christianchange - Profile (original) (raw)

on 9 March 2009 (#19011664)

Christians For Progressive Change

Friendly discussion of liberal Christian theology and politics

This community is for friendly discussion of liberal Christian theology and politics, with an emphasis on current events, secular politics, and real-world change through activism.

General Theology
You will meet people with theologically liberal outlooks here. They might be members of New Thought denominations; they might be members of older, more traditional denominations; they might be independent of any religious organization. If you hold orthodox beliefs, do not be surprised when other members have different takes than you do on Christianity. If you hold _un_orthodox Christian beliefs, do not be surprised to find some who are traditional in their theology share your concerns about social justice, and are welcome here.

Discussions about comparative religion occur. There may be pertinent quotes from spiritual disciplines other than Christianity. You may encounter agnostics, atheists, or people who follow religions other than Christianity within the community. Their viewpoints are welcome, too, as is their alliance when reaching toward mutual political goals. The hope is not for constant debate between differing viewpoints, but a useful sharing of commonalities.

Science
We're for it and do not see it as an adversary of religion.

Sexuality
This is a reconciling community which proactively supports equality for GLBTQ persons. Please do not use this community to preach on the sins of homosexuality. If you feel you must explain why you believe it is a sin, please invite people to your private journal to do so. Members should politely decline such invitations, if they desire. This community will mainly discuss ways in which progress toward equality can be made.

Racism
Will not be tolerated. Problems in society related to racism are appropriate subjects for discussion, and proposed solutions are especially welcome.

Separation of Church and State
This community is anti-theocracy, believing that the best way to ensure the well-being of religion and society is for government to allow people the freedom to pursue God as He calls them to do as individuals. At the same time, this community supports individuals who use that freedom to better the world and the lives of those around them. Requests for help with activism are welcome.

Stem Cell Research and A Woman's Right To Choice Regarding Abortion
The community has no official stance on these matters. These topics are always volatile in any group, so we ask members to be particularly diplomatic when debating the subjects, no matter your position on them.

Charitable Requests
Requests for charity to an individual should not be made and will be deleted. If you would like to recommend a charitable organization as worthy in its goals and methods, that's fine. Members should be aware it is their own responsibility to investigate the legitimacy of an organization before making donations. If members ever find a questionable organization has posted a request for volunteers or donations, a note to the moderator would be appreciated.

Pertinent News Stories
Yes, share them. Please quote only a paragraph or so, and provide a link to the original source for further reading.

Conservatism
Since this group is intended to foster liberal discussion and progressive action for change, there will be limited tolerance for those who solely advocate conservative ideologies. Some discussion on the subject is natural and useful, but repeated adversarial posts questioning whether progressive change is desirable at all will be moderated.

Interaction
It is expected that conversation will always be civil and it is hoped it will be friendly. No name calling, no personal attacks, no telling anyone who is and is not Christian. Present your viewpoint, ask questions about the viewpoints of others, but please do so in good spirit. Here, discussion is much preferred to debate.

Moderation
In all things. Keep it clean; keep it civil; keep it constructive. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and participation.

If you encounter a problem in the community or have any questions please contact the maintainers.

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Matthew 25:31–46
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will put the sheep at His right hand and the goats at the left.

Then the king will say to those at His right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’"

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