Would you consider yourself to be a Christian? Yes, a very progressive Christian, so progressive theologically, and socially that mainstream Protestants and Catholics would deem me a heretic.
If so, how did you become a Christian? Grew up in the Conservative Baptist Church in America (CBA), and Missouri Synod Lutheranism (LCMS). While I enjoyed the social company of these fine people, the doctrines could not resonate with my heart, mind, or conscience. Became a Unitarian Universalist four years ago, and realized my identity as a UU Christian two years ago.
If you believe in God, what are 3 aspects of him that you believe? If you don’t, give 3 reasons why you don’t believe in him? God is spirit. Assigning a sexual orientation, gender, nation, religion, or other social construct onto God is not honoring the depth, and vastness of the divine mystery. God is one, of one essence. The Eternal cannot be divided into parts. If so, this division undermines God's power. By having God as a strict unity this brings Christianity back in alignment with Judaism, and allows for dialogue with Muslim tradition. Also this unity makes a bold statement- that humanity is one, our world is one, and God is the mother and father of us all rather than having a separate God of x tradition, or a God of y tradition.God is love- God can do whatever God wills provided it does not go against love. God's love and mercy are powerful that all souls Christian or not will be brought to salvation.
Do you think that God is still currently involved in our lives or did he just leave us alone after he created the world? Why or why not? This is a question I'm still wrestling with. On the one hand, if God is withdrawn, then there is no room for the Almighty to be present in our lives. If God is always present active in the world then there is no room for human agency. We are co-creators with God, the creation is still ungoing, and we are the arms and hands through which the divine is made manifest.
Do you believe that Jesus came to die for us? Why or why not?
The idea of a loving God willing for the death of an innocent (particularly of one who God is pleased) to accomplish reconciliation is abhorrent. This doctrine essentially states that violence is redemptive, that violence encourages faith, that two wrongs make a right, limits people's possibilities for bringing about reconciliation, or acting peacefully. Surely in all of God's infinite mercy, and love there has to be another way to accomplishment forgiveness.
Do you believe that Jesus was a good teacher, the Son of God, a combination of both, or something else entirely? Jesus is a human, and a prophet. He is a son of God in the way we are each sons and daughters of God but not of God's own loins. He was a prophet in the tradition of Micah, Hosea, and Elijah bringing Judaism back to its prophetic voice rather than starting a new religion. As a Rabbi, a rebel rousing Jew, he was loyal to, and attuned to God's presence. Throughout scripture he is quoting the Shema- O Hear O Israel the Eternal our God is one and only one. When he is being executed at the hands of an oppressive empire for his heretical beliefs of universal love, and radical inclusion he says, "Abba, forgive for they not know what they do" a willingess to forgive those who have wronged him. He embraced the spirit rather than the letter of the law in framing as "Loving God with all soul, strength and mind". And to love others as one loves oneself. The law, and the teachings of prophets hinge on this, the rest is commentary. In mixed company he was willing to meet up with those who mainstream religious types and the empire thought were untouchables including prostitutes, tax collectors, adulters, thieves, and so many more. Jesus was a revolutionary by overturning the moneychangers in the temple, healing people on the Sabbath, saving a woman from being stoned. He encouraged people to stand in solidarity against Roman oppression claiming, "Give unto Cesar what is Cesar's" and what is "God's God's" Romans used crosses as a means of silencing dissents. They knew if they could kill the Galiean, chances are his movement would die with it. With this in mind, the cross rather than being a symbol of death and destruction becomes a warning that if one is going to defend the powerless, and the oppressed, one is going to pay a hefty price.
What is your view of miracles that appear in the Bible such as the healing of the blind man or Jonah and the big fish? Don't know. Still wrestling with it.
Do you think that Hell is a fair punishment for those who don’t believe? Why or why not?
Hell creates a sinister and bloodthirsty God who has no compassion or love for creation. It's impossible for finite beings, to commit finite offenses against an infinite God. Further this idea is born of fear, and destruction. Arminianism fails as a theology because it says that God is able to save all souls but can't therefore underming God's power. Calvinism fails as a theology because it says that God is only willing to save a small number, and to the rest God damns turning God into a pyschopath rather than a loving parent.This undermines God's love, power, and mercy.
Do you think that the Bible is accurate? Why or why not?
The Bible while elements of it are of divine origin, is mostly a book written by humans, in the language of humans to describe their evolving relationship with God, and how humanity has wrestled with the big existential questions.
Do you feel Christians are exclusive? Give reasons to support your answer.
Not all Christians are exclusive, yet there are some exclusive Christians whose faith I describe as the religion about Jesus as opposed to the religion of Jesus. Rather than following the prophet's example, teachings and his incredible encounter with the divine, they have deified him. Instead of treating the Bible as one of many nourishing sources they have likened it to an idol and a weapon against those who do not follow the narrow line. Rather than using their minds and seeking for truth they hide behind blind faith, indwelling prejudices, and mold-forming creeds. Instead of worshiping, and encountering a truly loving and merciful God who brings all to salvation and wholeness, they revere a God who separates the saved from the damned, and is one whose morals are questionable (espec. requiring the death of an innocent to bring about atonement).
Do you think that there will be other religious groups in heaven besides Christians? Why or why not? All Souls means All Souls. As mentioned earlier, I believe that God will bring all souls into harmony with the divine at death. God is like a good shepherd who leave behind the 99 sheep already in the pin in search of that final 100th sheep. Each religion has its different names of the divine, and metaphysics. In light of those differences we are all the children of a singular, unified God. The party is much more fun when lots of people are invited as opposed to have a select number with the rest looking outside.
