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'''Liberal Christianity''' refers to [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations, or churches within denominations, that view the Bible as the ''witness'' of [[God]] rather than the ''word'' of God.  Strangely the view is supported by a rather literal interpretation of the words of Paul in his second letter to Timothy:

'''Liberal Christianity''' refers to [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations, or churches within denominations, that view the Bible as the ''witness'' of [[God]] rather than the ''word'' of God.  Strangely the view is supported by a rather ''literal'' interpretation of the words of Paul in his second letter to Timothy:

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

Here Paul supports the view that scripture is a direct result of the author's contact with God ("witness") whilst stopping short of claiming actual divine authorship ("word").

Here Paul supports the view that scripture is a direct result of the authors contact with God ("witness") whilst stopping short of claiming actual divine authorship ("word").

As a result Liberal Theologians view the Bible as a text to be [[hermeneutics|interpreted]] in its [[history|historical]] context through critical analysis.<ref>http://home.earthlink.net/~gbl111/liberalism.htm</ref> Examples include some churches within [[Anglicanism|Anglican]]/[[Episcopalian]], [[Lutheran]], [[Methodism|Methodist]], [[Presbyterian]], and [[United Church of Christ]] churches.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8028_1.html ''What Liberal Protestants Believe''] Beliefnet. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref> The word "liberal" in liberal Christianity does not refer to any political agenda or set of beliefs.

As a result Liberal Theologians view the Bible as a text to be [[hermeneutics|interpreted]] in its [[history|historical]] context through critical analysis.<ref>http://home.earthlink.net/~gbl111/liberalism.htm</ref> Examples include some churches within [[Anglicanism|Anglican]]/[[Episcopalian]], [[Lutheran]], [[Methodism|Methodist]], [[Presbyterian]], and [[United Church of Christ]] churches.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8028_1.html ''What Liberal Protestants Believe''] Beliefnet. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref> The word "liberal" in liberal Christianity does not refer to any political agenda or set of beliefs.