VIEWS HERE MAY NOT REFLECTED EXACT VIEWS OR POLICIES OF open_christian@lemmy.ca this is temporary and a Lemmy FAQ will be created in the coming months
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any question, please check it hasn't been covered below before messaging the mods.
- General
What is Christianity?
Christianity, in its broadest sense, is faith in the first century Jewish teacher Jesus of Nazareth, who was called "Christ" (χριστος) by Greek-speakers, and "Messiah" (מָשִׁיחַ) by Hebrew-speakers (both terms meaning that he was "anointed", or specially appointed by God). Christian faith can refer to faith in Jesus Christ's teachings, but often includes faith in him personally, and in what he achieved through his life, death, and resurrection.
Most Christians are Trinitarian, meaning that they believe Jesus was not just a mortal man, but also the eternal God incarnated on earth. A minority of Christians reject this, and they are referred to as Unitarian.
Christianity is still the world's largest religion, with 2.8 billion followers. The majority of these belong to the Catholic Church (~1.3 billion), while the next largest united Church is the Eastern Orthodox Church (~220 million). Various Protestant Churches together make up approx. 1 billion followers.
Ultimately different people will understand Christianity in different ways, and practice it in different ways. That's fine. The mods have their personal beliefs and understanding of Christianity, but we want to be as broad and inclusive as possible. So anyone who identifies as a Christian in any way will be welcomed in fellowship and love.
What is Progressive Christianity?
There is no agreed definition, and this is kind of the point. It is characterised by a general inclusivity, tolerance of diversity, and openness to different interpretations and faith journeys. It allows a range of varying doctrines and worship practices depending on the individual's conscience, culture, and reason. However, alongside our faith in Christ, a few other positions are usually held in common.
Firstly, Progressives will generally be LGBTQ+ Affirming, and they will stand up for the rights, and the full equality and inclusion of minorities, the poor, and the oppressed.
Secondly, Progressives will generally not consider themselves beholden to any human authority, either a particular church, leader, tradition, creed, doctrine, or even scripture, though they may honour, respect, and seek guidance from some or all of them. Progressives generally have a more open approach to scripture, not insisting on the doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy, but willing to interpret the texts through a variety of methods.
And thirdly, Progressives will generally seek dialogue and respect with other faiths, though there is a diversity of opinion on the spiritual truths of other religions.
What is Scripture?
Scripture is a collection of ancient writings that have been collected and used by communities of believers, who came to accept them as carrying a special authority for the understanding of their faith. This collection is called a "canon".
Different communities of Christians have different canons of scripture. But on the whole the majority of writings are agreed on and held in common.
Which Translation should I use?
The standard answer is that the best translation is the one you read!
There are hundreds of published translations, and each have their pros and cons. The mods will allow quotes and discussions from any translation you wish, however bad it is (naming no names, The Message). You can even include your own personal translation if you wish. Commenters will then be welcome (even encouraged) to compare and contrast the submitted quote with other translations, or even the original texts, however they wish.
Ultimately, using more than one translation is the best way to get a sense of the meaning of the original text, like looking at a jewel from different angles to catch the light in different ways.
However, if you are confused by the sheer number of translations available, a good standard is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). This was produced by a broad team of scholars from a wide variety of traditions and backgrounds, so provides a good sense of what is generally accepted. It has its faults, as all translations do, but it is a solid version to use as a base text for study. The current "updated edition" is called the NRSVUE, but apart from some minor updates, this is largely the same text as the NRSV.
What is the original text? Should I read that instead?
Unfortunately we do not have the original text of any of the writings of the Bible. Because they were written so long ago, and paper is fragile and perishes over time, all we have are copies of copies. Furthermore, due to the problems of humans trying to copy texts by hand, our surviving copies sometimes disagree with one another.
Why then don't we use the earliest copy we have? The earliest are three very early complete (or almost) Greek translations of the Bible from the 4th century CE. However they also disagree with one another in places. We also have fragments of earlier Greek copies, and they have some disagreements. The earliest Hebrew mansucript of the Old Testament we have is the "Masoretic Text", with the earliest complete mansucript dated to dated to the 10th century CE. (The New Testament was written in Greek, so that is more reliable in that sense).
