Almost Orthodox +

I am so tired of theological labels, "emerging" included. I don't really mind them as a reference point, but it irritates me when the first question a person asks within a religious discussion is "are you conservative or liberal?" Labels seem to be used to box people into one point of view, and a person adopting a certain pre-made label feels constricted in the amount of room they have to maneuver. Even if a "conservative" wanted to hold a "liberal" belief, they would feel hemmed in by their conservative friends and communities. Likewise for a "liberal."

Maybe I dislike labels so much because there's not one for me, except "emerging" of course, but "emerging" implies a destination at some point in the future. Most of us in the emerging conversation don't like to think about that, but it's an obvious assumption. However, our labels will be something new, neither liberal nor conservative. I imagine we'll have to create some kind of new vocabulary to define ourselves, if we even want to define ourselves. No matter how "emerging" I am, I always have an innate desire to identify my beliefs. This is at least necessary for genuine conversation to occur between two persons.

So my new self-designed theological identity is "Almost Orthodox +." I know it sounds clumsy and contradictory, but it at least gives a framework for others to work with in approaching conversations. In all my theological questioning and re-adjusting, I've surprised myself in coming almost full circle back to near orthodoxy. I believe in the virgin birth, the perfect life, and the bodily resurrection of Christ. I believe in the Trinity. But..... I don't believe the Bible is inerrant, that Christ's death was substitutionary, or in a literal heaven or hell. I know it's strange to see a self-proclaimed emergent identifying himself theologically. It's so systematic! But we all believe something, and not being upfront about that doesn't erase the fact. There have to be things to converse about.

So, I believe almost enough to make me orthodox, not quite enough to be considered conservative, and then there's a +. The "+" is the most important part of my label. I believe in the virgin birth, perfect life, the resurrection of Christ, and the Trinity + I believe a person doesn't have to believe in those things to be a Christian. I don't believe in inerrancy, the substitutionary atonement, or a literal heaven or hell + I believe you can believe those things and still be a Christian. In other words, my new label isn't a one size fits all label. It leaves room for the other that isn't quite or at all like me.

I suppose the biggest problem I have with labels is their exclusivity. Traditionally, according to labels, a person is either in or out of the club. I am tired of man-made barriers to building the kingdom of God on earth. Are you an inerrantist? Fine by me - partner with me to welcome people into the Kingdom. Do you believe in a literal hell? Whatever - partner with me to welcome people into the Kingdom. It's natural to build communities around likenesses. It's supernatural to build them around differences.

Peace & Blessings.