We often hear about the "Christian Right," or "Conservative Christians." Yet, if you think about it, Jesus was the original liberal.  He cared about motives more than the deeds themselves (Matthew 23:5 & Mark 12:41-43) and more about compassion than adhering to rules (Luke 6:1-11 & Luke 13:10-17). This blog will reflect liberal Christian values of compassion, tolerance, mercy, charity, a thirst for knowledge & understanding, and, above all, love.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Soap For The Soul

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“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” ~ Ephesians 1:7


| Subject: Jesus' Baptism | Artists: Otto Semler and others, 
based on the engravings by Carolsfeld |
| all in the public domain |
Other than the wonderful people in my life, the blessing I’m most grateful for is God’s limitless forgiveness.  I need it.  As well intentioned as I am, I find myself slipping daily. 

Many Christians believe that Adam's original sin makes us bad people who can only be saved by grace.  I prefer to think of myself as a good person constantly cleansed by grace via repentance.  I think of sin as dirt which stains my spirit.  Repentance is like bathing to wash away those stains away.


Of course, we try not to collect such stains to begin with.  Yet, no matter how hard I try, I seem to dribble proverbial pasta sauce down my front.  Thus, I’m grateful that God has an endless supply of soap for me to wash with, as long as I remember to earnestly use it.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

I'm No Judge

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Matthew 7:1 ~ “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

This week, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I came across a post I’d never thought I’d see.  My former pastor announced she had left her husband for another woman.   I was floored.  It wasn’t her bi-sexuality which upset me, I’m good with all types of consensual sexuality.  I was simply shocked to “hear” their marriage had ended.

Actually, shocked is the wrong word.   I was angry.   It had been her sermon which helped me see that I could be a Christian without sacrificing my progressive values.  Now she was leaving her husband who had recently been in the hospital.  “How dare  she,” I said to myself.

Then I caught myself.  I realized I’d been judging her based on what they both mean to me, but in reality I had no more idea than the man on the moon what their personal issues were/are.  Even if I had known, it’s not my place to judge either them in any way.

Jesus loved unconditionally.  Prostitutes, tax collectors, and fishermen were all welcome within His fold; they were all loved for who they were.   As Christians, we’re called to love without judgment or condition.

To spite Seinfeld’s theory of the winner receiving the spoils, I will still count each of them among my list of friends, and will love them for who they are.  I’m just ashamed it took me a few days to get there.