We have found a remarkable store of texts of the Old Testament written in Hebrew which predate even the earliest Greek Bibles (known as the Dead Sea Scrolls) but these are fragmentary, and show variances. They provide an excellent source for scholars, but on their own they cannot be used to reconstruct the entire original Hebrew Bible.
Ultimately, scholars can compare and contrast all of these sources, and use scientific, historical, and linguistic analysis to reconstruct a "critical text". The most widely-used for the New Testament is the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, currently on its 28th edition. For the Old Testament translators usually follow the Masoretic Text and correct it against the Greek and Dead Sea Scrolls where appropriate.
If you wish to read the critical text (or any of the early manuscripts), you should, but first you'll need to learn Ancient Hebrew and Ancient Greek, which few can boast of.
How can I know how to interpret a text?
There are many ways of interpreting any passage. A particular method of interpretation is called a hermeneutic. The following summary of various methods isn't intended to be exclusive, but can be used as a helpful starting point.
The "Letter" of the Text
Literal
This doesn't just mean "factual" but refers to the original intended meaning of the author. Historical, cultural, linguistic, and literary context can help understand what the author originally meant.
For instance, when a passage mentions Jerusalem, the author is often referring to the historical physical city.
In common discourse this method is generally split into different interpretations depending on the recognised genre of the text. Examples of these Biblical genres are: History, Prophecy, Apocalypse, Poetry, Psalm, Theology, Myth, Allegory, Drama, Wisdom, Biography, Epistle, Gospel, Hagiography
The "Spirit" of the Text
This involves moving beyond the Literal and understanding the spiritual or figurative meaning that the text has for ourselves. This is traditionally divided into three senses.
Typological
This looks for figures of Christ or the Church throughout the scriptures.
For instance, Jerusalem can often be interpreted as a symbolic figure for the Christian Church.
Moral
This seeks to interpret a passage as a guide for our own behaviour.
For instance, Jerusalem can often also be interpreted as a metaphor for our own soul.
Anagogical or Eschatological This is the interpretation that looks towards the perfected Kingdom of God.
For instance, Jerusalem can often also be interpreted as the perfected Kingdom God has promised.
How can I find a Church to attend?
This is a common question, and /u/JusticeMercyLove has helpfully put together the following guide:
Finding a New Church
Perhaps you are looking for a new progressive church/congregation. Or, perhaps you have moved to a new location and are looking for a new progressive church/congregation. I see and hear this question occasionally and have been developing some guidelines. Let’s begin our conversation by saying that finding a new church is one of the most difficult and personal dilemmas that we encounter. Add in one or more family members and possible outcomes are multiplied with each addition.
As I see it, here are a few considerations for where you may consider going to church. I have learned that you cannot fully trust the denomination’s stance on certain beliefs or issues when picking out a local congregation. For example, the denomination may say that they are “Open and Affirming” as well as committed to justice. However, the people in a local congregation may never consider having an LGBTQIA+ pastor or council member. Here’s another example. The denominational website may utilize women, minorities, and be supportive of refugee resettlement. However, the people of the local congregation may never consider a woman minister, have no minority members, and stay away from the Hispanic support centre in the area.
It is important to understand that “Welcoming” means different things to different people and to different congregations. Even the phrase, “Open and Affirming” can also mean different things to different people and congregations.
A. “Open and Affirming” should mean that all are welcome to fully participate and serve and to be fully considered for leadership positions. This includes all LGBTQIA+, women, Black, Brown, all minorities – everyone!
B. Unfortunately, “Open and Affirming” can sometimes be advertised by the church more as an aspirational position. In other words, perhaps the congregation is taking steps toward being Open and Affirming, but not all members are fully supportive of this. Perhaps the pastor or the council is pushing for it, but the congregation is dragging their heels. Sadly, when LGBTQIA+ individuals begin to engage with this type of a congregation and develop relationships, they can be re-traumatized when the congregation rejects them for a position of leadership or rejects a proposed Open and Affirming program.
