Liberated Christians website

[sepacouple]

want to know what anybody thinks about the Liberated Christians website. www.libchrist.com

It is fascinating what they have to say and very thought provoking, however what they have to say seems to be a well kept secret as I have rarely heard any of thier topics mentioned anywhere else. Of course, maybe I'm just to new to this stuff and don't know where to look.

So, what's your thoughts- are they on target, or out in left field.

Thanks

[DanBridget]

I don't know what to say. I kinda wanting to hear what others say about it. But it falls in line the the History Channel's look at the bible and the historical belief of why the bible and Christains didn't believe in more then one partner. The show also brought into light that not much is known about Jesus from age 12-34(37). I hope that maybe a believer in the Hebrew faith can chime in. But talked about how the Fewish religion at the time of Jesus allowed sex with a slave or other servent. And the possiblity that Jesus was married and could have formed a basis for the Christian Belief against Adultry.

But the bible is up to one own self to read and understand. Kinda like the anti Darwin Christians and those who believe that Darwin was proving the bible right. Well lets see what ppl think as well. I like to see this topic grew.

[adventureUS2]

It is my belief that there are way to many christian religions out there. They all seem to mold there interpitation of the bible to what is convient for that group. If you are a "Christian" who uses the bible as a guide for you life how can you discredit "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife" "Thou shalt not commit adultry". These are 2 of the 10 comandments. Now I am not a bible thumper by any means But if I where going to call my self a "Christian" I would have to make monogamy part of my life.

Glad I dont call my self a "Christian" I would burn for sure.

[Spoomonkey]

Liberated Christians has some very good points for those of us who wrestle with the balance between a fundamental faith and the reality of who we are. They do, in my opinion, step off the path of rational here and there - and trapse along through the thickets of "justification".

The real value of a website like Liberated Christians is this - it is NOT AT ALL anti-religion. In fact, it unashamedly holds to a strong faith. At the same time, though, it challenges the herd mentality that is so prevalent in the mainstream church - and that is to accept whatever is being taught on Sunday morning by whoever happens to have the mic. It challenges Christians to do the one thing that they absolutely must do if they want their faith to be vital - think for themselves.

Most Christians, however, are so steeped in the "angry god" idea that - try as they might to be free thinkers - they stumble over their fear of God smiting them. And, so they stay in the shallow end of the pool - with arm floaties and an inflatable duck around their beefy midsections, and believe they are advanced swimmers...

I have a degree in theology, a twelve year history of ministry with a large protestant denomination, a faith that has sputtered lately - but still works...

AND I have a very comfortable relationship with my "swinging self."

That said - you are likely not to see a lot of people touch the topic of religion for very good reason. Like politics, it is a very divisive issue that people are passionate about one way or the other. Mention that you have faith - and people develop all sorts of decisions about you - and having worked with LOTS of church folks, I certainly do not blame people for thinking anyone who identifies themselves as one of those to be hypocritical, judgemental, etc. Because, in general, it is an identity that the church has worked hard to attain

Spoomonkey

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by adventureUS2

Glad I dont call my self a "Christian" I would burn for sure.

And a perfect example of what I was saying above is right here...



Spoomonkey

[littlebit54]

hi Sepacouple Welcome to the board.

I went to the site that you recommended and found some interesting reads. I have long been convinced that the interpretations of the bible were a little off in places; especially the old testament. I think there is much to learn yet as to whether or not we will ever truly be able to separate church and state. Probably not in my lifetime.

I did learn something very interesting there and that was the difference between what they call clitoral orgasm and G-spot or multiple ones. However, i think i'm one lucky woman in that i do believe i'm able to have multiples without G-spot stimulations...How great is that?

It is especially great for me, due to the fact that (in contrast to normal women) i have a tiny clitoris...lol I was even told that by a treating physician once...wow lucky me!

I guess if you believe that "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" verse; the Lord tooketh away and then gaveth (ten fold)

littlebit54

[Mephisto]

Why does anyone take the bible literally --

Without getting into a huge debate, I asked a priest one day about it.

He basically stated: The bible is meant as a guide to life. It is not really intended to be taken literally. By applying the lessons it presents, you can lead the life that "God" wishes you too.


A theologist I am not, but that make smore sense to me than taking it literally.

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by Mephisto

Why does anyone take the bible literally

Simple answer...

Some people believe that they should...



Spoomonkey

[JustAskJulie]

I think that if you are someone for whom religious issues enter into your decision of whether or not to swing then you need to come to your own terms as to whether or not you feel you are crossing the line. Whether it means taking the reasoning that someone else has provided (Liberated Christians in this case) or coming up with your own answers, then that's what it takes. Personally, I think that in the end you have to come up with your own answer which will require you to research whatever sources you can find. The bible says "Seek and Ye Shall Find", that is the answer when it comes to truth, you have to seek to find your truth, whether it be to the answer of whether god exists, or to the question of whether or not swinging is something you can feel comfortable doing while keeping your religion.

