notMichaelJackson

"There is perhaps nothing a person will be more criticized and harassed for, and perhaps with the least merit, than the God he worships."

After having some long and frustrating debates and flame wars with other theists, this thought entered my mind. It goes along the lines of "God is created in the image of man." I believe there is a God, although I am not sure who/what he is, and I know that many have created their God in their own image.

One of my beliefs that I am often criticized/harassed for is theistic evolution. Believe me, I take a ton of heat for this doctrine. "First, let me say that if you believe in theistic evolution, you have a pretty lousy God," Hector Mendela at CF. "Theistic evolution is an oxymoron." "I think that theistic evolution implys a God who is weak and does think humans are any better than the animals." Plus a few others. I know that most who will read this will be atheists, and I talk about te very often, but I am not the only one who has beaten the Creationism/Evolution subject to death. I bring this topic up to demonstrate the conflict between theists.

As a liberal Christian who believes in removing religion from politics, I often debate with fundamentalists who want to use the Bible to justify certain political actions. More criticism/harassment directed at me because I don't agree with them, and they often say I'm not Christian for this.

Any theist who has dicussed their beliefs with others can probably relate. Of course, it is also remotely possible that there is no God, making the center statement of my quote the most important.

Goliath

I'm glad that there is infighting and bickering amongst the various sects of xianity. It is one of the biggest things (if not the only thing) that has kept the Wall of Separation between church and state from crumbling.

Onward, divided xian soldiers!

Sincerely,

Goliath

Amos

Well good, it was the division in religion that built the wall to begin with. I hold that religion should be both above and below the state. Above in the senate and below on the streets to console its victims.

Koyaanisqatsi

Upon what, may I ask, do you base this belief, especially if, as you say, you are not sure who/what "he" is?

I know you brought this up to demonstrate the conflict between theists, but I'm also curious, if you don't mind. Why, again, would you accept a "theistic" evolution and not simply evolution, in light, especially of your unsure belief?

I'm not picking a fight here, by the way, just exploring your post.

Well, technically, as I can see it, you're not. The NT is very specific about what a Christian actually is and by saying you believe there is "a" God though not sure what/who he is would be clear evidence that goes against you calling yourself a Christian in any meaningful way (i.e., other than simply a cosmetic holdover from childhood).

Again, not trying to pick a fight, but you've posted some very curious and seemingly contradictory observations about your beliefs and the beliefs of "fundamentalists."

It's a common theme around here, too, so don't feel that I'm necessarily taking you directly to task on this; I'm always curious about people who claim to be "liberal christians" and what that actually means (again and especially in light of what you've said regarding the unsurety of your beliefs).

By the way, most of us were once christian cult members as well, but some of the same things you brought up "awakened" us, if you will? So, if you don't mind, I'd like to skate that line with you and examine why it is, for a brief time (I'm still retired).

diana

notMichaelJackson,

I'm curious about the same things Koy asked, so I'll just say, "What he said." Please expand on your theme.

Thanks,

d

Koyaanisqatsi

And hurry up, because this is my last day back here out of retirement.

thebeave

not MichaelJackson,
Interstingly enough, there is a new thread over in the Evolution/Creation board I started called, "Evolution, guided by God" (i.e. theistic evolution) in which I inquire about the details of Evolution, guided by God. It is directed mostly towards those with beliefs like yourself. If you don't mind, I would appreciate hearing in more detail, your views on this. Thanks.