In The Netherlands and a lot other Eururopean countries, a liberal is someone who belongs to a liberal party (in my country at this moment one of the parties in the government), which is mostly to the right of the political spectrum (OK, still considered leftish by American Republicans). I'd like to think of a liberal to be (mostly) a polite person, who thinks about values in life, who thinks a government (or person or company) should spend no more money than what comes in, who values order and justice and human rights, and who wants to give the poor, helpless and needy a good treatment and decent life.

I'm a liberal and proud of it. I've had Americans laugh in my face because of such a statement. I guess many American Republicans would think I am a communist. Tsk....

Update: There are liberals who are atheist, christian, muslim or hindu. Some liberals are conservative, others are extremely progressive or kapitalistic. I am a moderately progressive, moderately kapitalistic and radical;y atheistic liberal, I oppose fascism and communism, I oppose criminal behavior, slavery, poverty, greediness, hatred and bigotry. I am my own boss and I decide on my own actions. I say what I think I need to say, and sometimes that has to be blunt, and sometimes it needs to be political correct. I do not believe in supernatural beings or an afterlife; death is the end and the purpose of life is to live life in a good way, helping others and trying to make the world a better place. Helping others with words, money, deeds, and being generous with help. Being remembered as a good person, maybe because of what I did, what I wrote, what I said and what I made, would be my reward, and I hope I realise it just before I die, so I can die happy and free. That is liberal for me: being free, and helping others to be free, in mind and in body.