Which religion best suits me? (Jesus Christ, birth control, beliefs, evolution)

[caylinwest]

From a young age, I was raised as a Southern Baptist. As an adult, I find their views on evolution and the bible contradictory to my own now. I have a one year old daughter and I want to provide her with a healthy Christian environment that doesn't contradict my own beliefs. If anyone could help me figure out what religion best matches my own beliefs, I would be grateful.

Basically, I do believe that evolution could have been a tool used by God to create us. I do not believe that the bible should be taken so literally, ie, I don't believe the world was made in six days and I don't believe God flooded the entire world and Noah saved all the animals by taking them into an ark. I do believe in birth control. I have a hard time condemning gay people. I don't believe same sex marriages were God's plan, but I have a hard time faulting someone for finding love in another person who is the same sex. True love is hard enough to find. I am pro-life. I believe in Jesus Christ and that he died for our sins.

Can anyone help me pin down which doctrine of faith would best suit me?

Thanks!

[Halcyon]

You'll probably have to find a liberal Christian Church, but if that's impossible near to where you live then the Unitarian Universalists would be happy to count you amongst them.

If you're feeling adventurous and have friends with similar beliefs there is no reason why you can't start your own faith group or "church" in your area, when Christianity was first beginning small groups of people meeting to pray and read scripture in each others houses was the norm.

[Father Heathen]

Unitarian Universalism?

Edit: yeah, what Halcyon said.

[angellous_evangellous]

I think that you'd fit in to a variety of Christian churches.

I would just visit around looking for a good pastor - such a creature may exist in a more conservative church.

[Wandered Off]

From my discussions with members here, it seems some Episcopal churches and some Disciples of Christ churches (look for the red chalice emblem) are less rigid in their interpretations than the Southern Baptists, while retaining more of a Christian focus than the UUs. Methodists are usually a little more laid back too. Each congregation is different, but those may be worth checking into.

[caylinwest]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I did think of asking the pastor of the church my daughter goes to daycare in. He may know which church in the area would best suit my beliefs. I've really been putting off trying to find a place of worship in my area. Moderate liberal doesn't seem to be easy to find in a church in the south.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

[Jaiket]

I have no advice I'm afraid, but I do wish you the best of luck.

[Charity]

I would visit many different churches and talk with the pastor as to what the denomination believes. Hopefully you will find something that you will feel is the right one for you.

[DallasApple]

Wandered off is right about the Disciples of Christ Church..At least the one I was a member of here...I specifically remember in a Bible study talking about evolution..My husband and I were "free" to believe how we wanted on that issue.And we were'nt the only ones that didnt believe everything was created in 6 days.

Also if this tells you anything..The new permanent pastor they hired was a pregnant woman in her 30's...Many of the denominations are still so backwards they believe women should not sit in "authority" over a man in the church.

Even the church we attend on occasion now?..I go for specific reasons that I like..But they have six pastors..1 lead(the founder) and 5 juniors and they are all men and I do not think thats a coincidence..

Anyway..DCC might be one to look in to...

Love

Dallas

[DallasApple]

OOOps...and I mean no offense to the people who adhere to the doctrine of men only leaders...Its just another thing I believe was written in the Bible because of the times they were in..

Love

Dallas