Whenever I consider a difficult topic in relation to my faith or a controversial issue I try to ask myself, “What is the most loving response? How can I show love in this situation?” Sometimes there might not be a verse in the Bible that answers my specific question, but the overall message of Jesus’ teaching always does.
I have found that Progressive Christianity takes the same approach, and this is why I consider myself a Progressive Christian.
It is hard to define Progressive Christianity as one thing because it is a term used to describe a way of thinking about and approaching faith, rather than a specific denomination. A key aspect to understanding Progressive Christianity is its emphasis on questions, rather than absolutes. An important part of growing in faith is questioning ideas about God, “rules,” and even who God is. It is through these questions that we are able to better define our own view of faith and its role in our lives.
Progressive Christians are on a journey of learning and compassion. Our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and our experiences with the Lord. We value the Bible and its beautiful teachings and because of that we do not take the Bible literally. God did not stop speaking after the Bible was written, and we believe that how He speaks uniquely to each of us is just as valuable. We also value historical context and all that there is to learn about the Bible and its teachings since the time it was written. We can trust how we experience God and all that there is still left to learn.
“What is the most loving response? How can I show love in this situation?”
We live lives of compassion, striving to love others selflessly like Jesus has called us to do. This compassion extends to those who we disagree with, who have different beliefs, etc. All Christians are called to a life of love, but Progressive Christians believe that this is best shown through full inclusion and affirmation. Progressive Christianity not only accepts the LGBTQIA+ community, but it affirms their identity and place in the Church. The Lord’s call to love and serve one another is not limited to one race, class, ability, gender or sexual orientation.
I have heard churches described as places that will not tell you what to believe, but help guide you as you answer the hard questions you may encounter along the way. I love looking at church as a beautiful community of faithful people growing together. The only ultimate authority is the Lord, but we can help one another along the way as we grow together.
A key aspect to questioning our own faith is to learn from the faith of others. Progressive Christianity sees value in all faith traditions and sees Jesus as one of many ways to experience oneness with God. The Bible tells us over and over not to fear but to have faith. We are not threatened by the teachings of other faiths because we do not need to have fear. There is so much value in learning from the faiths of others, rather than insisting they see Jesus as superior. If our God is a loving and Almighty One, we don’t need to be worried about the fate of non-Christians after death. Christianity is one of many ways to worship our Divine Creator. God delights in all of his children.
We are not threatened by the teachings of other faiths because we do not need to have fear.
I don’t feel loved when someone else insists I agree with them, no matter how good their intentions. I feel so much more connected to the Lord and others when I see our beliefs for what they have in common, rather than something that needs to change. That means that if you are reading this as a Christian and disagreeing with me, that’s okay! You don’t have to agree with me to be a “good Christian.” This is one of many ways to live a Christian life.
Progressive Christianity also has a focus on seeking justice and peace for the world. We are called to serve others while on this Earth. This outreach does not stop with people, but extends to our care for the planet and all of its inhabitants. At a Methodist camp I volunteered at one summer, the staff taught campers that caring for the Earth and connecting with nature is a form of worship. We made an effort not to waste food, to compost what we could, and leave places clear of litter. The Lord is the most amazing Creator! His design can be seen so clearly through science and the peace we find in nature. It is our responsibility to care for all of the gifts He has given us.
If this type of Christianity sounds appealing to you, try progressive Protestant churches like the Episcopal/Anglican, Reconciling Methodist (look for the rainbow flag), First Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, or Unitarian Universalist traditions. This list is not exhaustive of all the denominations that follow Progressive Christian teachings, but it is a good place to start.
I am certainly not an expert on Progressive Christianity, but it has been helpful for me to find a type of Christianity that aligns with my own experience with the Lord. I pray that my explanation helps you grow in your understanding of the many ways to practice the Christian faith. You may not always fit in perfectly with a faith community and the beliefs they share and that is okay because you aren’t made to be the same, and your relationship with God is unique to you.
Do you consider yourself a Progressive Christian? How have you found a church that affirms your experience with the Lord and others?
Peace and blessings,
Shaina
