?? CAN YOU BE CHRISTIAN IF. . .??
*You question what
they taught you in Sunday School?
*You have doubts
about God or the Bible?
*You can’t
believe what you’re “supposed to”?
*You think Jesus
was a human being like us -- not God walking around in disguise?
* You don’t
think the Trinity makes sense?
* You can’t
accept that a loving God causes suffering, or demanded that an innocent Jesus die “for our sins” before forgiving us?
?? CAN YOU BE CHRISTIAN ??
YES YOU CAN!
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to provide a way to hold Jesus central in our faith-lives, without calling him God, or relying on outdated and unintelligible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 for us 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.)
******************************************
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**
