Transcendentalist

Ignorant....as in deciding it to be irrelevant? I fear that the fundamentalist message has pushed many into the camp that finds such "Christian history and doctrine" to be trivial at best. I, an American ex-UMC (candidate for ministry to boot), am dangerously close to turning away (for good) from any aspect of the Christian story. In this postmodern era, there are so many other narratives that provide me with as much (if not more) hope and meaning. ...and much less baggage.

Why not? IMO, hungry people should not have to sell their soul (or buy someone elses ) in order to get some food for their children. They shouldn't have to take a religious pledge in order to get some warm clothing. They shouldn't have to read a book in order to have a place to sleep. They shouldn't have to......... .....because the charity should put aside their own agenda and provide a service. A Church or agency should help aleviate suffering because thats what people need. They don't need a lecture or a sales job. Especially if their religious tenets state anything like the Christian Gospel. That's my three cents. Eric

BTW, I almost forgot those folks that identify themselves as Christian Deists. An interesting website regarding this type of belief can be found at Peacedale Fellowship. So many varieties.....so little time. Eric

I am a social worker and I was employed for a few years as a social services director for the Salvation Army. I strongly agree with the concern that proselytizing is inherent in the system. In my experience, their church outreach (which is very fundamentalist Christian) always had priority over the social work. They regularly looked for new ways to evangelize their social service clients. In fact, they had social workers drafting something that they called "The Evangelization Plan for Social Services." IMO, people shouldn't feel pressured in order to receive a bag full of groceries or a winter jacket. Eric

BrotherRog, I need to challenge your reply on two accounts. Deists are now a much more varied group than the definition that you offer (sort of like the changing definition of Christians ). That definition describes the Classical Deist (like your orthodox Christian), but says nothing about the Deists who believe in God's intervention. There are several varieties including Panendeists, Taoist Deists, Process Deists, Intuitive Deists..... They all can be found at The United Deist Church. There is also a growing number of Unitarians who wish to separate themselves from the UU churches. Many identify with Jesus and use the Bible as their primary religious source. They share many, if not all, of the Progressive ideas that you mention. Their website can be had at American Unitarian Conference. I honestly see little difference between the three groups. Not to sound offensive, but..... if he aint' the messiah, then why use the term Christ? Eric

As I stated in another thread (What's the difference?), I consider myself a Postmodern Transcendentalist (www.greensouls.org). I might also be a Deist (I was, but may no longer fit the definition...well maybe ). I used to call myself a Progressive Christian due to my fascination with such authors as John Shelby Spong, Walter Wink, Marcus Borg, John Crossan, Anne Lamott....and the fact that I reject the trinity, miracles, origional sin, the divinity of Jesus and many other orthodox Christian tenets. I no longer use the term since I believe others provide a better fit. I live in Southern Maine and work as a clinical social worker. I do volunteer work (with GreenSouls) as a visiting Chaplain (of sorts) in nursing homes, homeless shelters, jails, and local neighborhoods. I have known about TCPC for awhile, but only realized that you have a forum on this last visit. BTW, I am very pleased to find it. I hope to find some thought provoking and emotionally touching dialogue (ok, maybe some debate) and make a cyber-pal or three. As for ..... a spiritual ninja? Eric

As you can probably surmise, I consider myself a Transcendentalist. I am also considered a Deist (which I may be) by many of my friends at the United Deist Church. I can no longer use the "Christian" label with any honesty because of my inability to accept a personal God, the trinity, the divinity of Jesus, miracles.... It appears, from reading your website, that many of you share these same beliefs, but feel comfortable with the Christian name. What is the difference between a Progressive Christian and a Deist? Or, for that matter, a Unitarian? Is it more of a cultural thing? I am very much interested your replies. Eric