You can be faithful
to what Jesus taught, in a way that makes sense, without denying your questions, or abandoning science, or checking your mind
at the church door!
The purpose of this
website is to provide a way to hold Jesus central in our faith-lives, without calling him God, or relying on outdated and
unintelligible doctrines -- and without abandoning modern science, ignoring the suffering in the world, or pretending that
we have all the answers. It also provides a firm basis on which we non-traditional
believers can call ourselves Christians, and explains why we share the same faith
as other Christians even when we disagree on our beliefs.
Some call it Liberal Theology or Progressive Christianity. These are both good names, but can be confused with a political agenda -- which this
site and this movement are not about. So why not just call it Common
Sense Christianity?
Thus, this website (and the
book by the same name) are devoted to supporting all those who want a Christian faith that is open enough and strong
enough to thrive on our honest questions and doubts and seeking, as we struggle together to understand our place and role
in the universe, and the God of it all. (See below for free downloads from
the book.)
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Over the past decade or so a
number of voices have spoken out for a Christianity that is not tied to the doctrines developed for the ancient Roman Empire. These include best selling authors -- such as Marcus Borg (and
others involved in the “new quest for the historical
Jesus”); Elaine Pagels (and other writers about the
“lost Gospels”); Kathleen Norris and others who combine modern sensibilities with an appreciation for ancient
spiritual traditions. (See more in the near future on the “Discussion Topics”
page.)
Some of these writers look “behind” the New Testament or at other writings
to find alternative ways of thinking about Jesus. But such options, and a freedom
of belief, are an integral part of the New Testament itself.
We are simply reclaiming
the honesty and questioning and spirit of openness that are part of our Christian heritage.
Click on the topic below that
most interests you, or browse them in order. You may also get free chapter downloads for topics you wish to pursue further
(use the link on the left panel).
**GIVE
US YOU FEEDBACK AND IDEAS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - THIS SITE WILL BE DEVELOPING MORE**
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