Numma wun: I am a United Methodist. One of our strengths is that there is a wide range of theologies in our denomintaion. One of our weaknesses is that there is a wide range of theologies in our denomintaion. Many UM Churches are progressive, but many aren't. If you're really interested in finding a modern church, you might just have to check a few out. Where are you from? Your region might help. For instance, if you're in Rhode Island, you might actually want to check out Baptist churches. If you're in Arkansas, avoid even Methodists, for the most part. We can talk more about what might suit your needs in your area. Liberal Chirstianity can be found in any denomination, from Roman Catholic to Southern Baptist, depending on what's nearby.
Numba do: Awesome question, which I'm not sure I completely understand. However, I think story is the core of our theology. I might quibble with your suggestion that Jesus was into allegory (parable is hugely different), but I think our faith is found in story, mainly because the stories we create with our lives are how we incorporate ourselves into the biblical story of God's work with humanity.
Numero tres: Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? I hate to say it, but I don't know who those are. Help me out, bro. I could google them, but since I don't them, even Google couldn't help me answer.
Please, as always, ask me any follow up questions you want, especailly with #2, which I don't feel like I aswered well. And, of course, thaks for the questions.
To get this thread back on track...
In response to your response to my second question:
I agree with and appreciate your response. I think you understand what I'm saying. I guess my point is that I don't think "narrative" gets enough credit in religious thought. And I think that the reason Christianity has such an impact on people is because it's based on a great narrative (this, of course, applies to many religions). Oh, and I meant parable, not allegory. I still get those two confused.
Danielson is an indie-rock band heavily influenced by Christianity. Their entire aesthetic, in fact, is based on Christian imagery and belief. They are also fans of the Best Show and have appeared on the show several times. It may be presumptuous to think you would be into this sort of thing, but even if you don't like the music, I think their story is relevant to your type of faith. If you're interested, a great place to start is the documentary
Danielson: A Family Movie (or, Make a Joyful Noise Here). It's really great. Here is the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5r8-qk30DMAnd here is the music video for "Did I Step On Your Trumpet?":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmkosOzQH8Page France are another indie rock band with lyrics influenced by Christian imagery, although not as intensely as Danielson.
I think why I brought up these bands though, is because they've been utterly rejected by the mainstream Christian rock audience (which, to me, says a lot about mainstream American Christianity). In a lot of ways, their faith seems so much more in line with the type of Christianity you seem to adhere to. And that is probably why they've found success with a presumably secular audience.
Anyway, Pastor Josh, you're a great addition to the FOT board and I've enjoyed your few calls to the show so far.
