It struck me this evening why I have always been reluctant to truly embrace the “inclusive orthodoxy” label. Aside from that label having a less than stellar record in online venues when it comes to kindness and Christ-like behavior in discussion, I realized it’s an oxymoron. 1/

To be orthodox is, by its very nature, to be exclusive. “We’re right, you’re wrong.” Inclusive orthodoxy means “we welcome you, but make sure you believe and think the right things.” 2/

In his book “Strangers and Pilgrims Once More” Addison Hodges Hart speaks of the great hubris and utmost un-Christlike nature of determining who is worthy of being in or out of the church based on what they believe or think. 3/

To say that someone else’s beliefs disqualifies them from being in a church, receiving the sacraments, or asserting that “they might as well be atheist” elevates your own beliefs and understandings into the place of God. 4/

You become the judge. No matter if “tradition” or “the Bible” support you, you are treading on dangerous ground. While I am what most would call orthodox, I have no desire to ostracize or shame people because they think differently. 5/

Therefore, I for one, will simply stick with the moniker of Christian and Episcopalian. End/