Quote Originally Posted by cariad(CC)
Too often what was preached was condemnation which is contrary to everything Jesus taught. Christianity ultimately has a message of freedom and liberation.

Yes, certain behaviour patterns are discouraged, if they are contrary to biblical teachings, but not if they are contrary to the church elders’ personal preferences.
You say Christianity ultimately has a message of freedom and liberation, but in the same post you say certain behavior patterns are discouraged in your church. I have to infer that (and correct me if I'm wrong) you don't mean violent behavior patterns or you wouldn't have had to mention it. I must assume you mean something like being a homosexual. The last I checked the definitions of freedom and liberation they didn't exlude certain groups, but you say your church does and seem fine with that. I don't understand how you can be. Could you explain?

Do we try and ‘convert’ people – well if we had a magic wand and could convert the world we would.

Why, because not only do we believe what we have is good for people, but, to be very unfashionable, we believe it is right.
Again I have to wonder about what kind of freedom you encourage if your members would "convert the world" because you "believe it is right". The belief that you are right makes the belief that I am wrong inevitable. I will never understand how anyone can be so sure of something that can't be proven that they will go out and tell others it's the one true way. Again perhaps you can help me understand?

However using religion to coerce people into a particular form of behaviour, because society or government or even a body of people called the church wants it; in my view, will always be wrong.
But isn't that exactly what your body of people called a church is trying to do? I'm very confused.