Well, I guess since you clicked on this, you must have read the title. Welcome. I appreciate you taking the few minutes of your day to peruse yet another blog. Much thanks.

With any good introduction comes the awkward part of the relationship. You don’t know what to ask, you don’t know the past, and you don’t want to look like an ass. Well, very much understood. I’ll start off with saying some things about myself and hope that my quirks and beliefs don’t shipwreck our already tumultuous relationship.

Hmmmm.

I will confess that I am nervous. But here it goes:

I’m a Christian.

*crickets*

Oh, right. Of course, of course.

I’m a Christian, specifically with the loose distinction of American Protestant. When pressed by both my conservative and liberal friends, both will say that I am either liberal or conservative. I confess this confuses me. Please don’t think of me as uninterested in choosing a label, but forgive me for being hesitant to claim such a label without clarification.

Yes, I am a Christian and that entails that I think Jesus is God and all of that. I hold to the inerrancy of Scripture, but I would maintain an openness to allowing for various kinds of interpretations to have their say within the kingdom.

To this end, I am a non-dogmatic theistic evolutionist. I believe that God is trinity, and that Christ was resurrected. Of course, this doesn’t get into atonement theory (yet) but just to keep my evangelical cards, I offer this statement.

I believe that Jesus provides the only method of salvation, therefore I would be an exclusivist. However, I do not think Jesus is restricted to working through other people’s religions to bring them to Himself. So I would further clarify that I am a flexible exclusivist and not a restrictivist, though I am not in agreement with inclusivism.

I affirm the classical view of the atonement, namely Christus Victor and it’s older model, Ransom Theory. I do not deny substitutionary atonement, and think with is compatible with Christus Victor.

You still there? Okay cool. And might I say, you look fabulous.

*ahem*

Back to it.

I do not believe non-Christians will face eternal conscious torment. In fact, I hold that the wicked will either be annihilated (often called conditional immortality) or they will be redeemed (referred to as universalism). This is not to say I embrace either label, as I am only just beginning my pilgrimage. Nor do I want to claim that folks who believe in eternal conscious torment are unbiblical or unintelligent. I simply find no compelling evidence to suggest eternal torment.

In regards to the nature of the soul (or lack thereof), I am agnostic. If we have souls, great. If we don’t, then the physical creation is still just as beautiful and deadly, and we are still as dependent upon the Resurrection. I haven’t lost sleep over this issue.

In regards to women in ministry, I am an egalitarian (though I kinda like complementarian as I do believe men and woman complement each other).

I believe in God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. And if that sounds like a cop-out answer, you are certainly right about that.

I do not affirm original guilt, but I affirm original sin. In accordance with the Eastern Church, I would agree. Along with their atonement theory of Christus Victor.

I believe that social justice is an essential part of the Gospel, and we are called to live it out.

I’m a moderate/liberal Republican. Fiscally conservative (for the most part) and moderate socially (pro-life,  pro-immigration, pro-welfare).

I love video games, action flicks and good beer. Depending on the day, I prefer Sin City and Avery’s The Reverend.

I really dislike ducks. I really do. No joke. If I become a universalist, I think ducks would be stuck in hell for a long time before they can be redeemed.

I like the term “progressive” Christian, but it carries too much baggage and most progressives won;t like me referring to myself as such.

I’m in a dedicated relationship. Sorry about that.

I still hate ducks.

Well, our two minutes are up. Do you still want to go out with me?

*crickets*

Can we at least be friends?

*crickets*

Love you too.

–Nick