shawn

The cross ... this object, IMO, and with a historical understanding of Jesus of Nazareth in tow, represents the highest challenge to humanity to not only embrace the "Kingdom (realm) of God" which hung Jesus there, but also the lengths which its (the Kingdom) challenging importance beckon. In other words, the cross was the culmination of Jesus ideological dedication and practical social implementation of the tangible characteristics of the "Kingdom." These are the very things that resulted in his death by the cross. While most dedicated and well meaning Christians see the cross as a divine rescue from their sins and earth pangs, I see it as an incredible symbolic representation of the incredible challenge contained in an authentic existence within this very social and universal "Kingdom" which was and remains grounded in ideas concerning fairness, equality, human rights, activism, and open tables. There is, IMHO, nothing which induces a personal sense of security - in the now or in an eternity somewhere - existing in any of these "Kingdom" initiatives.

1) Do you consider yourself to be a progressive Christian? Why or why not? Ah, no. I was a dedicated Christian but have since moved on. Am I progressive? Yes. So progressive, it seems, that there was honestly no point in continuing to refer to myself as "Christian" - at least according to the historical definition of Christinity. 2) Where do you live? If you're under 18, please don't be any more specific than your city and do NOT give us your school or your last name. Its not safe Philly. 3) What do you do for a living? What do you do outside of your wage-earning job? I am presently finishing a B.A. in Theology and am planning to enter an M.A. in Philosophy. 4) How did you find out about these boards? I've been an associate for a few years now. I consistently check the site for news. 5) What are you looking for as you post here? Consistency and logic. 6) What on Earth do you think this icon means? ??? 7) Tell us anything else you want to about yourself I really appreciate a good hamburger.