"Liberalism good. Conservatism bad." Only four words are needed to summarize Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers and Religious Liberals (Beacon Press) by Unitarian minister John Buehrens. Some words he uses in depicting liberalism: "up-to-date," "intellectually respectable," "justice-oriented," "spiritually enriching," "authentic," "progressive," "honest," "true discipleship," "wisdom," "freedom," "liberation," "peace," "exultation, expectation and inspiration." Words for conservatism: "disguised fear," "massive injustice," "bigots," "reactionaries," "chauvinists," "sins," "exploitation," "oppressive," "captive," "superficial," "not authentic," "kill," "violate," "racism," "sexism," "homophobia." And that's just in the first five pages. Buehrens, minister of the First Parish church in Needham, Mass., was president of the Unitarian...
