If by liberal you mean someone who keeps an open mind and is tolerant of people who are different then OK. I wasn't questioning Azadre's choice in religion just his statement equating it with absolute fact.
Big difference. I don't have a seemingly endless array of presidents to choose from whenever the one that's in office now does something I agree with. If I could, I would've gone chosen another one a long time ago. Luckily, when I see that a certain denomination has a leadership that engages in acts that I don't agree with, then I have the choice to visit and find another one that better fits my beliefs. Picking a religion or a church is a personal decision. It'll be one made after much deliberation between myself and RM95's Girl. It will most likely have nothing to do with the feelings of 50% of the nation like the choice for President is. We won't be selecting our church due to what the electoral college votes, nor should it be. Forget the fact that I will support my President no matter how much I disagree with him or her. Unlike others, if all of Bush's policies benefit the overall well-being of America, I will be extremely happy. I don't have such a big ego that I can't recognize that. You're right. We're not going to limit ourselves to a denomination. The only thing we can nearly be certain about is that it will be of Christian faith, if only because that's what we were raised.
outlaw, I think your feelings on Christians are well-documented....strangely you don't question RM95 though. Hmmmm, I wonder why?
Ummm, no difference. There are MANY countries with several varieties of "leadership" to choose from. Of course I encourage you and RM95's Girl to strongly consider Austin. outlaw, you hear that?
I think outlaw doesn't question me because he knows that I will never ever bash gays and that if I don't find a church that I agree with, I won't settle.
well documented? Can I get a copy of that. My entire family and most of my friends are Christians. As for RM95, I am respectful of those who are respectful of me.
You're right, I could leave the country TheFreak, but as embarassed as I may have been in the past of my Presidents, none have prompted me to want to leave the country. WTF???
In that case I predict you'll never find a church. Why don't you just start your own? Now let me get this straight: I'm the intolerant one!
Jeez. You know what I mean. If we can't find a church that we feel comfortable with in accordance to our beliefs, then we won't just go to one to say that we go to one.
I grew up in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod as well. While my attendance isn't what it used to be, I still associate myself with them. True, women do not play a prominent role in the service, but they do play roles in the church. The Missouri Synod certainly is "stricter" than the ECLA in what they believe, but if you really want hard-core, try the Wisconsin Synod. I've gone to ELCA a couple of times in Houston (the one on Greenbriar near Rice) and I was shocked at how different it was than the Missouri Synod. I didn't like it at all. Women were allowed to be ushers and pastors and the rules regarding communion were much different. It's not so much that these things are right or wrong, it's just that when you are accustomed to seeing things done a certain way, you don't always accept things the new way....
If you want to check out a church, my wife and I enjoy the services at Lakewood Church. The Pastor gives messages that are both enjoyable to listen to and thought-provoking. It's my favorite in Houston so far.
Any church (well almost any.. ) is better than no church. 95, I'm glad you are strongly considering this route...
Here's some links to gay-friendly churches in Houston. http://www.beringumc.org/ http://www.resurrectionmcc.org/ http://www.maranathamcc.com/ http://www.zionlutheranhouston.org/ http://www.palmertx.com/ good luck on whichever one you choose
outlaw, I'm pretty sure rm95 isn't gay. ps: lol, j/k. I sometimes amuse myself by trying to figure out what southern republicans say in certain situations. ps2: mrs. jb is pretty funny
btw rm95, I guess I misunderstood your faith, or the presence of one. what church do you attend now? are you not comfortable there? what do you expect out of a church? are you more comfortable w/ ceremony ala episcopalians/catholics? do you like to chat in tongues ala the lutherans or assembly of god? do you just want a community forum like the unitarian church? you can still feel Christian, btw outside of a building (of course you know this). It might be nice simply to set aside Sundays to go on hikes with your partner; and to reflect. Heck for personal improvement, grab a local botany book and hit the hills (or desert, or swamp, or whatever). Or don't; just an idea.