C. Welcoming can mean that everyone is welcome to attend (and even participate in some programs), but are rejected for prominent or leadership roles. Therefore, one thing to pay attention to in large churches with many staff positions is whether they have women, LGBTQIA+, Black, Brown, and other minorities in key leadership positions. Or, do they limit women to be the “Children’s Pastor.” Look at members of the church board.
D. Welcoming can sometimes be a key advertising tool to attract new people, whether they are truly welcoming or not. Still, most of these congregations roll out the welcome mat simply to get new people in the door. Then, it’s bait and switch time. The more involved someone gets, the more one learns the unwritten expectations, beliefs, doctrines, and those things that will disqualify persons from serving as they desire.
Music is important to many people. Some like choirs. Some like a full rock band. Some like old hymns. Some like Gregorian chants. Some like Kum-Ba-Yah choruses.
If you are coming to higher churches (think Catholic, Episcopal, UCC/Congregational, PCUSA/Presbyterian, ELCA/Lutheran, and United Methodist churches), please be aware:
A. There may still be some people, sometimes a majority, who support MAGA/right-wing politics.
B. They may often use litanies and responsive readings, written prayers,
C. Sermons can typically be written and follow the lectionary, and
D. They may often utilize regular rituals and follow the seasons of the church year.
If you are coming to lower churches (think Baptist, Evangelical Free, Nazarene, Wesleyan, Assembly of God, Pentecostal, “Global Methodists,” and independent churches), please be aware:
A. Depending on the area, sometimes above 70% of their members tend to support MAGA/right-wing politics.
B. Preachers can sometimes focus on “Bible-Based preaching” which parses out how they apply the Bible to our lives today - in their opinion. They may have notes, but do not typically read their sermons.
C. Prayers are rarely written.
D. Litanies and responsive readings are rare.
E. They tend to shun rituals, unless it has to do with the offering protocols. 🙂
There are a few denominations (and congregations) which tend to be more conservative in their view of the Bible and yet more progressive socially and politically. These include progressive Mennonites, Quakers, some Church of the Brethren, and American Baptist churches. Of course, that does not mean that all local congregations adhere to these denominational positions - watch the continuums.
Variables:
A. In general churches in rural areas or small communities tend to be more conservative on the continuum. Urban churches tend to be more progressive. Of course there are always exceptions to this.
B. In many denominations, the pastor often seems to have a significant role in the positions and stances taken by the congregation. For example, if a pastor tends to be more progressive, then over time, the congregation tends to lean that way also. By the same token, a pastoral change can bring about huge changes, sometimes to the chagrin of the congregation. For example, this happened in some Southern Baptist congregations (in the USA) about 30 years ago, when they made a concerted move toward fundamentalism.
C. The social make-up of the congregation is important to most people looking for a new church. Unfortunately, this takes some time for visitors to fully grasp. Do you want to be where prominent members of the community worship actively? Or, would you rather hang out with the blue collar crowd. This is different in every community and town.
D. The distance you are willing to travel must be considered from two different perspectives. First, if you only attend worship at most once per week, you may be willing to travel a ways, in order to find the church you want to attend. However, if you anticipate being regularly involved in additional activities connected with the church (like at a community food pantry or homeless centre), then you may not want to travel very far.
A few suggestions.
A. Where do some of your friends attend? Ask them about how they feel about where they go.
B. Does the church you are considering have activities that you are interested in?
C. How involved in the community is the church you are attending?
There are some people that consider it their purpose to be a loving, progressive voice in a congregation that has not yet fully adopted this position. I’m not sure it is healthy to be a loving, progressive voice in a congregation that is 100% MAGA/right-wing and is overtly vocal in their opposition to LGBTQIA+ and all Democrats/progressives. Unless you believe yourself to be a modern-day Jeremiah, do not attempt this. On the other hand, I do believe that it is possible for some loving, progressive churchgoers to attend a congregation that has a diverse and mixed group of conservatives and progressives who are at least willing to listen to one another. Each person must decide this for themselves.
