Why Progressive Christians are neither simply "interfaith" nor simply focused upon Christians

On the topic of why we are not exclusively Christian-focused, but not "interfaith"-directed either, I copy the remark I made in an email:

"* A strong center in faith, and a strong progressive Christianity supports and IS AN ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of a strengthened progressive tradition and network across the board. Each component must have CONVICTION in order to be strengthened, honored, and respected. This is not only compatible with tolerance, but necessary in order to fight intolerance and injustice. Deep belief and faith is also required to get our ideas our there in ways that can help light the way."

Elaborating somewhat: the problem with mere interfaith as a focus, besides it being too dispersed, is that it generally lacks a center in active faith, THE crucial component in awakening and transformation spiritually and practically. By necessity it is based around shared principles, which may organize and support faithful change, but do poorly in helping to GENERATE faithful change. On the other hand, caring only about progressive Christians limits us to boundaries of worldly creation, and denies our real connections with others as brothers and sisters in spirit.

Ideally we Progressive Christians are strong singers in a chorus of strong faithful voices, each of which we embrace, as INTRINSIC to the values of our progressive Christian faith and as followers of Christ's example of radical compassion and inclusion. Our voice is not an add-on nor can it credibly exist to the exclusion of others. Altos need to be altos, sopranos need to be sopranos, baritones, baritones, and basses, basses for the chorus to work. Each have their own distinct voice, their own articulation of the spirit, and each have to be confident, skilled, and strong in tone and volume for the chorus to be enjoyed and heard. The conductor (stategizing, developing shared principles and connections) may be the guide, but it is the breath of spirit that makes the music.

In this sense, far from the stereotype, we have no barrier, but rather an obligation to deeply accept, appreciate, and support others in their faith, as a demonstration of our own faith. But that is just it, THROUGH our faith. We cannot accept the paradigm of watered-down comity, but deeply and gladly voice and act upon the Gospel as supportive of faith uprising in others.

The Spirit of the Living Christ is not incompatible with the faith of others, but loses its meaning if formed "in compromise" with other faiths. Faith must be both vivid, filled with inspiration and conviction, and absolutely open. Interfaith tends to be open but not vivid. Most Christianity tends to be vivid, but not very open. (Note how many times Christians seem to have no problem matter-of-factly observing that a saintly monk of another faith is damned to hell for eternity because he or she is not Christian.) Progressive Christianity is a lens through which we can both be authentic and effective, and, contrary to the belief of some, it is also the lens, because it is authentic, that will best receive and support the authenticity and effectiveness of other faiths.

Hope this helps address some confusion out there. I think it also supports us uniquely to be a force for virtuous change, and just as equally a leader in active inclusion of others.

Zeus Yiamouyiannis, Ph.D.
Berkeley, CA