What makes us progressive?
Rich, Steve and I had a wonderful conversation on the theology panel conference call this evening, although I fear I again monopolized the conversation - sorry guys.
One of the questions that arose was during one of the brief interludes when I wasn't talking was "What makes us progressive?". In truth, there are likely as many "progressive" concerns aired here on CrossLeft as there are progressives to comment on them. It is that very fact which I believe to be one of our greatest strengths here on CrossLeft, as well as in the progressive movement as a whole. We as humans are a wonderful and diverse group. We should celebrate, rejoice and find strength in that diversity. The same exists for the microcosm of our society which is progressive Christianity. In fact, it is my opinion that that willingness to explore and celebrate our diversity is one of the hallmarks of the progressive movement. Here on Crossleft we have Catholics, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Baptists, and etc. Our members are Yankees, Rebels, Easterners and Westerners; White, Latino, Native American and African-American. Some of us are exceptionally passionate about the environment, some poverty, some equality.
In spite of all of that, we are united in the belief that our common faith is one that compells us to act or speak out to improve the world around us.
In spite of all that we could use to draw divisions, we seek that common ground which can nurture us all; that communion table that we can all gather around.
It is because of that which I believe is our greatest strength, that I would not choose to quantify "what makes us progressive" except in the loosest of terms that we could find common ground on.
Another organization that I am involved with codified the following:
That we consider ourselves Christian.
That we have a concern for social justice. (in whatever form)
That we respect theological diversity.
That we welcome all to their rightful place at God's table.
Perhaps within such inclusive boundaries, there is enough to hold us together. I do believe that we should produce white papers or statements on issues of concern. Then let those who wish, sign on; while allowing those who do not wish, the liberty to choose.
"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity."
I am reminded of a wonderful (and uncomfortably accurate) scene from Monty Python's Life Of Brian:
Brian: Are you the Judean People's Front?
Reg: %&*( off!
Brian: What?
Reg: Judean People's Front! We're The People's Front of Judea! Judean People's Front, God!
Rogers: Blighters...
Brian: Can I...join your group?
Reg: No, &*&) off!
All to often we Christians have been like that; sharing the same goal, the same purpose, but refuse to unite in that purpose because of difference in methodology, race, social status, gender or orientation. What if we could truly set aside those petty differences and work toward that common goal? Well, we just might bring about the Kingdom of God here on Earth (which if memory serves, is what a certain Rabbi suggested we do a couple of thousand years ago...)
- Rev_Roger's blog
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CrossLeft vis a vis IPC
Again, just to clarify. CrossLeft and IPC are different entities. CrossLeft.org is this virtual community where we can blog, come together in philosophical conversation and engage in advocacy. IPC is not that. IPC is a think tank where position papers are drafted, conferences are sponsored, etc.
What Makes Us Progressive?
"That we consider ourselves Christian.
That we have a concern for social justice. (in whatever form)
That we respect theological diversity.
That we welcome all to their rightful place at God's table."
Works for me!
strategic progressive Christian plan...
The former being said, I do believe it is critical that we work together towards a strategic progressive Christian plan. The reason for this is that then our energies would be focused on specific areas on which we want to concentrate on to cause change.
Love God - Love People
I agree, the 3 of us enjoyed a great real time discussion. I think the one quote I shall always remember from last nite is the one you offered Roger, "Love God - Love People", all the rest is commentary. That very succinctly sums up the whole of what makes us Christian. As you know I love to simplify, to "cut to the chase" as they say and, for me, this says it just fine. Thank you.
As the IPC is a progressive Christian think tank, I think it appropriate to list some of the common concerns, the chief issues, we would do well to focus on in the coming months, especially in this current national election year, those we espouse. Steve expressed great concern that, in the process of reaching out to the more doctrinaire Evangelicals, we do not compromise our basic progressive Christian programs. Let's explore them a bit here.
1. Elimination of poverty; locally, nationally and globally.
2. Immediately establish powerful programs to reduce the human effects of global warming, especially those that utilize alteratives to oil and gas for generation of energy.
3. Establish a 2 fold immigration policy. First we need a policy that recognizes the value of undocumented workers to our economy and establishes fair and equitable immigration policies, such as a guest worker program. Second, simultaneously works with the governments of those nations from which the impoverished migrate, in establishing fair economic programs in their nations that eliminate local poverty and thus the need to migrate.
4. Recognize that churches and government can work together to in achieving sound non-partisan social justice programs. Publically funded faith based programs have a place in modern American society, as long as they are fair with equal accessiblity to all persons, no matter of their faith, or lack thereof, and does not seek to proselytize individuals.
5. Adopt new economic programs that create and implement policies that incorporate the best aspects of both capitalism and socialism.
6. Recognizes that adequate health care is a basic right of all people, and provides affordable programs to all citizens of this and other nations.
7. Enforce existing programs, and where necessary create new ones, that insure that the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, is free from industrial and agricultural pollution and contamination.
8. Ensure that all Americans have adequate housing to meet their basic needs.
9. Respect the diversity of religious beliefs our nation exhibits and keep formal religion doctrines separate from public policy.
10. Enforces existing laws and where necessary establishes new laws thar ensure the rights of workers to organize for their common good.
This is but a start. What other issues should we address?
BTW I like the 4 codifications of the Progressive Christian Alliances definition. It works for me.
I look forward to many more monthly real time discussions.
Rich