Lynch at Large

There is a problem in the language we often use to discuss religious issues. We use words like "liberal" and "conservative" as if one's political views must follow them into the sanctuary. This can cause misunderstandings, especially if, as is the case with me, the political liberal happens to hold some traditional religious views.

This is especially confusing because so many of my political brethren have as part of their agenda to control and undermined the mainstream protestant denominations.

The words "orthodox" and "apostate" seem to better classify the differences of religious opinions. (Darned generous of me not to use the "heretic" label, wouldn't you say?)

There is nothing whatever conservative about the Christian religion. It is against greed, materialism, exploitation, lying and all the ills of modern society. Followers of Christ are looking for the Heavenly City and do not forcibly impose their beliefs on anybody.

You can decide for yourselves about conservatives.

Traditionalists hold to "the faith once delivered,' the creeds and the church fathers. While not taking a fundamentalist approach to scripture, the orthodox hold scripture as the authority for Christian living.

This week's meeting of the Episcopal Church USA has my guts in an uproar. Although I am not a member, it is nonetheless painful to see such pain and open dishonesty. Most of the wickedness is being perpetrated by people who see a church as nothing but the logical social extension of political movements. In the illicit construction of modern theologians, man does not need a Savior, but a saving government.

Of course, I agree with the political principles held by the left of center church leadership. The job of the church is to peach the Gospel, awaken the conscience, and equip faithful believers for godly living.

The civil rights leaders of the 1960's stood against social evil based on an aroused understanding of human weakness and out tendency to hurt our fellow human beings for the purpose of personal advancement. Anglicans have done much good for America.

It is also true that our wonderful Prayer Book tradition has anesthetized many consciences to sin and corruption.

The current leaders of ECUSA have put social justice at center stage in place of God's justice. I don't know exactly what to call them, but they hardly deserve to be called "liberal."