On being liberal and our diversity (poll)

[QuietObserver]

Probably both. The early church certainly was open to the apocrypha (but so were early Anabaptists).

The thinking process that leads to SDA, Christadelphian, Church of God General Conference, biblical Unitarian, etc. type of thinking is also active in circles like the Milioni-Kiravilla group, certain wings of Old Brethren background people (such as the Bayer community of goods group), and (right here in my home in Wayne County) the Rufener group. One thing all these groups have in common is a heavy Anabaptist influence or background.

In all those circles, discussion about the eternal state, level of inspiration of scripture, etc would be welcome.

Can you say more about the thinking process? Is there a common denominator?

[Josh]

Probably both. The early church certainly was open to the apocrypha (but so were early Anabaptists).

The thinking process that leads to SDA, Christadelphian, Church of God General Conference, biblical Unitarian, etc. type of thinking is also active in circles like the Milioni-Kiravilla group, certain wings of Old Brethren background people (such as the Bayer community of goods group), and (right here in my home in Wayne County) the Rufener group. One thing all these groups have in common is a heavy Anabaptist influence or background.

In all those circles, discussion about the eternal state, level of inspiration of scripture, etc would be welcome.

Can you say more about the thinking process? Is there a common denominator?

It’s an openness to new ways of thinking and an acceptance of intellectual and academic authorities versus local church authorities and inherited ethnic tradition.

I would argue that it mostly comes down to personality factors. Openness versus high respect for tradition are well documented in several well respected personality description systems, as well as being a big part of Haidt’s theories on personality and religious-political attitudes.

What is especially interesting is that many of these traits appear to be innate, so one is born with them, and some of them will be more common in some families and some ethnic groups than others.

[steve-in-kville]

Why are we so against labor unions and tractor pulls?

Most of the poll results make sense to me and some just don't.

[AnthonyMartin]

Why are we so against labor unions and tractor pulls?

Most of the poll results make sense to me and some just don't.

Labor unions tend to be very liberal politically...

[ohio jones]

Why are we so against labor unions and tractor pulls?

Most of the poll results make sense to me and some just don't.

Labor unions tend to be very liberal politically...

The objection to labor unions has traditionally been framed in terms of an unequal yolk. Does that eggsplain it?

[Sunbeam]

Liberal is anything more "liberal" than you are.

[steve-in-kville]

Liberal is anything more "liberal" than you are.

Exactly. Reminds me of these lyrics:

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

[Josh]

Labour unions were historically associated with violence and heavy political involvement.

Tractor pulls would be like going to county fairs - an unwholesome, carnal atmosphere.

[Haystack]

It depends on what union and industry you're in as far as being liberal/conservative.

[RZehr]

My grandpa worked on the railroad and was part of the union.
I think fundamentally, unions are about standing up for rights. Maybe not, and that certainly could be expanded upon.
Often, Mennonites frown quite enthusiastically on standing up for ones rights instead of turning the other cheek or preferring the other of ourselves.