(July 2, 2015 at 2:21 pm)Redbeard The Pink Wrote:(July 2, 2015 at 2:02 pm)cercatorius Wrote: I think that there is a broad spectrum. I'm rather in the process of deconstructing right now, to be honest. At the moment, I'm neck deep in Rene Girard's theories on mimetic theory and reevaluating my beliefs in that context. I very much enjoy his ideas on violence and sacrifice and their place in religion. I believe Jesus to have been someone who was more fully in touch with his own humanity than I am. His teachings offer a good guideline for me to step out of rivalry with others and hopefully evolve in my treatment of others, and also myself.
This borders on the "No True Scotsman" fallacy, but unless there's something in there about believing that Jehovah is the one true god (that actually exists) and that Jesus is his son (that actually existed), "progressive christianity" doesn't sound like it's actually christianity by definition. If this belief is not present within progressive christianity (meaning progressive christians believe those are figures of myth rather than extant beings), then progressive christianity probably isn't the best term; it should probably instead be called atheistic christianity. In that case, it would be like atheistic satanism, which holds the character of satan as an example and literary embodiment of human will and nature rather than an actual spiritual force that "really" exists.
It sounds like you're trying to use the Bible more as a philosophical framework, recognizing it as myth but feeling it serves as a good source of literary and philosophical value. If that's true, why limit yourself to the Bible, and why still call yourself christian? Why not cherry pick personal value from anything you read, religious text or otherwise? Much of literature has positive lessons to be gleaned. Since I've already mentioned atheistic satanism, are you familiar with the 9 Satanic Sins and the 11 Laws of the Earth? To me, those provide a much stronger, more defensible, and more contemporary moral direction than most anything you'd find in the christian bible.
In what ways do the teachings of Jesus reinforce the ideas of unity and harmony? Sure, he talked about love and forgiveness a lot, but he also said that he came not to bring peace but a sword, to turn families against each other, and that any who don't believe in him should be brought before him and slain. He was also mean to his mother a lot. If only some of what he said can be taken as a good example, then how is he different than any other preacher, thinker, or philosopher from history, and why single him out as the framework for a belief system? Why not take what's good from him and move on in your journey for knowledge?
There's a lot of questions there. I don't limit myself to just Christianity. I agree that there are many venues for truth and goodness and that they should be explored. I haven't delved into satanic laws and sins - that's an accurate assumption on your part. I'm not really sure why, other than a bias of discomfort with the idea - a throwback from my personal history and prejudice. (not defending, just being honest about where I find myself) Jesus may not be any different than any other preacher or teacher or philosopher. I think we as a race have sacrificed many wonderful people, and that he is not unique in that. I don't know that atheistic Christianity would fit as a label for my beliefs. I do believe there is a creative force, although I fall more closely in line with process theology; it may be more powerful than I am, but not all powerful. I'm not sure if you're asking me about my personal thoughts on Jesus and violence or interactions with his mother - I'll forgo addressing those unless you specifically ask me to. I don't want to cross a preachy line at all here. I do hear a lot from atheists that I cannot label my beliefs as Christian if I do not ascribe to contemporary conservative Christianity (although I'm not sure you went that far
). That's a frustrating experience for me, because I believe conservative Christianity to be an entirely different theology and community than what I follow and belong to.
