There is an almost universal acceptance of same-sex relationships and marriage, a belief in the validity of transgenderism, and a rejection of cisgender norms. One of the hallmarks of progressive Christianity is the shift on issues of sexuality and gender. For example, in Matthew 15, Jesus tells the Syrophoenician woman, “It’s not good to take children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” This is viewed as Jesus’ having racial biases that were recognized and corrected during this exchange. However, Jesus’ humanity tends to be emphasized. You probably won’t find many progressive Christians who outright declare that Jesus was a sinner. This implies that God is somehow dependent upon creation, which casts serious aspersions on the nature of the Trinity. Others will affirm a slightly less radical view called panentheism, which is the belief that God and the world are inter-related. But some progressive Christians take it further and affirm the view of pantheism, which states that the universe is God. In the progressive church, the virgin birth and other miraculous events can be downplayed, ignored-or like the resurrection-viewed as less important than the life-lessons we can learn from these stories.Ī denial of the deity of Jesus would naturally be a denial of the Trinity. The concept of “Cosmic Christ” is sometimes presented as our ultimate goal…that Jesus is a model and exemplar of someone who was christened as both human and divine, and we can follow his example by finding the divine within ourselves.Īgain, not every progressive denies the physical resurrection, but the idea that Jesus was bodily raised back to life is often deemed less important or significant than the meaning we can draw from the idea of resurrection. In the progressive view, it’s often taught that we simply need to realize that we were never separated in the first place…that we are beloved and accepted by God just as we are.Ĭertainly not all progressive Christians will deny Jesus’ deity, but this doctrine tends to be downplayed. Instead, progressive Christians often teach that sin isn’t what separates us from God, but our own self-imposed shame. But they often deny the idea that we have some sort of a sin nature that was passed down to us from Adam and Eve. Progressive Christians don’t typically deny that sin exists or that it is a bad thing. The doctrine of Original Sin is roundly rejected in progressive Christianity, with the idea of Original Blessing put in its place. Scripture is also seen as contradictory, not internally coherent, and not authoritative for Christians. The Biblical writers are viewed as well-meaning ancient people who were doing their best to understand God in the times and places in which they lived, but they were not necessarily speaking for God. ![]() In the progressive church, the Bible is viewed more like an ancient spiritual travel journal than the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. This is sometimes referred to as “Cosmic Child Abuse.” The idea that God the Father would require the blood sacrifice of his Son is perceived to be an indictment on God’s character, turning him into a divine abuser. Often, progressive Christians will refer to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as horrific or unnecessary. However, progressive Christians will typically deny one or more of the doctrines in the first list, and affirm one or more in the second. The following lists are not comprehensive, and they aren’t a catch-all for every progressive Christian. It’s not like progressive Christians typically introduce themselves like, “Hi! I am your friendly neighborhood progressive Christian, and I’m here to preach a different gospel!” The slow slide into progressive Christianity is so subtle it is almost imperceptible. While claiming the title “Christian,” and boasting a high view of the Bible, it is sweeping up many unsuspecting Christians into a false view of who God is and how he saves people.īut it can be very difficult to spot. This movement seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historic doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. Some of the most high-profile Christian leaders are a part of it. Progressive Christianity is a movement that is infiltrating and influencing the Evangelical church.
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