2005 Year in Review: Progressive Christianity Awakes

2005 has come to a close.

A look back over the year yields a glum even dark view of the state of the world. Natural disasters of unparalleled consequence shook the countries around the Indian Ocean, Pakistan, and along our Gulf Coast. The war in Iraq continued without significant progress, but the death toll continued to climb. Almost unparalleled corruption infiltrated our American political system with an indicted majority leader and a resignation from the House. Another budget was passed with tax cuts for the rich and cuts for the poor. And at the end of the year, the President admitted to what is an impeachable offense: complete disregard of law and the Constitution in spying on American citizens without warrant.

Progressive Christians came into 2005 still reeling and dismayed about the Bush re-election, questioning how a man who rushes to war and gives tax cuts to the rich be considered a worthy candidate by so many Christians. With conservatives holding all three branches of government, frustration and anger held the day. It was hard for progressive Christians not to be negative, let alone despair. Indeed, polling indicates that most Americans disapprove of the President and even more so the Congress. But even in some of the darkest hours there are reasons for hope.

I believe that 2005 will be remembered as the year when many Christians realized that their religion had been hijacked. A great awakening of progressives and moderates is occurring that will ultimately organize itself into the next major political force combining with other progressives to shift the nature of political discourse and government policy making.

Jim Wallis gave tremendous visiblity to the movement through God's Politics. His talks frequently attracted a thousand or more people across the country. Even some of the most conservative evangelical leaders began to talk about poverty as an issue that is inherent in believing in Jesus Christ.

At CrossLeft, we have seen tremendous growth as a new organization poised to be a key part in the building of a Progressive Christian social movement. So many folks have found a home with us, realizing that they are not alone in their interpretation of Jesus as being concerned with the poor and the sick. There is a different version of Christianity that expresses itself in a politically progressive manner.

2005 has been a Great Awakening of Progressive American Christianity.

2006 will be the year of organizing ourselves and clarifying our political vision, with the potential for reaching a tipping point that will bring about a new era in American politics. Let's turn things around in 2006!