OK, I obviously had problems here when I made my first attempt to join the community, back around (shudder) election time.  I *despise* election time, because so many want to pound it into people that if you don't vote Republican, you're not a true Christian.  It just galls me.  I had issues within my own real-life church for the same reason.  Still have.  Even as recently as a couple of weeks ago, someone in our Sunday School class made the statement that liberals are the most godless people there are.  Since I am a political liberal but a religious conservative, I was offended by that, and I wonder whether I belong in a church where it appears you have to be a conservative Republican to fit in.  So that's obviously a huge sore spot for me.  Maybe just maybe, since it's not election time right now, this won't be an issue.

By the way, leaving the church is not an option.  Hubby loves it, though he is like me, liberal on some issues but conservative on others.  And as long as I avoid interaction with the outspoken conservatives, as hubby does, I can go to church for what church is intended to be--worshipping God.

What happened to bring me back was a message in my e-mail, asking me to confirm my account.  I figured it was some forum I had just joined, and it had slipped my mind, but no, it was this one.  I don't know why I was asked to confirm my account a year after I left the forum, but it happened, and it got me thinking, maybe I can come back now.

Am I safe?

Dear LBF

You are not alone or the only liberal on this forum. It has always confused me how so many Christians can so easily take the Republican stance of "everyone should take care of themselves," "no government programs for ........"  My understanding is that God wants us to be helpful to all our fellow people and especially those who are in need of help......it just doesn't compute to me. How can I sleep at night if others are in need and I have more than I need?

Welcome back.  We need more balance and FACTS on these posts.