On Liberal and Conservative

Not long ago the minister of the church I attend, Dr Robert Fogal, titled his sermon “Transaction vs Transformation:  It captured succinctly the difference between the liberal and conservative divide among many who name the name of Christ.

Transaction

A quid pro quo deal that defines the over-reaching philosophy of our culture (ie, capitalism, free trade, “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” commercially and socially).  A “good deal” is when a transaction results in a benefit or profit for each party.  Transactional “believers” emphasize the “art of the deal” (eg, believes the right things) and behaving oneself (ie, being good), especially concerning sex (adultery, transgenderism, abortion, divorce, same sex relationships) in exchange (the deal) for life after death which comforts the number one anxiety about mortality among humans.

Transformation

A gradual but insistent awareness of the “Gospel” that translates into an inner psychological and spiritual change that values deeply equality for all (male or female, Greek or Jew, slave or free), all are one.  Is deeply concerned about the poor, the oppressed, the different, values compassion, forgiveness, peace, and especially love, not only for neighbors, but for enemies and self, and a deep and abiding belief and value that everyone matters and in God’s sight is precious.  The result is a new being, a creation resulting in meaning that allows authenticity.