A Fresh Perspective

I recently wrote two pieces published at Baptist News Global (“ A Scripture Lesson on Fundamentalism ” and “ What does a progressive Christian statement of faith look like ?) that ignited a response I repeatedly hear from conservatives. Their claim is that progressive Christian faith is based on subjective criteria not rooted in any objective reality. Of course, their objective reality is their inerrant Bible. One frequent commenter on my articles said: “The authority for what is written begins and ends with those that wrote it. . . . These so-called progressives don’t use the term infallible but in reality they see what they wrote [the reference here is to  the Phoenix Affirmations ] as correct without any authority except themselves.” Another who is also a frequent contributor of articles on the website said: “I fail to see how on the progressive worldview any of these [ the Phoenix Affirmations ] can really be taken as more than mere expressions of personal pre...

It is unfortunate that the phrase “born again” has come to be associated with a particular kind of Christianity generally known for its belief in biblical inerrancy, its literal interpretation of scripture, its condemnation of our LGBT sisters and brothers, and its entrenchment in right wing politics. The phrase occurs in John 3:3 where Jesus tells Nicodemus,  “No one can see the kingdom of God unless one is born again.” The word translated “again” also means “above” and is so translated in the New Revised Standard Version. The Gospel writer probably intended this double meaning. To be born from above does not mean that God sweeps down from the sky to invade our lives. It is simply another way of talking about being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8), who like the wind cannot be managed or manipulated. Fundamentalists literalize this image. They turn the “kingdom of God” into heaven and claim that unless one has a new birth experience, which they usually associate with beli...

For several years now I have been asking Christian fundamentalists and conservatives a question. I particularly like to address it to those who think I am “heretical” because my beliefs and teachings do not conform to their version of Christian orthodoxy. Here’s the question: Why would God care more about what we believe about God, than how we live for God? Why would God care more about the beliefs we hold in our minds about God, Jesus, the Trinity, salvation, etc., than the way we actually love, care, and treat one another in our daily lives?   Rarely does a fundamentalist/conservative even attempt to offer some rational explanation. Generally, they respond in one of three ways: 1. Some shout louder: “You are denying the truth!” “That’s the wrong question to ask!” “The question has no bearing on what is true!” They respond with accusations and denials, and never get around to actually wrestling with the question. 2. Others simply quote Bible verses or recite ...