Centrist theology

[jimkenney12]

Back to the thread. Does Centrist theology include the Apostle's Creed?

 

[Mendalla]

Back to the thread. Does Centrist theology include the Apostle's Creed?

I don't think specific doctrines are the only thing that makes one a "centrist" but how you view and live them.

So if you insist that rigid adherence to the Apostles or Nicene or whatever creed is the only way to be Christian and all others are damned, that ain't centrist.

But if you see a creed as your preferred understanding of the faith but are open to dialogue with other views and maybe accept other creeds alongside it or as supplemental to it, then that likely shifts you closer to the centre.

I mean, I probably accepted a significant chunk of the Apostles Creed even from my relatively centrist to liberal position. The New Creed was probably closer to my view, though, but I didn't think someone who preferred the Apostles was a apostate or a heretic or anything.

 

[jimkenney12]

So Centrist means giving others space to believe what they want.

 

[Redbaron]

And I would suggest that Centrist also includes making an effort to understand the beliefs of others, even if you don't agree with their tenets.

 

[Mendalla]

So Centrist means giving others space to believe what they want.

And giving yourself space to learn and grow, not box yourself in to a position.

 

[paradox3]

It seems to imply a good deal of fluidity in ones theology.

 

[Mendalla]

It seems to imply a good deal of fluidity in ones theology.

I am not sure it's "fluidity" so much as room for it. You could have some firm convictions but still be in the centre. I think you move to the extremes when you are rigid in your position. In fact, maybe there's an "extreme centre" if you are rigid in a kind of not-traditionalist, not-progressive way. I know my mother was like that to some degree. Okay with gay ordination in '88 but wow, when she found out I didn't take the Christmas story literally...

 

[BetteTheRed]

And I would suggest that Centrist also includes making an effort to understand the beliefs of others, even if you don't agree with their tenets.

And can you understand the basis of a belief whilst finding said belief morally repugnant?

 

[Redbaron]

I think so. You can understand something, without condoning it. Just as an example, I can understand why someone might think abortion is morally wrong, without agreeing with it,

 

[paradox3]

I think so. You can understand something, without condoning it. Just as an example, I can understand why someone might think abortion is morally wrong, without agreeing with it,

Here's the rub though.

Are we called to tolerate these things or respect them?

 

[paradox3]

And can you understand the basis of a belief whilst finding said belief morally repugnant?

Yes I think so. I am thinking about FGM as an example

 

[BetteTheRed]

Here's the rub though.

Are we called to tolerate these things or respect them

I'm not entirely sure I feel called to even tolerate beliefs that harm my neighbour.

 

[paradox3]

There are some beliefs that are quite fine for individuals to hold for themselves as long as they don't get imposed on others.

Tricky!!

 

[BetteTheRed]

There are some beliefs that are quite fine for individuals to hold for themselves as long as they don't get imposed on others.

Tricky!!

Agreed, and I'd argue that abortion is a perfect one. If you're anti-abortion, don't have one, which I did not, once. But I'd never make any suggestions about anyone else's decision, and different circumstances, like a profoundly disabled fetus, might have led to a different decision for myself. (And before anyone gets up in arms, by profoundly disabled, I'm talking about genetic problems on the order of mitrochondrial disorders and anencephaly.)

 

[Redbaron]

There are some beliefs that are quite fine for individuals to hold for themselves as long as they don't get imposed on others.

Tricky!!

Indeed it is. Not a too many yes-no situations, a lot of grey areas, as some of the examples above display. You can understand it, without condoning, tolerating, etc. I think I understand why Putin wants Ukraine. That doesn't imply that I condone it.

 

[paradox3]

Agreed, and I'd argue that abortion is a perfect one. If you're anti-abortion, don't have one, which I did not, once. But I'd never make any suggestions about anyone else's decision, and different circumstances, like a profoundly disabled fetus, might have led to a different decision for myself. (And before anyone gets up in arms, by profoundly disabled, I'm talking about genetic problems on the order of mitrochondrial disorders and anencephaly.)

Abortion is a perfect example. Ditto premarital sex, polyamory and same sex relationships. By all means, take a moral stand on these things for yourself. But know these are personal decisions.

Vegetarianism and veganism too.

 

[BetteTheRed]

Vegetarianism and veganism too.

Veganism for sure, as it gets too preachy, imho, about an animal/bee sacrificing to make you milk/honey, while not actually harming the critter, if 'properly/sustainably/humanely' harvested.

Some increased level of vegetarianism, or at least very serious meat reduction, from a western pov, might be totally necessary for the life of the planet, so that one is a little closer to "common good", particularly if we take the sacredness of sentience, a la Charlotte's Web, seriously.

 

[Luce NDs]

Veganism for sure, as it gets too preachy, imho, about an animal/bee sacrificing to make you milk/honey, while not actually harming the critter, if 'properly/sustainably/humanely' harvested.

Some increased level of vegetarianism, or at least very serious meat reduction, from a western pov, might be totally necessary for the life of the planet, so that one is a little closer to "common good", particularly if we take the sacredness of sentience, a la Charlotte's Web, seriously.

Does allow the fears that cause many bits of intelligence to vegetate deeply in the carrier! IN mass ... metaphorically it may not be in mind as in reality ... perhaps reciprocal? That'd be upsetting to those that believe they are always up right!

Imagine donkey droppings ... these occur in polity ... flat on your butt situation?

 

[Mendalla]

at least very serious meat reduction

Asian diets tend to be lighter on the meat, plus having some good alternatives in various soy products. So I think this can be done without having to resort to full-on vegan/vegetarianism.

Back on topic, though, I think one of the issues with all of the items (even vegans and vegetarianism in some cases) mentioned by P3 is that religion gets involved. Somehow, people attach more importance to an issue if there is some real or perceived violation of their faith's teachings. And for Christians (and to some degree Muslims) abortion and the various sexual morality issues seem to be real serious flashpoints. So is a centrist faith more likely to accept these things (abortion, open marriages, etc.), or just tolerate them (there is a difference) while still inwardly grumbling? Or is that getting into the whole wide spectrum of faith question again?

 

[jimkenney12]

My point of view is that society has a responsibility to reduce the need for abortions, not punish women who unwilingly become pregnant. Putting love and kindness into practice includes lifting up the status of women, ending rape culture, improving sex Ed, and providing more support for families.