Finally, it is okay just to attend sometimes. I left evangelicalism for good at the end of 2016. I could not attend any longer, in order to salvage my mental health and my faith. I did not attend church regularly for a few years. I attended a PCUSA with my dad when I visited him and appreciated that congregation. I attended perhaps a few times a year, and always sat in the back, and left early. I ended up discovering a wonderful congregation near my home that I continue to grow into and learn more about. Are we perfect? No, neither one of us is. But it is good for me, and good for them. I even became a member a couple years ago. And if you happen to visit a church that doesn't suit you, it is okay to say, "Let's not do that again." 🙂
Peace, Love, and Justice, sjb 2025 02 09 p.s. please message me if you have corrections or suggestions for this guide. ty
2. OpenChristian's Intentions and Conduct
Why don't many of you believe in the doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy, what's wrong with it?
This is too complicated a subject to go into detail here unfortunately. If you are interested then check out some of the books and resources in the wiki for full discussions of this. Particularly Keith Ward or Bradley Jersak's books.
The problem, in brief, is that the doctrine prohibits any other interpretation of scripture than the Inerrentist one. Ultimately many will take the perspective that we shouldn't prejudge how scripture should be read, or assume that all the scriptural texts should be read the same way.
What happens if I break the Rules?
We intend this Sub to be a friendly and welcoming place to all. However, we will not tolerate intolerance. Our Rules are intended to protect everyone, and ensure all of us are free to participate without fear or offense.
Mods will be free to judge each incident on a case-by-case basis, but for transparency our response to any post which breaks a Rule will follow the below guidelines as far as possible:
An accidental or minor offence will be deleted but no further action taken. Repeated or more serious offences will recieve a suspension between 48 hours to 14 days, depending on the severity of the offence. This is intended to provide space for tempers to cool, and people to reflect on their actions.
We would hope that this would result in an apology to the offended party when the suspension is lifted, Furthermore, if a poster responds to mod action with maturity, regret, and apology, this will go a long way towards a less-harsh approach.
There are cases where we would have zero tolerance though. This would be e.g. oppressive language such as homophobia, anti-semitism, or misogyny, hate-speech, support of illegal acts, or direct promotion of conspiracy theories or extreme harmful ideology (e.g. white supremacy). This kind of post will result in a permanent ban.
What is the expected conduct for the Moderators?
Mods should be expected to act fairly, openly, and respectfully to everyone.
We will do our best but we are human and can make mistakes. If you believe we have been unfair, unclear, or direspectful to anyone then any action can be appealed by messaging the mods as a group and another mod will reply to you to confirm or overturn the action.
Mods generally should be expected not to moderate a discussion with another redditor in which they also participate. And when a mod is in direct disagreement with another redditor, another mod will generally be asked to carry out any required mod action to avoid the impression of unfairness or abuse of mod powers.
Mods should be expected to provide a clear reason for any deletion of posts, suspensions or bans.
However, we may sometimes forget to do this, so please just ask us if so.
Mods should be expected to take prompt action against any comment that is offensive, disrespectful, or harmful to anyone.
However, we cannot spot everything, so please use the Report button. This alerts us that there's a problem and we can address it much quicker. We do not want to leave hurtful or harmful comments up for any longer than necessary.
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Resources for Frequently Asked Questions
If you are Christians, why don't you believe that homosexuality is a sin?
From Queer Grace: "Why do some Christians think it's ok to be gay when the Bible says it isn't?"
From Queer Theology: "Is it really OK?"
From the Reformation Project: A summary of the Biblical case for LGBT affirmation
From the Reformation Project: The need for reform on LGBT issues
This essay, which tackles relevant Bible passages one at a time, responding to various arguments against LGBTQ inclusion.
What do you believe about transgender people?
From Queer Theology: "Transgender and Christian?"
From the Human Rights Campaign: What does the Bible say about transgender people?
The many excellent comments in this thread.
How can you be pro-feminist and Christian?
Men, Women and Biblical Equality
Why You Should Be a Christian Feminist
Why Not Have a Woman Preach?
Humility without Hierarchy: Mutual Submission in Marriage
Who Was Junia?
What do you all believe about premarital sex?
