Here is the thing: Liberal religions are being sucked into a discussion that is not much more than a downward spiral of definition. I know who I am whether or not I can define myself accurately to appease others who demand such definition (even if they are other liberals). Collectively, we know who we are, again, whether or not our self-definition meets the standards set by others.
Belief is boring.
Nobody cares what I believe but me. Humanist, Christian, Pentecostal fire-breathing or
worshipping at the altar of NPR are all boring. Institutions, including "liberal religion" are
meaningless but for the people who constitute them. Making my beliefs come to life in a community of other
living believers is something we (or at least I) can wrap my arms around and
hug dramatically. Is "liberal
religion" that community, or is it one that prefers to sit around chatting
about self-definition?
Engaging boring discussions like this one will be our
downfall. Like shell-game street vendors,
the game is rigged prior to its start.
They set the rules, they operate the game and they determine the
winners. Our hubris compels us to plunk down another $20 to prove our value (to whom, to ourselves, to them?)
Jesus had two commandments: Love God (respect the mystery) and Love Each other (be nice
to each other). Does it really
matter the path we take to arrive there?
No. Humans added that last part and established themselves as its judge and jury. Plunk down
another $20 for a nominally1-3 shot at being “right”. Boring.
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