An Open Christianity
What is an Open Christianity? An Open Christianity is an approach to Christianity that is devoid of dogma, creeds, and other traditional Christian beliefs that many people today are finding no longer believable or meaningful. But it does not stop with deconstruction of beliefs, but rather it builds a faith structure that is consistent with Gospel teaching but also appropriate for our postmodern time.
Why is it important? The core message of Christianity holds great potential for the human family. Yet the message has too often failed to be stated in a context appropriate for today. Often obscured by traditional beliefs and practices, the message becomes lost and ineffective. This is an important reason why Christianity has lost a quarter of its members over the past 30 years. Congregations are rapidly graying and shrinking as younger age groups, most heavily impacted by the defections, are insufficient in number to replace dying members. Hence the future and advancement of the core message is in danger of reaching fewer and fewer people. An Open Christianity provides and alternative faith foundation that avoids the distraction found in today’s worship services and study groups and provides an avenue for faith renewal.
Who would benefit from an Open Christianity? Those who have left Christianity but are still yearning for a spiritual connection to something greater than themselves, those seeking a renewal of faith, and those searching for a fuller expression of the faith would benefit from learning more about open Christianity.
Why is it called an Open Christianity? Since the Reformation Christianity has divided into hundreds of denominations, independent churches and cults. Each of these have developed their own set of beliefs that separate and distinguish them from other expressions. They become closed to outside influences and maintaining their brand can supersede the fundamental objective of Christianity. An Open Christianity minimizes belief structures and is open to outside influences and findings that can advance the ultimate Christian objective of loving God and neighbor.
What's the meaning of the mariposa lily picture? The mariposa lily displays a beauty that belies it tenacity and strength. It closes up each evening in preparation for it opening each day. Christianity also displays a beauty that belies its underlying power and strength. It also requires rest and renewal before opening to its full potential each day. The mariposa lily is an appropriate and natural symbol for a beautiful faith journey.
How is God Understood in An Open Christianity? Open Christianity is a movement among progressive Christians that seeks a theology that is consistent with today's arena. In my book An Open Christianity, drawing for example on John 4:24 "God is spirit" and Acts 17: 28 "In him we live and move and have our being," God is understood as the cosmos ubiquitous perfectly loving consciousness. God's agency is drawn within the bounds of love.
Why is Jesus special in An Open Christianity? Jesus is special because he transcended his own personal needs to become fully saturated with the perfectly loving consciousness of God. Jesus exemplified the fullness of humanity in which we have been created in the image of but have not yet fully evolved to. Jesus is the prototype of what humanity can be.
How is ecology addressed in An Open Christianity? The cosmos is addressed as interactive interdependent entity saturated with God's consciousness. In this milieu humans have much in common with all living beings and indeed depend upon them for continuing life. As such, humans have a responsibility to preserve the health of the environment in which they live, breathe and have their being.
Does An Open Christianity support Christian Nationalism? No! In An Open Christianity Christian Nationalism is considered a dangerous perversion of the Christian message.