Ok, here’s what I’m looking for:
- chrisitan
- not real high maintenance on rituals
- not too mystical, more down-to-earth kinda jesus
- not anti-tech/modern world
- progressive on issues like women, gays, social justice, etc.
What have you got to sell me?
Unitarian Universalism. Not exactly Christian (the connection to Christian tradition varies somewhat with the congregation), but good match for all your other points.
Based on the fact that you’re “shopping around” for a religion, I’d have to say that you don’t seem to actually take religion seriously. In that case, might I suggest Atheism? Or, if you’re on a budget, we have some nice, economy-sized Agnosticism out on the lot.
Actually, since you’re looking for a religion, you probably want something a little heavier on morals and purpose. Well today’s your lucky day! I can make you a GREAT deal on some Human Secularism!
Serioulsy, are you looking for a religion to follow, or are you just wondering which branches of Christianity most fit the description you gave?
Alternately, United Church of Christ is very liberal yet still Christian. They ordain women and gays/lesbians as pastors. It’d probably be a good fit, again depending on the congregation you look at.
If you’re just exploring, I’ll second the vote for Unitarianism.
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If you require a firm Christian commitment, UCC (as Ferret Herder suggested) sounds closest.
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U/U requires a bit more intellectual investment – they look for truth from every faith tradition. But they’re very good people.
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This thread should be in IMHO – there’s no one right answer (or rather there is, but only a future drhess will know what it is).
Well, instead of selling, how about I just tell you a little something I found out when I began looking. You make your own choice.
I believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us humans because he saw through everything and loved his Father’s creation. I believe religion, faith, and spirituality are very personal things to discuss, thats why so much crap (for lack of a better word at this time) has become of religion.
If you are truly searching, I think you will find what you need.
Take a good look at yourself. Analyze. Question your choices. Forgive yourself. Then ask for the Lord to forgive you. He will, no matter what. Pick up the guide the Lord left us. I can not tell you anything you truly need to hear. Read the New Testament with a complete open mind. In summation, faith in Jesus Christ and spirituality is something that will show you alot and show you just how much you dont know about anything.
I’d move this to IMHO, except it is an invitataion for witnessing.
Off to Great Debates.
DrMatrix - GQ Moderator
Try Belief-O-Matic.
How about a course in comparative religion? Sorta like taking a test drive before you make the commitment. 
Hmmmm. hobbes730, I don’t know why but I tried out your link. I’m a pretty devout atheist. It gave me “nontheist” as only the fifth choice.
Kinda reminds me of the libertarian poll where (surprise!) everyone who takes it is secretly revealed to be a libertarian.
Haha, perhaps Bill. Somehow I ended up as Universalist Unitarian ~ I think most people do. Anyway I think I’m much closer to Atheist, or at least agnostic…
Or perhaps Belief-O-Matic knows you better than you know yourself? 
JFTR, and because I have an urging to do so (and because we’re where witnessing is acceptable), if point #2 is negotiable, my own beloved Episcopal Church would welcome you with open arms. However, we’re extremely liturgical.
how about sodomy? that’s an enjoyable pastime i’ve been told. i think it’s about time that gays/lesbians had their say from the pulpit they cpould spread the message about the joys of
pervertism to the young people of the congregation and even molest a few of them! of course if they get caught they should
consider the fate of the queer catholic priests. religon, in my opinion, is man made crapola
i want less corruption or more opportunity to participate in it.
1930’s logic…if go wanted you to smoke he would have put a chimney on your head.
If you want to be “sold” a religion, drhess, the Church of the SubGenius is for you. Salvation for only $30.00! It’s not exactly Christian . . . but the Fightin’ Jesus (among others) is on our side, and we at least have an understanding with Jehovah-1 (that evil space god from some corporate sin galaxy!). Click on www.subgenius.com. And remember, Our Risen Saviour “Bob” Dobbs offers a guarantee no other mind-control cult can match: Eternal salvation – or triple your money back!
drhess- from your description, I’d recommend any of these mainline Protestant groups- the more liturgical/ritualist the church, the lower on the list-
American Baptist (not to be confused with Southern Baptist)
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
Presbyterian Church USA
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Episcopal Church
I recommend a visit to each church. pick the one that feels best- attend for a month & if it doesn’t work out, try the next one for a month & so on
and pray for guidance & read your Bible of course
oh- I forgot-
along with United Church of Christ, put Disciples of Christ, its somewhat more conservative sibling
Jesus H. Christ! I know some moderater would move this. Look, taking the “what do you have to sell me” as a joke, this is an actual question with an actual answer. It seems apparent from the post, jokes aside, and is how many posters took it. Sigh…
As several people pointed out United Church of Christ fits the criteria, and some others are close. I wasn’t looking for a church to join, just wondering what christian denominations were most progressive on social issues and not yet UU (which is not christian as pointed out).
What about Quakers? Aren’t they christian? or luke-warm on chirst as incarnation of god?