The topic of religion and swinging has come up here a couple of times before, you might want to check out these topics:

Being a Swinger, do you Still believe in GOD
Swinging vrs Religion
Religion

as well as this topic, started by you last year:
swinging and religion

[sepacouple]

Thanks for the responses everyone. It definently is a lot to think about.

[jsnps]

Most Christians, however, are so steeped in the "angry god" idea that - try as they might to be free thinkers - they stumble over their fear of God smiting them. And, so they stay in the shallow end of the pool - with arm floaties and an inflatable duck around their beefy midsections, and believe they are advanced swimmers...

Spoo, you are my new hero. This has got to be one of the most eloquent summations of the situation I've seen... and not just this, but for the whole comment. I have met so few people who can manage a strong faith and be free-thinking too. It is always refreshing when I do...

I am from a family of fundamentalists (on my dad's side) and I tried to keep my mouth shut as a child. I did however ask lots of questions that got me in trouble. As I got older I got more vocal about the inconsistencies that I couldn't ignore. Now, I'm happy in who I am and my faith - but as you pointed out, I'm careful to talk about my personal faith with anyone.

As for the site mentioned, I think it is a perfect example of how people mold things into "their own image" and twist it to justify their particular beliefs or desires. It also points out the inconsistencies in religion. Interesting post, thanks for sharing.

[oncewere]

First of all, one can't take the Bible literally because there are contradictions (Read Genesis carefully, both stories. Also, compare the synoptic gospels ; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for their four stories of Jesus' life). Which of the alternatives does one take literally?

Second, In those days, and even today in some families, a Wife was the husband's property, a chattel. To commit adultary was to steal someon else's property - definitely a bad thing to steal. One could have wives (plural) and concubines. An adulterous (or even raped) wife could be stoned to death, not for a criminal act but as damaged property. I like things much better the way we have it now where the wife is treasured as a person and where she has the last word on everything.

Third, as a Rabbi, had Jesus not been married it would have been so much out of the ordinary that it would have been pointed out as a major anomaly.

And finally, religion is a personal act of faith, not not some kind of scientific study. It may be interesting to talk about but its potential to interfere with friendships is too great to have a serious discussion in any but exceptional conditions. I'll leave conversions or deconversions to Ministers and Missionaries.

BTW when we were swinging a Minister and his wife were very active in our group.

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by oncewere

Also, compare the synoptic gospels ; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for their four stories of Jesus' life

Just a quick point - John is not considered to be a "synoptic" gospel...

As you said - and so did I - this really isn't the place to debate theology. It is however a great place to help peope who are struggilng with their sexualities to find a means of coming to grips with their passions. The Bible leaves a LOT of room for a literal interpretation AND an open mind. Do not assume that those of us who may lean towards a literal intepretation haven't "carefully" read that which we claim to believe.

Originally Posted by jsnps

I am from a family of fundamentalists (on my dad's side) and I tried to keep my mouth shut as a child.

I can remember one of our very first "family devotions". I was a teenager and my dad was "newly born again." The night before he had purchased enough beer for me and my sister (and our cousins) that we could have hosted a shriner's convention. So - after being drug up the steps by my equally trashed kin - and sleeping fitfully on vomit covered sheets - dear old dad ordered half a dozen large pizzas, forced us to eat all of them and then sat us all down in the living room to listen to him read Lamentations...

So - in a sense - my dad's clumsy way of introducing us to faith introduced to us to much more: the contradictions we'd face throughout our entire journey. It has proven to be an invaluable lesson...

Oh - and I also still really like free beer

Spoomonkey

[mixedcouple3426]

I'm glad that this thread has invoked so much thought into religion/belief in God.I'm not religious but I do believe in God.In coming to terms with this lifestyle as something I would like to explore,my belief in God caused a little conflict at first.I had to ask myself a few questions.Does God approve of this lifestyle?I think not.Am I human?Yes.Am I free from sin?No.Am I weak?Probably in God's eyes.Will God forgive all my sins if I repent,trust in and trully believe in God?I have to believe so.

Religion and faith has been one of my favorite subjects to debate over the years and in reading the comments so far(which is some of the best thinking I've witnessed so far in my 34 years regarding this subject)just goes to show how great the swinging community really is and that it is full of intelligent and free thinking people.

Finally,Mr.Spoo,I would just like to say that you are a great asset to this board and I have enjoyed reading your posts.Mrs.Spoo is a lucky woman.

mixedcouple3426

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by mixedcouple3426

Finally,Mr.Spoo,I would just like to say that you are a great asset to this board and I have enjoyed reading your posts.Mrs.Spoo is a lucky woman.

I appreciate the compliment... Not so much about being an asset, but about my wife being lucky... If my life is summed up in my wife being lucky to have me - I will have to consider life to be a successful venture

Spoomonkey