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Tehachapi Progressive Christian Community
Topics: community, cooperative, Christian, progressive, liberal, JESUS, hippie, Church, Tehachapi
Anonymous user Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:27:28 PST
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Efforts are beginning to possibly form an intentional and cooperative community of progressive Christians and friends in the beautiful Tehachapi area of Kern County in California (between Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley area which includes Palmdale and Lancaster). Our focus is on following Jesus as Lord which means following his Greatest Commandments - Love God and Love one another. These fulfill the essence of the Law. As progressive Christians we do not hold to biblical literalism or inerrancy, belief in an eternal hell (which contradicts the teachings of Jesus who gave the greatest commandment of Love and Compassion), homophobia, etc.

We are a family-friendly group and have two elementary school age children ourselves. We are interested in what ideas, events and activities YOU would like to see happen.

Please review the 8 Points of Progressive Christianity at http://www.tcpc.org for more information on our progressive Christian stance.

Please visit our online discussion group for TPCC if you would like to join the discussion on community formation:

http://groups.yahoo.com/gro...

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Comment From: foolseznoGod

Thats a great idea. I want to start a new group of vegetarians except we meet and eat hamburgers, hot dogs, and bar-b-qued chicken. Not like all those other intolerant vegetarian groups. Comment From: davesalyers

Well, since there are all kind of options in Tehachapi for evangelical and fundamentalist Christians, it would be good to have an option for Christians who have a different (i.e. progressive) interpretation.

Comment From: davesalyers

Actually since vegetarian Boca and Gardenburgers exist, as well as soy (tofu) hot dogs, it is sort of a misinformed statement. Of course the typical evangelical and fundamentalist Christian opinion on progressive Christians is also misinformed (and biased) as progressive Christians have been around for many years but more "traditional" Christians like to deny that they exist or that they are a valid interpretation of Christianity. We acknowledge that evangelical and fundamentalist Christians are a valid interpretation of Christianity, but that we respectfully disagree with their interpretation. We just would like to see the same courtesy and respect extended to us as progressive Christians by our evangelical and fundamentalist brethren. However, those who are open-minded and are curious about progressive Christianity (but not to debate or proselytize) are welcome to join the list too. ;-)

Comment From: foolseznoGod

I stand corrected, Boca burgers, soy dogs, and tofu chicken do indeed exist. They are all cheap imitations of the real thing. Comment From: davesalyers

I'll let your comments stand for people to judge your fruits as a Christian and a follower of Jesus. Comment From: foolseznoGod

Thats very pious of you. My fruit is sticking up for the truth, not watering it down and accepting all sorts of sin into normal behavior. No matter what you call the latest attempt, its still heresy. The whole purpose of the progressive movement is to integrate the acceptance of homosexuality into the mainstream, all the rest is window dressing. When I finally meet Jesus I'll fall on me knees and thank him for saving a miserable sinner like me. It sounds to me like the progressives will put an arm around Him and explain where He got some of His doctrine wrong and help Him figure it out. Good luck. Comment From: davesalyers

Yep, they'll know we are Christians by our love.... (And by how much we focus on the specks in other's eyes and ignore the plank in our own?)

And by the way, I'm not gay - so why are you so preoccupied with that subject?

Comment From: davesalyers

To explain more for those who may have a sincere interest - I'm trying to start an emergent-style progressive house "church" or fellowship in the Tehachapi area. I will say that it is much rarer for a progressive Christian, of which I am one, to start a house church. Most house churches that I have encountered tended more towards a fundamentalist, evangelical, conservative theological interpretation. But generally in terms of worship you'll find that it is obviously not as formal as a regular church setting. Communion becomes a shared meal (agape feast) where you literally break bread and share wine in remembrance of Jesus. You will likely not have many "sermons" led by a pastor. Instead the focus will be conversations and sharing among those in your community as equals - we may want to pick a topic theme for each meeting in advance. I, having previous experience in Quaker meetings, would like to add some prayerful silence before the sharing and try to have the discussion led by the workings of the Spirit. The music will be whatever folks know how to play or what CD's/mp3's they want to share (which are appropriate).We are a family-friendly group and have two elementary school age children ourselves. We are interested in what ideas, events and activities YOU would like to see happen. I'm thinking about fun things like potlucks, barbeques, get-togethers, fieldtrips, campouts, emergent home church as discussed above, and other fun activities.What kind of ideas were you having? I would love to think of some new ideas.You can e-mail me at davesalyers@yahoo.com if you want to know more or have questions.

Comment From: foolseznoGod

You brought it up in your original post. When the one world religion that will be mandated by the one world government finally materializes in the last days, it will no doubt mimic the nonsense advocated by the progressive liberals. Brother, I pray for your spiritual discernment. Do not be lead astray. Comment From: davesalyers

Well, thanks for the comment. We can agree to disagree. Peace be with you!