Living in the middle is not so easy.

That was the confession of Ismar Schorsch, commenting on his 18 years as chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City

American Judaism is divided into three primary groups — Reformed, Conservative and Orthodox. Dr. Schorsch and the institution he leads are affiliated with the Conservative branch of Judaism.

“The Conservative movement is a centrist movement,” he said, “and by definition that is a more difficult position to occupy.”

Many Baptists know exactly how you feel, rabbi. It takes a lot more effort and explaining to occupy the middle ground.

The “conservative” title fits most of us as well when placed within the broad spectrum of faith and society. But many things said and done in the name of conservative Christianity are not reflective of our own thoughts and feelings.

Centrist Baptists equally reject fundamentalism and liberalism, but find it increasingly difficult not to be labeled as one or the other. Then there are the misconceptions about those choosing the middle ground.

Moderates are often maligned as waffling or indecisive — or worse, as being “lukewarm” in spiritual convictions and commitment.

For many of us, however, the middle ground is not a holding place while we decide which extreme to embrace. It is an intentional choice to avoid the extremes that we find equally lacking.

One pastor friend calls it the “passionate middle.” It is a place chosen with the same determination and deeply held convictions as those who embrace the extremes.

Centrists reject arrogant attitudes and exclusionary actions — from either extreme — that result in an “us-versus-them” battle rather than respectful discourse.

We tire of the public shenanigans that cause us as longtime, faithful Baptists to have to explain to our neighbors and coworkers that the harshness and myopia of Baptist leaders in the news do not represent our church family.

Likewise, our discomfort with fundamentalism does not mean that we therefore embrace every liberal political and theological position on the opposite side. Living with some degree of ambiguity is a healthy approach to life, we have learned.

Being in the middle can be uncomfortable indeed. One has to look both ways. But there are many good reasons to call the middle ground home.

In the middle, one can hold firmly to God and scripture while recognizing the danger of putting one’s limited understandings and interpretations in concrete. It is a place where grace and responsibility are both recognized and well balanced.

Schorsch gives the nation’s 1.5 million Conservative Jews a gem of advice. He calls them to be “inclusive, but predicted on conviction.” Then he admits that this path is a difficult one to travel.

Many Baptists know that challenge as well, rabbi. But it is one we are willing to embrace.

Political cartoonist Doug Marlette, in his first novel, The Bridge, wrote: “Liberals think I’m conservative and conservatives think I’m liberal.”

We know how he feels too. But that’s all right with us. For we have intentionally, passionately and unwaveringly chosen a place to call home.

Our choice is not made for convenience or comfort — but out of conviction.