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Our Pledge & Distinctives “Our
Pledge: To be cordial and to treat Christians with respect!”
Welcome
to Ex-Minister.org! This pledge is not just a slogan but
also the way we conduct ourselves! The founder had a heart
for people as a minister and this aspect hasn't changed
since he left the ministry! This site primarily targets
Christians who are somewhere in the process of addressing
the legitimacy of their faith and those adjusting to the
post-Christian life!
Some on my side have lost sight that the majority of Christians are good people. In my view, most of the problematic Christians are not the ordinary man upon the street, but the "big fish" with resources that have used Christianity as a cover for a power grab! Otherwise, most saints and secularist share the same common desires; but we differ on the way to attain them! Unfortunately, some have lost their humanity and have declared war upon "the opposition!"
You have already read my pledge, below I have posted some of the distinctives of this website. A few upon my side cannot understand some of the things that I do here and think that I am soft towards Christians. I would suggest that these do not understand the human aspect of the equation. Personally, I know who I am and what it is that I want to do! This website cares more for thinkers rather than parrots anyway! I will leave the rehashing of divisive stale rhetoric to the politically minded isolationists!
Upon leaving the ministry, I went into sales as a means of making a living. I have learned as a salesman that good products will remain upon the shelves until someone can clearly communicate the benefits to the prospect! Through pain and desire, I have sought to discover ways to bridge the gap between saint and secularist. This can be done effectively without compromising secular values or patronizing the faithful! I am not going to explain everything, but basically this is why I have chosen to take a different approach than many of my peers. Learning to effectively communicate is more important to me than than the insecurity of playing tough to impress your peers. So keep this in mind as you browse this website and remember that the targeted audience isn't secularists, but Christians that might just be "kicking the tires" as they say in retail!
Regardless whether one keeps their faith or opts for what I see as a better way of life; the expectations of each to contribute in their own way to making the world a better place remains the same! I don't even think in terms of "killing the faith;" I agree with William James' assessment that religion is good if it makes you a better person! So let the scenario play out in a pluralist society without undue strife. The faithful will do their thing and we will do ours! Hopefully we can learn to do this in a civil manner! Distinctives
·
The
founder doesn’t think atheism is a good alternative to
faith!
·
Most
“post-Christian” sites merely attempt to deconstruct
Christianity; this site goes a step further and seeks to build
a world with secular humanist values.
· The founder’s background provides a rare perspective. There are currently just a few openly outspoken former ministers active (that I’m aware of): Dan Barker, Robert M. Price, Farrell Till, Paul Benedict, John W. Loftus, Jim Schoch, Bill Henness, Stephen Uhl, Joe Holman, Bruce Gerencser and myself.
·
A
history of posting excellent articles from a Christian
perspective (provided they deliver a good message or if they
express critical concerns.) ·
Since
we are not consumed with your leaving the faith, we can
stick to the case against Christianity minus the
name-calling.
·
A
bridge builder without compromising core beliefs.
Challenging divisive social paradigms and “prevailing
wisdom” that is falsifiable.
PS: People have some unique ideas about past or present ministers. Some folks treat them as special (the pedestal problem); others treat you as if you were ignorant or a charlatan; some will see you as all inclusive or lacking backbone (milk toast.) I wouldn’t consider myself any of the above. I put my pants on just like any other man does! I have always sought to be straightforward in the affairs of life and to be genuine in character. One thing hasn’t changed since I left the ministry: I still want to contribute something to the world in which my family & I live! Thanks for visiting! Brian
Worley
Ex-Minister.org May 16, 2009
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