Editor’s Note: The following is the first in a series of articles in a partnership between Good Faith Media and ProgressiveChristianity.org.
We need a Progressive Christian revolution.
American Christianity has sadly become synonymous with white nationalism, the denial of science and far-right politics. Many see churches as hypocritical, homophobic, patriarchal institutions. Is it any wonder people are walking away?
This version of Christianity would be unrecognizable to Jesus, who preached radical welcome, permeating peace and God’s inclusion of all. It would confound the one crucified by an empire to see his movement transformed into a tool of manipulation and oppression by yet another empire.
Many Christians have lost the radical message of that first-century Palestinian Jewish rabbi who called us to love so radically that we transform our hearts—even toward our enemies.
Christianity should not be the party of queer oppression, racism, restricted reproductive health, climate denial, unfettered guns or the obliteration of empathy. It should embrace the values of Jesus.
So, I’ll repeat it for those in the back: we need a Progressive Christian revolution!
There are many misconceptions about Progressive Christianity. The Religious Right has even produced blogs and YouTube videos on “how to tell if your church is headed towards Progressive Christianity,” claiming that it’s a watered-down, blasphemous gospel.
Progressive Christianity seeks to understand and embrace the authentic message of Jesus and to make progress towards the radical vision for the future that he called the basileia—the reign of God on Earth. Jesus spent most of his time proclaiming this vision where justice reigned, peace permeated society and God’s presence was palpable.
Progressive Christians want our world to be more like that vision. We don’t want to legislate belief like the Religious Right; we embody Jesus’ values.
Progressive Christianity is a big tent, leaving room for theological interpretation. It’s less concerned with belief than with action. At the Center for Progressive Christianity, we’ve developed core values to guide our movement:
By calling ourselves progressive Christians, we mean that we are Christians who:
Believe that following the way and teachings of Jesus can lead to experiencing sacredness, wholeness and unity of all life, even as we recognize that the Spirit moves in beneficial ways in many faith traditions.
Seek community that is inclusive of all people, honoring differences in theological perspective, age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, class and ability.
Strive for peace and justice among all people, knowing that behaving with compassion and selfless love towards one another is the fullest expression of what we believe.
Embrace the insights of contemporary science and strive to protect the Earth and ensure its integrity and sustainability; and
Commit to a path of life-long learning, believing there is more value in questioning than in absolutes.
Despite scare tactics from the Religious Right, an inclusive, fact-driven, Jesus-focused faith is life-giving. Progressive Christianity is not a threat to the gospel—it is the gospel.
How we view Jesus is just the beginning.
Jesus said, “The reign of God is among you” (Luke 17:21). It’s often translated as “within you,” and I think both are true. Following Jesus begins with an inward change that leads to outward action.
Churches must become places of justice, inclusion, compassion and hope—and that vision must ripple outward into how we live as a society. We must push back against regression and work for policies that ensure economic justice, care for the Earth, reduce gun violence, guarantee rights for all and provide accessible physical and mental health care.
Why do this? Because Jesus would. The question is: will you join the Progressive Christian Revolution?
- About the Author
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The Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines serves as Co-Executive Director of The Center for Progressive Christianity, Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, Co-Host of The Moonshine Jesus Show, and author of the award-winning devotional Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional. Connect with him through ProgressiveChristianity.org, uchristianchurch.org, calebjlines.com, and across social media platforms @revdrcalebjlines.
