An apology to atheists of good will from a liberal Christian

[arely staircase]

2. Thank you and you make a good point

For me I can't literally take as true such things as the story of the Flood. We know that there are simply too many species of animals on Earth to get two of each on a boat made with today's technology, much less one made in the Bronze Age. I don't take the Creation story literally, my reason and all available evidence leads me to believe in evolution.

But I do take this literally:
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

There are many atheists who believe that too (minus the Law and Prophets wording). And it is the reason I rethought my earlier thread and apologized.

My Church, the Episcopal Church, derives its theology equally from Scripture, Church tradition and reason. Now, and this is where I will lose you, I do believe Jesus was God come to Earth in the form of a man who redeemed me on a cross. I know, you are slapping your forehead now. And that is cool, too. But know this - it is much more important to me to work with people who share my values of making the world an easier place for the poor and otherwise oppressed. I will take the company of an atheist who volunteers at a battered women's shelter or Habitat for Humanity over that of a fundamentalist who uses Scripture as a weapon to oppress women or condemn gays. BTW - my Church blesses same sex unions.

Again, thanks.