Progressive Christians and Progressive Christians
I was attracted to "CrossLeft" because my faith is progressive and my politics are progressive. Both subjects are fascinating to me, especially it seems as I grow older and more cerebral.
I have noticed though as I talk to others and read and "surf" relevant web sites that the term "Progressive Christian" means very different things to different people.
To some, "Progressive Christian" strictly is a theological term, politics doesn't enter into the picture at all. It is about "progressive" change within the faith itself.
Yet others are very orthodox in their faith but their politics are "Progressive", thus they are calling themselves "Progressive Chrisitans". Some fitting into this category are born again evangelicals normally associated with the right, but reclaiming the "social" or "red letter" gospel and preaching a populist political gospel. They may land anywhere on the spectrum on the two "hot button" issues of Gay marriage and the abortion debate but still espouse progressive politics otherwise. Black evangelicals have often fit into this niche for decades.
Then there are others , like myself, whose progressive faith demands progressive politcal change. This is not about trying to make my faith a national religion but about working for universal goals such as peace, justice, universal health care, social security, etc.
If anyone would like to share some insight on the "Progressive Christian" and "Progressive Christian " debate pleae go ahead and respond.
- Jim Ramelis's blog
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What is Progressive Christianity?
Dear Jim, I think "progressive Christianity" is a group of perspectives that overlap in their commitments, but not one single perspective. There is a new blog publishing a serial, on line book entitled "Progressive Chritian Beliefs: An Introduction for Liberals Who are Searching, Conservatives who are Open, and Others who are Curious." The URL is http://progressivetheology.wordpress.com. The Preface and Chapter 1 are now posted. In the first chapter a distinction is made between liberal and progressive on a theological level. But as yet it is not explicit about the political views it will advocate, though there are some strong hints.
Dear + Wise Jim
I am in Solidarity with you that deep faith will demand public action.
As Christians, our personal relationship and intimacy with God will compel, impel, propel us to DO SOMETHING to 'bring in the kingdom' in regards to-as you wrote:
"working for universal goals such as peace, justice, universal health care, social security, etc."
Let us also remember that Jesus was never a Christian,
That term was not even coined until 3 decades after JC walked the earth.
But JC was a social justice, radical revolutionary Palestinian devout Jewish Road Warrior who ROSE UP/INTIFADA and challenged the job security of the corrupt Temple authorities when he taught the people they did NOT need ritual baths or sacrificing livestock to be OK with God:
For God loved them just as they were: poor, oppressed, diseased, outcast, and sinners who endured under Roman occupation.
What got JC crucified was that he disturbed the STATUS QUO of Rome by teaching that the least of all were loved and valuable to God:
And that Cesar only had power, because God allowed it.
JC was always patient and compassionate and moved by pity for all who were honest about themselves,
But he got flaming mad at apathy and hypocrisy in high places and what he taught we-who follow him,
MUST DO is:
Love, pray for, do good towards our enemies: NOT bomb and torture them!
I repent for America, for I see that revenge, hate and fear have replaced love, compassion and tolerance.
I repent that violence has become the way to 'bring democracy and peace' of the so-called faithful.
I repent that the corrupt Christianity espoused in pulpits and by many politicians has more in common with the Taliban than it does with the Prince of Peace.
The time is ripe to liberate Christ from the political machine which preaches a Doctrine of Fear for Christ preached:
"Fear not! You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free."
Forty years ago Father Philip Berrigan looked at the soul of America, and grieved over the Vietnam War and he wondered,
"How can a people so gifted by God become so seduced by naked power, so greedy for money, so addicted to violence, so slavish before mediocre and treacherous leadership, so paranoid, deluded, lunatic?"
The truth is that too many Christians today focus on what Jesus did for them, rather than DO what he preached, taught, and commanded us to do in his name.
Jesus was a radical, and radicals make people uncomfortable-they provoke, they challenge and demand deep thought and commitment.
Comfortable Christians prefer to focus on a quiet, private, personal relationship, the "I am saved" mentality rules them and they neglect to comprehend that JC's teachings call for public action and a prophetic witness.
What JC did was take the non-negotiable command to love one's neighbor as one loves themselves and illuminated that one's neighbor is:
All of humanity.
There are 6 Billion people in the world, and over half of them exist on less than $2.00 a day.
The world is awash with the hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick, and imprisoned, and Christ calls us to go out and DO SOMETHING for the least of these.
To follow Jesus means one must follow him to challenge and confront hypocrisy in high places and challenge those that deny the sacred value of any life; be it in the White House, Capitol Hill or the little church on the corner.
"If enough Christians followed the gospel, they could bring any state to its knees." - Father Philip Francis Berrigan
Eileen Fleming,
Reporter and Editor of
http://www.wearewideawake.org/
Author "KEEP HOPE ALIVE" and "Memoirs of a Nice Irish American 'Girl's' Life in Occupied Territory" to be released Feb. 2007