What do we often mean by "liberal"?
adjective: generous, broad-minded, tolerant
noun: one who is broad-minded or not strict in observance of traditional ways
Sometimes there is conflict between the exercise of freedom and the perceived need to maintain the familiar, comfortable, traditional.
Paul had a real problem with the Christians in Galatia.
They had accepted his message of grace from God, that in Christ we are set right with God quite independently of what we do. (Justification by grace, through faith.) Christ had done all that was necessary to set things right.
But, they had started to lose sight of the core of the gospel by treating the observance of "traditional ways" (following the Law) as equally necessary.
Fulfilling the law not only does not secure our righteousness, but compounds our problem since it may lead us to boast of our own power and goodness.
"You stupid Galatians!"
Galatians 5:415
What do you think?
€ Is it easier to be liberal or conservative?
€ How do you, personally, distinguish self-serving rebelliousness from a fresh breeze of freedom, inspired by grace?
€ The writer states: "As fish live in water, so we live in sin. All are in sin. It goes with the territory of being human." Do you agree?
€ How should we decide whether a break from our tradition is good or bad?