Statements of Faith
 

Just an observation on my part, as one who left UPC 17 years ago......

Lately I have read several Statements of Faith from various UPC churches, some I would consider liberal/moderate, some actually conservative. Some of their statements of beliefs are more generic than ours! Some don't mention baptism at all, or mention it but don't mention Jesus' name. Some say the Holy Ghost is for all believers, but don't mention tongues. They also don't say that it's essential, which shocked me. Some say that you are a part of the Kingdom of God upon repentance.

Is it just me, or is this a new trend? Are they masking what they really teach and believe to keep their websites from scaring people away before they ever come visit? Or is this honestly the way UPC seems to be heading.

Just curious, as this is a lot of the reason we left in the first place....we couldn't agree with the idea that it's "our way or the highway". 17 years ago, you would NEVER have seen this kind of stuff on UPC websites, if UPC websites had even existed. LOL!

Any thoughts?

Re: Statements of Faith
 

Lotsa OP's are seeing the light Sherri. The "closet one stepper" are finally beginning to speak out.

I think you'll continue to see an exodus from the mother ship by those who just can't condone the aritcles of faith of the UPC

Re: Statements of Faith
 

I guess the difference now is that they AREN'T leaving, but staying and doing their own thing. That would not have been tolerated at the time that we left. Very interesting.....:whistle

Re: Statements of Faith
 

Sherri, the reasons may vary, but to me a soft approach is the only way to influence and win others. It just makes good sense whether we are are talking doctrinal specifics or dress standards.

I have thought this way for a long time - in spite of the fact I would be considered conservative in practice.

So I hope and pray that's "the way UPC seems to be heading".

Re: Statements of Faith
 

Well, I hope so too, but it's kind of shocking to those of us who were trashed years ago for these same thoughts. At the time, we had no choice but to go, because what we believed was not tolerated.

I just wondered if this is what the majority of UPC is thinking, or is this just a brave outspoken few?

Re: Statements of Faith
 

Hmmm.... I would say it's not so much about how some believe differently - they are all still very much Oneness Pentecostal - but rather a new level of maturity, a different approach and a confidence that God truly knows every heart while we humans lack in both knowledge and understanding.

Re: Statements of Faith
 

I think some are doing the conceal thing, I think others doing the Big Tent thing.

Re: Statements of Faith
 

Meaning??????????

Re: Statements of Faith
 

I hope the concealed thing is genuine, not just a cover to get someone hooked and then skin them. lol

Re: Statements of Faith
 

This is an old creed or statement of faith.

I think we could all agree with this:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Amen.

note: the word "catholic" with a small "c" means the one universal church or body of Christ and does not mean "Roman Catholic."