Dred37 Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 Hello Folks! I am Edwin L. Holton, Ph.D., retired academic librarian and professor of humanities (world religions and history of philosophy); I am also a retired United Methodist minister. I have been through many years of theological debate and personal seeking. My faith is resolved into three elements: Belief in the reality of the constant presence of God (Jung: "Bidden or unbidden, God is here!); Faith in God's love and forgiveness everywhere and all the time; Prayer as the route to personal relationship with the eternal God. Yes, I am a Progressive Christian...left to my own devices I'd affiliate with the Unitarian Universalists, but family is in the way. My wife, who had multiple psychiatric problems, has recently decided to become a Roman Catholic and tends to listen to the Catholic t.v. site EWTN virtually all day. I had not realized how literalist the Catholic church is. Frankly, they are driving ME nuts with all the emphasis on sin, sin, sin, suffering, crucifixion, death, real presence in the Eucharist, and virgin Mary. My faith is that God has forgiven us, is not standing over us with some threat of punishment, and that Joy is the real heart of living close to God. I am so glad for the Progressive Christian website...and for Bishop Spong. As a teacher of world religions I also believe that there are multiple routes to God's heart and that love and joy are central to our relationship to God. I spent several years contemplating converting to Judaism and find I have to combine what I discovered there with my interpretation of Christianity. God Bless, Ed Holton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 Welcome Ed, I'm glad you've made your way here and I hope you enjoy participating here. Cheers Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephM Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Welcome Ed, So glad you found something more meaningful for yourself. As with most here leaving behind such literalistic teachings and rituals you mentioned has been a breath of fresh air. Hoping you find discussions here thought provoking and to your satisfaction. Again Welcome and thanks for the introduction. Joseph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soma Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Ed salutations to the Divinity within you. I am sure you will enjoy the diversity and different angles we look at almost every thing in Eternity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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