Liberal "Three-Steppers"

[trialedbyfire]

I don't know if Liberal 3-steppers is the proper term.

However I find that a lot of people who don't believe in some of the stricter ultra-con standards also don't adhere to Acts 2:38/John 3:5 being the Plan of Salvation.

I would consider myself a liberal or moderate three stepper. I watch movies, wear shorts, go swimming in public, have a tv, play sports, etc. Probably because I grew up PAW and we were never taught those things were sin.

However I believe in practical holiness. I do not listen to secular music, curse, practice sin, etc I'm split on the women wearing pants issue, but I don't condemn anyone to Hell for it. I believe that one must repent of your sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Ghost to be saved. Are there others like this? Especially ex-UPC?

I ask this because I am moving to an area where there are none of the PAW or PCAF churches I grew up in... and there are only UPC churches in the area. I don't know the specific standards because I haven't gotten a hold of the church yet to discuss that with their pastor BUT I don't know how they'll receive an OP like me that's strong on the doctrine, but will probably be keeping his TV... will be going to the movies every once and again... etc. I'm wondering how that will be received.

[Amanah]

I'm also a liberal 3 stepper.

I attend an awesome UPC church where you see the people who practice the full spectrum of "standards/non standards." Some come to church dressed like they were going to the average baptist church down the street, some come dressed UC.

I dress UC for church out of respect for those who hold those standards, but more mainstream for home and work.

I run in typical running clothes, and swim in a one piece, fairly modest bathing suit. otherwise I don't drink, smoke, gamble, flirt, or otherwise behave unseemly.

I have standards and convictions, they are just not old time UC standards.

Did i discuss it with my Pastor or anyone else? No.
I don't want to attend a trinny one stepper church, it doesn't feel like home to me.
But, I'm not running in a dress either.

My advice would be, to be respectful, but be yourself, and dont make it an issue.

[AreYouReady?]

Good advice Amanah.


There are UPC churches that have relaxed their strict standards. Maybe you will come upon one.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by trialedbyfire

I don't know if Liberal 3-steppers is the proper term.

However I find that a lot of people who don't believe in some of the stricter ultra-con standards also don't adhere to Acts 2:38/John 3:5 being the Plan of Salvation.

I would consider myself a liberal or moderate three stepper. I watch movies, wear shorts, go swimming in public, have a tv, play sports, etc. Probably because I grew up PAW and we were never taught those things were sin.

However I believe in practical holiness. I do not listen to secular music, curse, practice sin, etc I'm split on the women wearing pants issue, but I don't condemn anyone to Hell for it. I believe that one must repent of your sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Ghost to be saved. Are there others like this? Especially ex-UPC?

I ask this because I am moving to an area where there are none of the PAW or PCAF churches I grew up in... and there are only UPC churches in the area. I don't know the specific standards because I haven't gotten a hold of the church yet to discuss that with their pastor BUT I don't know how they'll receive an OP like me that's strong on the doctrine, but will probably be keeping his TV... will be going to the movies every once and again... etc. I'm wondering how that will be received.

You don't listen to secular music but you watch tv?

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Esaias

You don't listen to secular music but you watch tv?

I caught that too. TV and movies but no secular music. Seems a weird distinction.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by CC1

I caught that too. TV and movies but no secular music. Seems a weird distinction.

Especially if one hangs around Randy, watching the Matrix blasting that 'hard thumping techno beat' lol!

[Amanah]

Sometimes it's how something makes you feel. I used to go to church with a woman who would NOT listen to Margaret Becker, something about the soulful way that Becker sings brought feelings back to her that were not Godly. I didn't get it, but for her Becker was out.

[trialedbyfire]

Originally Posted by Esaias

You don't listen to secular music but you watch tv?

Typical of most PAW and PCAF churches. I guess that's strange for you all, but it was never strange for me at all. Just about every OP I know personally doesn't listen to secular music but watches TV and movies. I was brought up on the teaching that music was designed by God for worship and should be directly inspired by the Holy Ghost. Do I necessarily believe that music was ordained by God only for worship? No. However I believe music is inspired by God, and I only listen to music inspired by the Holy Ghost. That is aside from commercials and such. TV is entertainment, I believe it can be used for good and for evil... just like internet.

[trialedbyfire]

Originally Posted by CC1

I caught that too. TV and movies but no secular music. Seems a weird distinction.

It may be but it's far more common then you think.

[Michael The Disciple]

Count me in. Acts 2:38 is the "full standard" of salvation. Beards are godly. Its not a sin for a woman to trim. Praise and worship music 90% the rest between folk and doo wop. We watch Walker Texas Ranger about once a week and a movie once in a while.