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Feb. 25th, 2003 10:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kayreI’ve been following this controversy with interest, lately. [Summing up-- a United Methodist bishop has written a book in which he outlines his very liberal understanding of Christianity succinctly and explicitly. Responses have ranged from condemnation and calls for a heresy trial to support and gratitude for his candor.]
The situation fascinates me because it is finally forcing at least some liberal Methodist ministers, especially bishops, to be honest about their beliefs. (Check out the last two paragraphs of that article for an example.) Having worked closely with an unusual number of ministers and ministerial candidates, I’ve discovered that many of them are closet liberals-- afraid to preach what they actually believe. They walk a careful line, never actually affirming either fundamentalist or liberal views, preaching about living good lives without actually preaching much Christianity at all. Most of them will cautiously admit their liberal beliefs in one-on-one discussions (which is how I’ve found out); some will let them show in small groups like Bible studies; but they won’t preach it in front of their entire congregations. After all, that would cause discussion, arguments-- it might actually make people think. Can’t have that, can we?
My church librarian bought Bishop Sprague’s book, and I’m reading it now. I had intended to post brief notes about it as I read..... but I can’t stop. So after I finish it, tomorrow probably, I’ll re-read and share some tidbits. It’s only 112 pages, so if you want to know what liberal Christianity is, it’s a good place to start.
People like Joseph Sprague and John Shelby Spong and Peter Gomes and Andrew Greeley give me hope.
The situation fascinates me because it is finally forcing at least some liberal Methodist ministers, especially bishops, to be honest about their beliefs. (Check out the last two paragraphs of that article for an example.) Having worked closely with an unusual number of ministers and ministerial candidates, I’ve discovered that many of them are closet liberals-- afraid to preach what they actually believe. They walk a careful line, never actually affirming either fundamentalist or liberal views, preaching about living good lives without actually preaching much Christianity at all. Most of them will cautiously admit their liberal beliefs in one-on-one discussions (which is how I’ve found out); some will let them show in small groups like Bible studies; but they won’t preach it in front of their entire congregations. After all, that would cause discussion, arguments-- it might actually make people think. Can’t have that, can we?
My church librarian bought Bishop Sprague’s book, and I’m reading it now. I had intended to post brief notes about it as I read..... but I can’t stop. So after I finish it, tomorrow probably, I’ll re-read and share some tidbits. It’s only 112 pages, so if you want to know what liberal Christianity is, it’s a good place to start.
People like Joseph Sprague and John Shelby Spong and Peter Gomes and Andrew Greeley give me hope.
