is reflected in the understanding of the prophet.

It is clear that Jesus revised the understanding of earlier prophets.

And Jesus' words take precedence over earlier and later interpretations.

So it is clear.

God is non-violent, merciful, and forgiving.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Trinity.

We are members of an Eternal Trinity:

I - You - God.

The soul in me recognizes the soul on you as part of God.

I, through my love, bring the love of God to you.

Love God and love your neighbor.

Love even your enemies.

And you will be a Child of the Living God.

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Jesus' Teachings.

"Thus says the Lord God: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?  You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep.  You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the wounded, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them."  Ezekiel 34:2-4 (NRSV) 

This passage from Ezekiel where God criticizes the shepherds of Israel contains not only the seeds of Jesus criticism of the Pharisees but the source of many of his teachings.

Healing the sick, The Parable of the Good Samaritan, The Parable of the Prodigal Son, The Lost Coin, The Lost Sheep, "Feed my sheep" and more.....

Much of Jesus' teaching derives from the Old Testament.

In fact one Jewish scholar claimed that Jesus said nothing new - it was all in the Old Testament. 

This may be true.

   

But Jesus brought a new perspective to the Old Testament writings.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Snakes!

The devil is a snake!

Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The House of God.

In church we spoke the words:

Here is a place of refuge.  Welcome

   this is the House of God.

Here is a place of belonging.  Welcome

   this is the House of God.  

Come and rest.  Welcome

   this is the House of God.

These are lovely words but do they reflect the reality?

Refuge, belonging, and rest are aspects of a loving God but are they what we experience in church? 

All too often Church people are intolerant, ignorant, prejudiced, racist, homophobic, sexist, abusive, intimidating, and hateful.

They may put up a front of friendly amicability but underneath they can be spiteful and threatening.

So your experience of church may not match the words that they mouth during the services.

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Michelangelo.

All bodybuilders aspire to the beauty of Michelangelo.

This beauty is close to God.

And Michelangelo was gay.

This is a way for us to Heaven.

All bodybuilders and their admirers can contemplate the spiritual creations of Michelangelo.

The depictions of angels and saints.

This blesses our homosexuality and our love.

And it leads directly to God.

Photo Credit: Fernando Noronha.