Progressive Christians? - Page 2

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by hrsmom

Here's a link to an article Bishop Spong wrote about homosexuality: link

Thanks for the link!

[MommyofHero]

mylittlewonders, thanks so much for explaining this perception of christianity-- it certainly gives me hope that there are some genuinely good christians out there!

it also makes me wonder if this is what Obama considers himself...?
yet another reason to love him

[athansor]

Originally Posted by MyLittleWonders

What have you read lately? I'm in love with anything by Marcus Borg or Bishop Spong. I just picked up In the Eye of the Storm by Bishop Gene Robinson. I've heard it recommended and am hoping it's good. And totally not related to progressive Christianity at all, but I also just picked up and started Rashi's Daughters: Book 1 Joheved. It's set in medieval France, and is about the daughters of the Jewish scholar Rashi (Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac).

I just finished "In The Eye of the Storm" and "The Year of Living Biblically" and loved both of them.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by athansor

I just finished "In The Eye of the Storm" and "The Year of Living Biblically" and loved both of them.

I have heard good things about The Year of Living Biblically. I think I will have to check and see if our library has it.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by MommyofHero

mylittlewonders, thanks so much for explaining this perception of christianity-- it certainly gives me hope that there are some genuinely good christians out there!

it also makes me wonder if this is what Obama considers himself...?
yet another reason to love him

You are welcome. I am sure that if you asked a number of progressive/liberal Christians, you'd get at least as many answers! My understanding is the Obama is associated (a member?) of the United Church of Christ, which I think is a church grounded in social activism, and is considered liberal/progressive.

[angelflower]

I consider myself a progressive Christian but also a spiritual Christian, meaning, I thrive to be led by God's spirit in everything I do. Then when it comes to all the issues you mentioned, it's not really my job to judge, but to love. To love God and to be a reflection of His love.

[baglady]

I've never heard the term before, but judging by what I've read here this is me.

I'm a Catholic who attended Catholic School straight through (with the exception of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades). It's funny because, apparently, I had a very progressive religious education. I was always taught that the Bible was not to be taken literally. In high school our religious education focused on (among other things) social justice and world religions. I come from a pretty liberal city (New Orleans) so I guess that has something to do with it. The only thing that was super stanch in my education was the pro-life movement push. It was ingrained in me very early that actions are important. Saying you are a Christian does not mean you are one. You must also act in a Christian way.

I realize that this has nothing to do with the church, so don't take that the wrong way. I know there are plenty of people with Catholic horror stories. I just happen to be lucky. I strive everyday to be a better Christian. I feel like I can never do enough to really help people. I'm certainly not doing enough now.

I am liberal because I am a Christian; it's as simple as that.

[MyLittleWonders]

Anyone still around? I was thinking a Fall Theologically Liberal/Progressive thread would be nice, but I don't want to talk to myself. I could use a place to work through some stuff spiritually if anyone is around and wanting to chat.

[hrsmom]

I'd love to chat! I think I'm in a good place to chat these days. I had quite a bit of resentment about my old church that I had to work through, and I'm feeling much lighter these days! I know I've dumped some of it in these threads, and I'm thankful for those who patiently listened. I really didn't have anyone to talk to IRL about these things!!

I was hoping for a Fall thread, too! I'll keep my eyes out for one!

[mama2mygirl]

Originally Posted by MommyofHero

mylittlewonders, thanks so much for explaining this perception of christianity-- it certainly gives me hope that there are some genuinely good christians out there!

it also makes me wonder if this is what Obama considers himself...?
yet another reason to love him

Obama is a progessive Christian. Or was. He went to a UCC. I do as well and UCC's are progressive. There is a UCC minister down in LA who is refusing to preform ANY weddings until everyone can get married.
Our UCC hung a giant No on 8 banner across the front of the church. (No on 8 = pro same sex marriage.) There are lots of same sex couples in our church and for dd it's part of the norm. The first wedding she remembers is our minister marrying her female partner. DD will tell you that Jesus was all about including everyone.
There is an uproar in our little town about a tolerance curriculum for the schools that our minister helped write. Our whole family went to the town hall meetings and dd made a beautiful poster will a rainbow heart and another sign in rainbow letters that said, "TEACH LOVE." She wore her rainbow hat and she will tell you, "Rainbows mean that mommies can marry mommies and daddies can marry daddies." She my little activist.
We also write letters to senators and bring in food for food drives.
I'm really proud of our community.
It's nothing like the Christian community I grew up in.