Progressive Christian web resource and discussion board.

[mzmolly]

"Religion doesn't have to be
irrelevant, ineffectual, repressive...

Do you find more grace in the search for meaning than in absolute certainty, in the questions rather than in the answers?

Do you have religious interests and longings but cannot accept the beliefs and dogmas you associate with Christianity?

Are you repelled by claims that Christianity is the "only way"?

There website was just hacked. But it's up and running again. Some great editorials and resources here. Heck you can even find a church without Regressive Christian ideals! Imagine that!!! ;)

http://www.tcpc.org

Their discussion forum could use a bit of actual *discussion* ;)

http://tcpc.ipbhost.com/index.php?act=idx

Keep it kicked please.

[mzmolly]

1. Here is their mission statement...

The mission of The Center for Progressive Christianity is:

» To reach out to those for whom organized religion has proved ineffectual, irrelevant, or repressive, as well as to those who have given up on or are unacquainted with it.

» To uphold evangelism as an agent of justice and peace.

» To give a strong voice both in the churches and the public arena to the advocates of progressive Christianity.

» To support those who embrace the search, not certainty.


Currently, we are working to fulfill our mission by:

» Creating open and welcoming communities of faith. We are developing strategies for evangelism that do not assume the absolute superiority of Christianity so that we do not contribute to the worlds tragic divisions.

» Reclaiming the symbols of our faith. We are finding effective means to be heard and to influence the behavior of the churches.

» Building an international network of progressive Christians. We are working with independent networks in other countries to provide support for people, especially the isolated, who hold to the principles that we believe are central to the Gospel.

» Being a constructive force for social and environmental justice and peace in the world. We are finding allies in the struggle to bring social and environmental justice and peace to all people, especially those who have been oppressed and powerless.

[Az]

2. Who hacked them

Wasn't one of our team (team atheism) was it?

[mzmolly]

3. I don't know. I wouldn't think so. They are not a typical fundie website

I tend to think of atheists and fundies as two opposite extremes of narrow mindedness.

Both are trying to prove or disprove a methophoric/mystical look at God and the Universe. It's all a matter of chosing which narrow perspective to embrace. I think one is a reaction to the other. And, I'm coming from a totally different place then either ... ;)

But, that's not what this thread is about and I sure as hell don't want to get into that conversation. :evilgrin:

[cprise]

4. That's your problem

I tend to think of atheists and fundies as two opposite extremes of narrow mindedness.

Some people apparently have such a 'broad' mind that they lump atheists in with anti-theists.

I'm not trying to disprove anything. If I don't see the proof, I don't believe.

[mzmolly]

8. Your right. I stand corrected.

I misunderstood the difference frankly. Thanks for the education.

Again, my apologies for my mischaracterization.

I based my opinion on those who claimed to be atheist but were really anti-theist.

Sounds like several people need some schoolin on that issue.

:hi:

[greekspeak]

5. Thank you for your bigotry!

I so appreciate that remark that atheism is one "extreme of narrow mindedness." I am so tired of people like you who spew such BS on this board. I hate this double standard that people like you perpetuate. Atheists who defend themselves or express their ideas are called "anti-theists" and a cacophony of other mis-representative names.

I guess in my ten years as a professional student of religions, I have accomplished nothing except the perpetuation of my atheistic narrow mindedness.

I am an atheist. This means that I do not BELIEVE that there is a God. It is not a goal of mine to "disprove a methophoric/mystical look at God and the Universe." This is logical fallacy. I cannot prove there is not a God. Nor is it my goal to "convert" people to my viewpoint. I have spent over half of my life considering my atheism. I am not an atheist to spite Christians or anyone else. You go believe what you want to believe and I will believe what I want to believe. Fair enough?

[mzmolly]

7. Fair enough, my apologies for the way in which I worded my position.

I won't comment any further on the context of your reply or the reasons for my original statement, because I don't want to take this thread off topic.

Adding:

I do not speak for The Center for Progressive Christianity BTW. But, I was glad to find their website and that is what this thread is about.

I also want to mention that atheism was brought up here by another individual. ;)

I have no problem with anyone atheist or otherwise who doesn't feel they have the corner on the truth. It appears that I was confusing atheism with anti-theism, and learnt something new today.

Sorry for my ignorance on this matter.

[Lisa0825]

6. Thanks for the link!

I had been there before but somehow missed the link for finding progressive churches/organizations near you. I found a couple of places worth checking out!:-)

[mzmolly]

9. There is lots of good stuff if you poke around.

Articles etc...

:hi:

And a discussion board in need of discus-eez! ;)