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Gukkor · 07-07-2008, 01:14 AM

I'm a Christian, but I'm pretty unorthodox on many points of doctrine, such that I suppose many more conservative Christians would consider me a heretic. For one, I'm a universalist. That is, I believe that everyone will eventually find God, that there is no eternal Hell, nor total annihilation in anyone's future.

Though I'll consent to being labelled a monotheist for simplicity's sake, I consider that to only be partially accurate. I'm actually more of a panentheist. I believe everything that exists is both a creation of God and a part of God. God is in every part of the universe, but also extends infinitely beyond it. This puts me squarely inbetween monotheism (God is above all) and pantheism (God is all). I see the relationship between God and the universe as something like the parts of a tree; God is the roots and trunk of the tree, while the universe is the branches, leaves, and fruit. They are both one and separate, depending on perspective. Unlike many people with similar views, I do not think that the perspective of all things being one is any better or more real than the perspective of them being many different things.

While I will gladly discuss my religious beliefs with anyone who asks about them, I do not actively proselytize. I see the command to spread the Good News as being more a matter of action than words, of demonstrating Christ-like virtues in everyday life, rather than simply telling people what to think.

I think the debate over evolution is the most ridiculous waste of time I've ever seen enter the public sphere. That's all I have to say about that.

I do not associate with any particular denomination, but that is my personal choice. I do not think there's anything wrong with denominations as long as they aren't at each other's throats.

While I resonate with Christianity most deeply, I do not think of it as the "one true religion." As I see it, every religion has some things right and other things wrong, and since we don't have access to the absolute truth of things at the moment, it is best to simply keep sharing our ideas while maintaining respect for and tolerance of each other.

I have my views on the afterlife, but ultimately I don't see it as terribly relevant right now. The afterlife will work itself out when the time is right. For now, what is truly important is how we live this life.

I am a firm believer in free will. Getting into the details of that issue, though, would make this post even longer than it already is, so I'll leave it at that.

07-07-2008, 01:14 AM	#17 (permalink)
Gukkor Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 37	I'm a Christian, but I'm pretty unorthodox on many points of doctrine, such that I suppose many more conservative Christians would consider me a heretic. For one, I'm a universalist. That is, I believe that everyone will eventually find God, that there is no eternal Hell, nor total annihilation in anyone's future. Though I'll consent to being labelled a monotheist for simplicity's sake, I consider that to only be partially accurate. I'm actually more of a panentheist. I believe everything that exists is both a creation of God and a part of God. God is in every part of the universe, but also extends infinitely beyond it. This puts me squarely inbetween monotheism (God is above all) and pantheism (God is all). I see the relationship between God and the universe as something like the parts of a tree; God is the roots and trunk of the tree, while the universe is the branches, leaves, and fruit. They are both one and separate, depending on perspective. Unlike many people with similar views, I do not think that the perspective of all things being one is any better or more real than the perspective of them being many different things. While I will gladly discuss my religious beliefs with anyone who asks about them, I do not actively proselytize. I see the command to spread the Good News as being more a matter of action than words, of demonstrating Christ-like virtues in everyday life, rather than simply telling people what to think. I think the debate over evolution is the most ridiculous waste of time I've ever seen enter the public sphere. That's all I have to say about that. I do not associate with any particular denomination, but that is my personal choice. I do not think there's anything wrong with denominations as long as they aren't at each other's throats. While I resonate with Christianity most deeply, I do not think of it as the "one true religion." As I see it, every religion has some things right and other things wrong, and since we don't have access to the absolute truth of things at the moment, it is best to simply keep sharing our ideas while maintaining respect for and tolerance of each other. I have my views on the afterlife, but ultimately I don't see it as terribly relevant right now. The afterlife will work itself out when the time is right. For now, what is truly important is how we live this life. I am a firm believer in free will. Getting into the details of that issue, though, would make this post even longer than it already is, so I'll leave it at that.