I am rather new to this Liberal Progressive movement- having only been within the last 5 years discovered that I had slipped into it. I would like to make a few observations on why "our" numbers are shrinking. One, I think it is more difficult to be a progressive Christian. It was easy as a Fundamentalist Pastor, all I had to do was stay within the parameters of "the faith" and never question or doubt the faith. (The latter was becoming more difficult for me) It was easy because I knew all the answers to all the questions. But now as a "liberal-progressive," I realize I do not have all the answers and even some of the questions- I question.
That may be one reason why the numbers are shrinking-because it requires much more work and study- and alot more honesty with oneself and others.
Secondly, no one really "evangelized" me into the progressive side of Christianity. I am beginning to wonder about that. Why didn't someone approach me with some "liberal" wisdom?
Oh, there were people who planted some seeds- like a Presbyterian History Professor who came up to me after one of my lectures and said "Ed, I know what your problem is -you only see black and white , no gray!" Yet He wasn't advocating that I become a liberal.
The final thought is - the evaneglical Fundamentalist camp offers something that people are looking for in this world- the security of having "the truth." Our numbers may be shrinking because in a world of pain, poverty, injustice etc- people do not want an insecure faith- a faith with doubt- a faith that doesn't have all the answers. if we want to see our numbers increase- we need to begin to adrress that issue- why a faith with doubt is the real faith...that real security is found in accepting the realization that we do not have all the answers. That faith is not about the answers or the questions.
something I was thinking about...ed