If the unreflected life is not worth living, I needn’t worry about the value of my life. I am a compulsive seeker of meaning. Every thought, experience, and interpersonal exchange is a source for reflection. Sometimes this is helpful, and other times it is not, but I am hard-wired to move through life asking “why?” Some years ago, I began to write some of my reflections and this blog is one of my efforts to make my reflections available to others. I’m happy to welcome you, and I invite your comments.
What do you value?
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Love the new picture for the blog!!!
Think I’ve seen it somewhere — oh yeah its my screen background, only narrower.
Hi there,
I’m very interested in knowing more about “progressive Christianity”? Could you explain that to me? I would not call my self a Christian, however I do follow and encourage the teaching of Jesus.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
As with most things religious, my definition of progressive Christianity and someone else’s would probably differ, so take what I offer with a grain of salt.
Progressive Christians tend to be more focused on “right action” than “right belief.” They are interested in how they are to live far more than what they ought to believe. In fact, they tend to be highly tolerant of diverse beliefs while committed to actions that further unity, forgiveness, peace, hope, justice, hospitality, and other values Jesus demonstrated and/or taught.
Progressive Christians recognize that every world religion’s sacred texts make claims of exclusive revelation. Therefore, progressive Christians do not focus on biblical texts that make claims of exclusive truth, since such claims are not unique to Christianity. Instead progressive Christians seek to live out the life-giving principles of their faith in relationship to other people, Christian or not.
Progressive Christianity takes seriously scientific discovery, modern and post-modern philosophical and sociological inquiry, and modern methods of textual criticism applied to Biblical texts. These stances dramatically change the way progressive Christians tend to view life, practice faith, and interpret/apply the teachings of the Bible.
Most progressive Christians would not claim the Bible is the “inerrant, inspired Word of God.” They might say the Bible contains the Word of God, but they would also assert the Bible contains many, many words of human beings, and the reader must sort one from the other. Consequently, most progressive Christians don’t get too worked up over, by way of example, the Bible explicitly and implicitly supporting slavery. The Bible is a product of the cultures and times in which its various books were written. The writers shared their understanding of God and their intuition of God’s intentions for humanity. Sometimes, the writers’ understandings still ring true 2000 to 3500 years after they were written. Sometimes, as is the case with slavery, they do not.
Progressive Christianity recognizes that every religious or spiritual path seeks to convey truth. Most progressive Christians believe there are many ways to God while they choose to follow the example and teachings of Jesus as a means of drawing closer to the divine.
Progressive Christians often work closely with people of other faiths to uphold the value of faith practice amongst the people of a society and to break down fear and prejudice of particular faiths. Progressive Christians do not claim a corner on the truth, so they are very open to learning from the people of other faiths or people who profess no faith.
A majority of progressive Christians tend to be politically liberal. Not all are. I am a fiscal conservative and a social and theological liberal. In some regards, others might view me as almost libertarian in my political perspective. The church I pastor has people from every place on the political spectrum.
I am convinced that a power greater than myself is at work in the world. I feel no need to convince anyone else of my perspective–I only share it so others who find my perspective helpful might take from it what works for them. I think the best word in the english language for the “greater power” I have experienced is “love,” one of only two nouns directly associated with “God” in the Bible. Love has transformed my life and allowed me to be a conduit of transformation in the lives of other human beings. The teachings of Jesus help me move from a philosophical appreciation of love to a practical application.
Well, that’s probably more than you really wanted to know. Hope a bit of it is helpful to you.
Take care,
Darrell
I love your site. Keep it up !