Progressive Christianity?

In our current U.S. American cultural situation of religious plurality and diversity, and its increasing impact on our consciousness and action, there is a recurrent question that continues to rear its head for many Christians seeking to both recognize these circumstances and yet remain committed in faith: What does it mean to be a progressive Christian?

Now, many Christians who decidedly take a stance against what they call “liberalism” will undoubtedly assert their perspective of what progressive Christianity is and is not. And, it will likely have pejorative tones. Yet, those of us who claim and embrace our self-identity as progressive will have a different, more amenable interpretation of who we are.

As one trained in the academic study of history and philosophy of religions, when attempting to understand a religious group I find it most instructive and socio-culturally appropriate to ask what is that particular group’s self-definition – how they describe and identify themselves. In anthropology this is called the “emic” approach. From there we can launch into further discussion with those outside the religious group to take their views into consideration, which is what’s termed the “etic” approach. Thus, it’s so important for those of us within “progressive Christianity” to participate in the ongoing conversation of just who we are and what we’re all about.

This dialogue has been going on for some time, but I offer my views as a contribution to help further the understanding. Therefore, I’m not forwarding these points as an absolute definition of progressive Christianity. Rather, these are what I think progressive Christians believe, value, and do from my informed but limited perspective at this time. (I have drawn on different articles and essays at ProgressiveChristianity.org for inspiration.)

First of all, as Christians, Jesus is paramount and central. There’s no Christianity without Jesus. Progressive Christians embrace the path and teachings of Jesus, which inspires a greater awareness of God, as well as the oneness and sacredness of all life.

On this view, Jesus’ way and wisdom is but one of many diverse means to experience and express the unity and blessedness of life. Progressive Christianity affirms that it is possible to grow spiritually through learning from the beliefs and practices of other religions.

Progressive Christians cultivate community that is inclusive and open to all people regardless of their life-situations. This is a value that has been articulated as “big tent” Christianity that encourages a “generous orthodoxy” (Brian McLaren, Phillip Clayton) or even “polydoxy” (Catherine Keller and Laurel Schneider), where many teachings (“poly” + “doxai”) in dynamic dialogue with one another about God, Jesus, humanity, and the world are accepted as legitimate. This openness of community would include, but not be limited to traditional Christians and questioning skeptics, believers and non-believers, women and men, those of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and those of all socio-economic classes and abilities.

Unlike other systems that prioritize belief and assent to propositions over actions, progressive Christians tend to see that the way we behave toward one another is a direct reflection or expression of what we believe. If we truly value something we will live that out through our practices and actions toward others and ourselves.

Progressive Christianity also embraces postmodernity through finding more worth in questioning than in ultimatizing, more value in the process of understanding than in absolutes. There is a recognition that every teaching, belief, and doctrine is conditioned, relative, and from a particular historical and cultural location. No one can know everything about anything. This is why continual questioning and dialogue with others is so vital to the spiritual and religious life.

Within progressive Christian circles, the pursuit of equality and justice in society is of principal importance. This includes a great concern for the Earth and the impact of human activity on the wellbeing of the planet as a whole.

These points are not meant to compose an exhaustive list, but are general tenets with which many, if not most, progressive Christians would agree.

My hope is that suggesting these points may offer some opportunities for re-claiming and re-embodying our Christian identity as positive, practical, pluralistic, and progressive.