Thread: Where does the Bible specifically say no premarital sex?
Thread: Should intimacy be saved for marriage?
Thread: Sex Before Marriage
Should Christians date non-Christians?
Thread: How do you feel about being in a relationship with / marrying a non-christian?
Thread: Is it ok to marry someone who isn't Christian?
I'm a Christian but I am also interested in tarot cards, crystals, astrology, etc. What do you all think?
Thread: New-Age Nonsense?
Thread: So, I would like all of your opinions on Christians who practice neo-paganism.
I am LGBTQ+/Affirming but I'm troubled about this passage that seems to condemn homosexuality. Can I post about it for discussion?
Please check our resources and FAQ first, and you can search our past posts for several previous threads explaining the Affirming argument for every passage you're thinking of.
While we don't want to ban discussion of any controversial passage, we will be very sensitive to such posts as we are well aware that they are used by trolls to JAQ-off as a bad-faith tactic. If for example Leviticus 18:22 is posted without any accompanying contextual information, or clear pro-LGBTQ+ commentary the mods will most likely remove it to be safe.
4. Simple answers for simple questions
I am LGBTQ+, but I'm not sure whether I accept open and affirming theology. Am I welcome here?
Yes, absolutely. We have celibate LGBTQ+ Christians who participate here. Just be sure to respect Rule 1b from the sidebar.
I am new to Christianity / exploring my gender or sexual identity / confused and lonely. Can I post about that here?
YES! Introduce yourself and be a part of our community.
I don't consider myself a Christian, can I still post?
YES! You also are very welcome. While this sub is intended as a place primarily for Christians, anyone who has any interest in reading the Bible for any reason is welcome to join us. Whether you are simply curious what it says, or find parts of it inspiring to your own faith journey, whatever that may be, please participate and contribute freely.
All we ask is that you don't make any comment overtly disparaging or insulting Christianity. But that's just good manners; we won't demand you follow Christianity yourself.
I believe in some conservative theology/biblical inerrancy. Can I still post?
YES! You are welcome too! While this is a space intended primarily for progressive Christians and progressive interpretations of scripture, any and all poeple and readings of scripture are acceptable, and can provide a helpful contrast and comparison, All we ask is that you don't try to proselytise about conservative doctrines or insist that the conservative interpretation is the only "right" way to interpret the Bible.
I've seen a comment I disagree with. Am I allowed to refute it?
The idea of the sub is to allow open discussion from anyone who wishes to post. To nurture a friendly and welcoming space for this we want to encourage everyone to respect each other and communicate in love and fellowship. We're not interested in attacks, arguments, or divisive debates.
You can always post your own interpretation but you wouldn't be allowed to say that anyone else's interpretation is wrong. You also shouldn't say anything like, "This interpretation is the only correct one", or "All other interpretatons are false". That would break Rule 5 ("Be Respectful and Polite"), even if your comment isn't directed at a specific redditor.
How can you call yourself "Open" when your rules censor certain opinions
The Open in our title refers to being open to those commonly excluded from the Church - specifically LGBTQ+, women, or any other oppressed minorities. It does not give carte blanche for hate speech, bigotry, or incivility.
I disagree with LGBTQ+/liberals/feminism/CRT/science etc.
And you're free to do so. But in the words of Paul, "whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." (Rom 14:22 NIV). If you have legitimate and respectful questions then you can ask them bu this isn't the place for forcing debate on these issues.
I want to post something but I'm not sure if its allowed.
Check the rules and this FAQ, If you're still not sure then just message the mods. We're friendly people and we'd love to help you.
I'm very angry with the Church/Christianity/Christians and need to vent
You are free to do so, venting is healthy, and there is much in the Church today that can (and should) be legitimately criticised. Just make sure you don't accidently imply that all Christians/Churches etc are the same as those who have hurt/angered you, or even all within a particular denomination/movement/tradition. That is prejudice, and we discourage that.
I think you are all a bunch of sinners and you're going to hell.
Ok. We already know that many people think this about us, so you don't need to post about it here. This is not the subreddit for you, so move along.
Last revised by Naugrith 3 months ago
