theological panel

I would like to invite all those interested to the next Theology Panel conference call on Tuesday, September 16th, 8:30 EDT. To particpate call 1-218-339-2500, use 727705* as your access code.

The panel seeks to provide a progressive Christian theology to our our activist work in achieving social justice.

We have had several lively discussions thus far, and the value of those discussions can be enhanced with continued participation.

The agenda for the discussion is always open to amendment; but I would propose that we take a slight side-step this month and discuss Spirituality; maintaining a spiritual focus even while hip-deep in the muck and mire of the injustices that we seek to redress.

Any other ideas, please make your suggestions known; and please join us.

Roger

I am very excited to announce that the Rev. Roger McClellan, founder of the Progressive Christian Alliance (PCA), in Anniston, AL has agreed to assume the role of
Convener for the proposed IPC Theology Panel. Like many of us here he has traveled an enligthening spiritual journey, starting from a Southern Baptist family in rural Alabama. I'll let him share more of his facinating journey as he is so inclined.

The PCA now has congregations and/or pastors in 5 states and 1 foreign country, and a nationwide network of allies.

As I wish to help build CrossLeft, moving forward with creation of a Board, obtain its 501 c 4 tax status and concentrate on getting it and the IPC funded I am very pleased to pass the baton to a CL member whom I have gotten to know and trust over the past months.

Please join me in welcoming Rev. Roger as he accepts the baton. Personally I gain great pleasure in helping new folks move into more responsible positions. I will continue to enjoy particpating in panel activities assisting Rev. Roger where I can.

Rev. Roger will publish a proposed agenda in the next few days, prior to our Tuesday Sept. 16th call.

Rich

Just a reminder, for those interested we will be conducting the next on-line meeting of what has become known as the Theology Panel next Monday night, June 16th, 8:30 EDT. To particpate call 1-218-339-2500, use 727705* as your access code.

We are midst a very lively and profoundly important discussion on many topics such as the thinking of early church fathers, reincarnation and social justice. It is the focus of the panel to attempt to provide a progressive Christian theology to our work in achieving social justice (or as one person titled it "social redemption", also a good term). If we can provide biblical, and other, references for our social action work this will make an important contribution to the CL community.

Whatever you like to call our work we are deeply engaged in discussions of our personal world views and how we individually and cooperatively seek to change the world for the better. I am greatly heartened to witness the open mindedness of our community and strongly encourage it's continuance.

Please do join us.

Rich

This is the second in an ongoing series on the early church fathers and their relevance in today's world.

On the Equity of God.

After Pelagius left the scene Julian of Eclanum contiuned to engage Augustine in a long debate that ended only after the latter died in 419. On the nature of God Julian took a distinctly Jewish approach. Like Pelagius he believed in the doctrine of free will, that our law was like God; rational, sensible and divine in origin. To the Pelagian an unjust God was simply just not possible.

Augustine, in direct contrast, thought man was simply not capable of knowing what justice God administers. His belief that Adam's fall was transmuted to all humans at birth, that some people are predestined by God to be saved and others condemned to eternal torment in the afterlife, that only by the Grace of God are humans saved, all flew in the face of the Pelagians belief in the basic goodness of God.

Of what relevance is all this today?

As we pursue creation of a Theological Panel, I am heartened to see the spirit that underlays many of our offerings. I have been pondering how we might set the tone for exchanges on the panel. I welcomed Jim's recent comments re: the need for a theological context for CL.

As the Theological Panel is technically an IPC site, I am reminded of the Guidelines and Rules of conduct that we here on the CL site have agreed to abide by. So I propose we employ an adopted version adapted to our purpose. That said I propose the following.

An Invitation.
We invite you to participate in a lively, informative, on-going healthy exchange of theological views. As we are a Christian organization we ask that you abide by these general biblical based guidelines.

1. Treat the views, beliefs and obsevations of other panel participants with respect and courtesy. Please keep in mind the following biblical entreaties.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. - Matthew 7:12

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

2. We encourage discussion of theological views as Christians devoted to working together in a caring mutually supportive partnership for the purpose of helping define a healthy expanding progressive Christian theology.