The Ancient Path - Reclaiming the Original Heart of Christianity

For decades, a specific label has drifted through theological circles, often met with either a sigh of relief or a scoff of derision - Progressive Christianity. It is a term usually used to describe a movement focused on social justice, the inclusion of the marginalized, and an emphasis on the "Sermon on the Mount" over rigid dogma. However, as the global political and religious landscape shifts under our feet, it is becoming increasingly clear that this label might be a misnomer.

Within the United Church of Christ (UCC), we have long embraced the "Progressive" banner as a badge of honor. It signals our commitment to being a "just peace" church, our "Open and Affirming" stance, and our belief that "God is still speaking." But there is a profound irony in this branding. While the world sees us as modern innovators, we are actually adhering to the most faithful, unvarnished version of the New Testament. We are not moving away from the Bible; we are moving deeper into its original, radical heartbeat.

The Myth of "Newness" in Progressivism

The word "Progressive" suggests a forward motion toward something undiscovered. In many secular contexts, this is accurate. But in the context of faith, the values championed by the UCC and others - radical hospitality, economic justice, and non - violence - are found in the very first century of the movement.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a figure who consistently prioritized the person over the law. In Matthew 25:35 - 40, Jesus explicitly identifies himself with the "least of these" - the hungry, the stranger, the naked, and the prisoner. He doesn't suggest that caring for them is a modern political stance; he identifies it as the literal requirement for following him.

Our "progressive" nature is simply a refusal to let cultural dogma overshadow the primitive Gospel. In the UCC, we hold a deep respect for the Old Testament story - not necessarily as a list of immutable dogmas or ancient laws to be legalistically enforced, but as a sacred narrative of a people wrestling with God. We see the prophetic tradition of Amos and Micah, who demanded that "justice roll down like waters," as the essential foundation upon which Jesus built his ministry.

The Global Shift - The Pope and the President

The tension between these ancient values and modern political power has recently been dramatized on the world stage. We have seen a fascinating sparring match between two of the world's most influential figures - Pope Leo and his predecessors and United States President Donald Trump. This conflict is more than just a clash of personalities; it is a clash of two distinct visions of what Christianity represents in the 21st century.

Pope Leo and his predecessors have consistently moved the needle of the global Church back toward the margins (with a few notable exceptions, like the LGBTQIA+ community). Through recent pronouncements, the papacy has challenged the "throwaway culture" of modern capitalism and called for a renewed focus on the environment and the poor. When the Pope questioned the Christian credentials of those who focus solely on building walls rather than bridges, he wasn't engaging in partisan politics - he was echoing Leviticus 19:33 - 34: "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them... Love them as yourself."

In contrast, the brand of Christianity often aligned with the American presidency under Donald Trump has frequently leaned toward nationalism and the protection of the status quo. This tension has forced a global conversation. It has stripped away the veneer of "cultural Christianity" and forced believers to ask: Does our faith serve the empire, or does it serve the King who was executed by the empire?

The stance of Pope Leo and his predecessors, much like the UCC's historical witness, acts as a clarion call. By standing firm on the dignity of the immigrant and the necessity of peace, the universal Christian Church is beginning to see its values brought back to those of Jesus again.

The Quest for Peace and the Protection of the Marginalized

The core of this "old - new" Christianity is the protection of the marginalized. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is found in the company of those society had discarded - tax collectors, the diseased, and the "ritually unclean."

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announces his mission:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."

This is the manifesto of the original faith. It is a quest for Shalom - a holistic peace that isn't just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice. When the UCC advocates for healthcare, refugee rights, and the end of systemic racism, we are not adding modern footnotes to the Bible. We are reading the primary text with clarity.

Retiring the Label

Perhaps it is time to stop using the word "Progressive" altogether.

Labels often serve to ghettoize ideas, making them seem like optional "flavors" of a faith rather than its essential core. By calling ourselves "Progressive Christians," we inadvertently give ground to the idea that the "traditional" expression - often focused on institutional preservation and social exclusion - is the default.

If we look at the historical and biblical evidence, the "default" Christianity is the one that protects the orphan and the widow (James 1:27). The "default" Christianity is the one that claims there is no "Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female" (Galatians 3:28).

We are not progressing toward a new religion; we are recovering an ancient one. We are digging through the ruins of political alliances and cultural traditions to find the carpenter from Nazareth who taught that the greatest among us is the one who serves.

A Universal Home

The recent dialogues between global religious leaders and political powers have served as a catalyst. They have highlighted the "Universal" nature of the Church - a Church that exists beyond the interests of any single nation-state or denomination. This universalism is inherently "progressive" by modern standards because it rejects the "us vs. them" mentality that fuels global conflict.

As we move forward, let us embrace this Ancient-Future faith. Let us recognize that the struggle for justice and the quest for peace among all peoples is the oldest expression of Christianity in existence. It is not a trend. It is not a political platform. It is the Way.

By stripping away the labels that divide us, we can finally see the Church for what it was always meant to be - a sanctuary for the weary, a voice for the voiceless, and a living testament to the love of a God who refuses to leave the marginalized behind. This is the Christianity of Jesus Christ. It was here at the beginning, and through the courage of those willing to follow the ancient path, it is being reborn today.