Progressive Christianity is a vibrant and evolving spiritual path that resonates with many people, including myself, who seek a faith that is intellectually honest, socially engaged, and deeply compassionate. However, like any movement that challenges traditional norms, it's often misunderstood. If you're exploring progressive Christian ideas, or perhaps re-evaluating your faith after experiences with more conservative traditions, you might have encountered some common misconceptions.
For me, an "unabashed progressive theology" offers a meaningful way to engage with ancient wisdom while addressing contemporary questions and the urgent calls for justice in our world. I'd like to clear up some common misunderstandings and explore what, from my perspective, progressive Christianity truly offers.
Here are five common myths I often hear, and a closer look at the reality based on my understanding:
Myth 1: Progressive Christians Don't Believe the Bible or Think It's Irrelevant.
The Reality: I deeply value the Bible as a foundational sacred text. The difference often lies in how I engage with it. Rather than viewing the Bible as a divinely dictated rulebook to be interpreted literally in all instances, I tend to see it as an "inspired library" – a collection of diverse writings (history, poetry, prophecy, letters, allegory) that reveal humanity's evolving understanding of God and our relationship with the divine over centuries.
I believe in reading the Bible with my whole mind and heart, considering its historical context, literary forms, and the overarching themes of God's love, justice, and liberation. This means wrestling with difficult passages, acknowledging that some texts reflect ancient cultural biases, and discerning the "still-speaking" voice of God that calls me toward greater compassion and inclusivity today. It’s not about discarding the Bible, but about engaging it thoughtfully as a guide for my spiritual journey and my work for a better world.
Myth 2: Progressive Christians Deny Sin and Believe Everyone is Already Perfect.
The Reality: I absolutely recognize that humans are fallible and that we cause harm to ourselves, others, and the planet – which is what I, and many, understand "sin" to be. However, my emphasis might differ from traditional views of "original sin" as an inherited stain of guilt. Instead, I tend to focus on understanding sin in terms of broken relationships, systemic injustices (like poverty, racism, or environmental destruction), and personal actions that fall short of my highest ethical and spiritual calling.
The goal isn't to say "anything goes," but to foster self-awareness, accountability, and a commitment to growth and restorative practices. I believe in God's grace and the power of reconciliation, emphasizing the journey of becoming a more compassionate, just, and loving individual, striving to become more like Jesus. This is a path for those seeking healing from past religious trauma and a faith that encourages personal growth without shame.
Myth 3: Progressive Christians Think Jesus Was Just a Good Moral Teacher, Not Divine.
The Reality: While some individuals who identify as progressive may hold a range of views, for me, affirming the centrality and divinity of Jesus is key. To me, Jesus is more than just a historical figure or a wise sage; he is the Christ, the living embodiment of God's love and presence in the world.
I often emphasize Jesus' life, teachings, and ministry of radical inclusivity, compassion for the marginalized, and challenge to oppressive systems. I look to his example as the ultimate guide for how to live a life of faith, love, and justice. The focus for me is on the transformative power of his message and the call to follow him in creating a more just and loving world, which is deeply intertwined with his divine nature.
Myth 4: Progressive Christians Reject the Cross and the Idea of Atonement.
The Reality: The meaning of the cross and atonement (how Jesus' life and death connect to human salvation or reconciliation with God) is a topic of rich theological discussion within progressive Christianity. I, like many progressive Christians, find traditional theories of penal substitutionary atonement (the idea that God needed to punish Jesus for our sins) problematic, sometimes viewing it as portraying God as a wrathful figure demanding violence.
Instead, I might interpret the cross in other powerful ways: as God's ultimate act of solidarity with human suffering, a profound demonstration of self-giving love, a critique of imperial power and violence, or a call for me to take up my own cross in the service of love and justice. The focus for me is often on the reconciling love of God demonstrated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which empowers me to live a transformed life and work for reconciliation in the world. It's less about a specific legal transaction and more about the transformative power of God's love.
Myth 5: Progressive Christianity is Just "Anything Goes," Conforming to Culture, or Lacking Real Conviction.
The Reality: From my perspective, progressive Christianity is far from an "anything goes" approach to faith. It is rooted in deep convictions about God's call to love, justice, and compassion. Rather than simply conforming to culture, I often find myself challenging cultural norms that perpetuate injustice, exclusion, or harm. The emphasis on "God is still speaking" means I believe faith must engage with the pressing issues of our time – from LGBTQIA+ affirmation and racial justice to environmental stewardship and interfaith understanding.
This path requires rigorous thought, ethical discernment, and a willingness for my faith to change and challenge me. It’s about seeking a higher standard of morality and a deeper, more authentic relationship with God and one another. For me, it's a demanding faith that calls for courage, action, and a constant openness to learning and growing. It’s a faith that seeks to build a framework for a meaningful religious life, valuing love, critical questions, and cherished traditions that lead to a more just world.
Conclusion
I embrace a progressive Christian path because I believe it offers a way for me to live out my faith authentically and make a positive difference. My beliefs are rooted in a desire to see faith in action, contributing to a more loving and just world for everyone.
