Am I A Liberal?

MON., DEC. 22, 1986, 2:27 PM
ABACO, BAHAMAS, BY THE SEA

The answer to this question is easy, of course, but it could take some amplification. You finally are reading the writings of My unique servant Bill, and naturally the question can arise, for you identify him with this label, and he certainly isn’t a conservative fundamentalist, in the way that label is usually used. Do I identify at all with these words of his. The answer is My usual one. I do, but I am not limited to this approach to the Christian life.

Much of My Sermon on the Mount fits rather well into liberal Christianity. There is a concern for peace, for the poor, for the suffering, and an encouragement of minimal concern for self, in the process. The sense is that actions taken for others, particularly the most needy, should be done, whether they are piously preceded by a commitment to do these in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ or not. Live life in help and service to others, as I did, and this shall be as (or more) pleasing to God as this personal affirmation.

The comfortable liberal in the Christian fold knows of his relationship to Christ and doesn’t need to keep proclaiming it. Rather he does… and he serves… with the hope that others might do the same. And when there is peace and justice and concern for all, there will God be in our midst, and what Jesus came to teach shall be actually accomplished. I like this interpretation of the Christian life as well as any other.

Liberals have a strong sense of the value of and need for concerted social action. Government policies can bring about changes that improve the way some live. Governmental action can sometimes surpass actual (as opposed to ideal) personal actions, even as these are motivated by the Christ spirit. Wealth always needs some redistribution, and many among the affluent (even the Christian affluent) feel that they are entitled to what they have “earned.” The liberal sees that government must work against this acquisitive spirit. I encourage this bit of sacrifice, even as it is resisted.

Liberals tend to feel that war is not the way to settle differences, and therefore preparations for war (even for “defense”) are an unworthy use of time, talent, and treasure. As Jesus I was being a foolish liberal when I refused to consider being a political leader… a Messianic figure who would inspire Jews to great military feats and humble the gentile enemies, even the supposedly powerful Romans. I was the suffering liberal as I went to the cross without fighting for My life and My principles.

You see, of course, that I then became more fundamental and also more unattached to the dilemmas of earth life. So I am a liberal, but not by disdaining other approaches to spiritual expression.

The liberal preacher speaks to relevant social and behavioral issues of the time, applying general Christian principles of living rather than specific “proof” texts from the Bible. The liberal theologian uses the Scriptures to establish and reinforce the “Christian Way,” but is not really concerned with whether each translated word in the Bible is eternal truth. She acknowledges that times have changed in the last 2,000 – 4,000 years, and that specific passages may no longer apply literally. She is interested in how the principle behind the Biblical situation applies in modern 20th century life.