Liberal Christian Denominations? (Jesus, Torah, tradition, disciples, hell)

[JonM]

Hello, everyone! I have a question I'll bet some of you can answer. I am a Reconstructionist Jew (info), which is a very liberal denomination that's more traditional than Reform, meaning more Hebrew and more traditional melodies in services, but very lenient and informal in terms of observance. We don't believe the Torah is the literal word of God, we only uphold the commandments we are comfortable upholding, and we do not distinguish (or discriminate) on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. In short, we are very invested in Jewish identity, but not in a communalistic way. While more observant denominations may hold that their first responsibility is the welfare of the Jewish people, we believe that our first responsibility is to stand up for everyone on behalf of the Jewish people.

I am wondering if there are specific Christian denominations with similar approaches. I read the information in the Liberal Christianity forum, and it sounded like the same ideas, but there was no information on specific churches. I know that Quakerism and Unitarianism were originally Christian schools of thought, but many Quakers and Unitarian/Universalists I know are not Christian (when the Unitarians merged with the Universalists, did they drop the worship of Christ altogether?). So what churches are out there for people who interpret Christian theology the same way Reconstructionists understand Jewish theology?

Perhaps the answer to this should be obvious, in which case I must ask you to forgive my ignorance, because, like far too many American Jews, I grew up so surrounded by Jews that I never actually got to learn the specifics of how Christianity works. Thanks for your help in advance!

[Green Gaia]

Got these from a friend of mine on another forum:

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
United Church of Christ - probably the most liberal of all
United Methodist
Presbyterian USA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) - the name is a little misleading
Society of Friends (Quakers)

Broken down into groups:

Baptist group
Liberal: Northern Baptist, American Baptist, Progressive Baptist
Conservative: Southern Baptist, Primitive Baptist

Methodist group
Liberal: United Methodist Church (though not all)
Conservative: Nazarene

Lutheran group
Very liberal: United Church of Christ
Liberal: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (though not all)
Conservative: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
VERY conservative: Lutheran Church-Wisconsin Synod

Presbyterian group
Liberal: United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.
Very, very, very, very, VERY conservative: Presbyterian Church in America

Episcopal churches will vary within each diocese. Some are very liberal, others not so much.

Unitarian Universalists are not a Christian denomination. We are very liberal, however.

I should note that even within denominations, individual churches vary greatly on the liberal-conservative spectrum.

[JonM]

Wow, thanks a lot! You know, you just revealed to me a pretty silly mistake I made. My congregation meets in a CCUCC church, which I knew stood for "Congregationalist" something, because thats what people in my synagogue call it because the acronym is such a mouthful, but I knew there had to be more to it than that. Sure enough, the UCC part is the United Church of Christ. Seeing as I share a house of worship with them (and a BEAUTIFUL one at that), I should probably check them out!

Anyway, thanks for the extensive list! You're good at those.

[Green Gaia]

You're very welcome!

I forgot (at least) one! (One I should remember anyway!)

The Metropolitan Community Church is a Christian Church, founded by Gays and Lesbians, for all people and is considered to be a liberal mainline denomination.

[Scuba Pete]

Jon,

I have been impressed with the UCCs that I have come across. Excellent people who are incredibly empathetic.

[sojourner]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, all Christian denominations should do exactly what you describe. But they don't. I was reared in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Denominationally, Disciples are quite liberal. In fact Diciples and the UCC are working together toward full intercommunion. I think you would also find mainstream United Methodists, mainstream ELCA Lutherans and mainstream Episcopalians basically on the same page.

There should be no room in Christianity for the kind of judgmentalism so typically found. That's just not who we're called to be.

I have a very good friend who's atheist, and married to a Reconstructionist Jew. We have a great time arguing the existence of God. And we are able to do so with respect for the other's viewpoint. Why? Because we love each other, and we operate out of love for each other.

It's so good to know that there are other people out there who love God (and Jesus, too...) and choose to champion love, as you say, on behalf of others, and on behalf of God. I live in the Midwest, and I get so, so tired of being told that my views aren't "Christian." As far as I'm concerned (and please don't take this the wrong way!!!) The Reconstructionist Jews are more "Christian" than many many Christians I know.

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by sojourner

...I was reared in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Denominationally, Disciples are quite liberal. In fact Diciples and the UCC are working together toward full intercommunion. I think you would also find mainstream United Methodists, mainstream ELCA Lutherans and mainstream Episcopalians basically on the same page...

Me, too...another Disciple! I haven't seen too many others of us here.

A few years ago, there was an interdenominational synod among DoC, UCC, and some of the denominations you mentioned related to 'reconciliation'. The goal was a dialogue to emphasize our similarities in theology, practices, and missions. IIRC, most of them extended recognition of each others' ministerial credentials and invitations to deliver the Word in each other's pulpits.

Our minister is ordained in both DoC & UCC, and a few years ago, we had a statewide work day at a UCC church in Dublin, GA, and while he was on sabbatical last summer, we enjoyed several guest preachers from churches outside DoC.

Originally Posted by JonM

...we believe that our first responsibility is to stand up for everyone on behalf of the Jewish people...

I like this.

[JonM]

Thanks for chiming in, everyone! It's good to meet you!

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by CaptainXeroid

Me, too...another Disciple! I haven't seen too many others of us here.

A few years ago, there was an interdenominational synod among DoC, UCC, and some of the denominations you mentioned related to 'reconciliation'. The goal was a dialogue to emphasize our similarities in theology, practices, and missions. IIRC, most of them extended recognition of each others' ministerial credentials and invitations to deliver the Word in each other's pulpits.

Our minister is ordained in both DoC & UCC, and a few years ago, we had a statewide work day at a UCC church in Dublin, GA, and while he was on sabbatical last summer, we enjoyed several guest preachers from churches outside DoC.
I like this.

I like that quote you found! Sorry I haven't responded to your post sooner. Hi, fellow Disciple!!!