Jan 16, 2010 -- 10:33AM, Zeeking wrote:

Having very recently discovered this movement, I am not sure that I can offer a meaningful definition. However, in a nutshell, it appears to be a form of Christianity that, while believing in the awesome message of Jesus Christ, does not tie itself to a literal interpretation of the bible as THE (only?) word of God. In my short experience, progressives seem to be open to the idea that the bible can be interpreted, and that God might even speak to us via other channels. The use of the bible as justification to judge and condemn also seems to be lacking, which I find tremendously refreshing.

 

I will be curious how other members define it. (good question!)

Speaking from the perspective of an atheist, I hope Progressive Christians are able to push back against the forces of fundamentalism that feed off of fear and resentment. I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but moderates are getting shot at from all sides. The most surprising discovery I've made over the last year is to discover that  atheist and secular humanist groups have become dominated by the secular fundamentalists, often referred to as the New Atheists. 

Nowadays it's not just religious fundamentalists who are trying to isolate their groups from cooperating with others; now the same uncompromising way of thinking permeates secular humanism, and progressive secularists have to fight back against the influence of Dawkins, Harris & Hitchens, who view all forms of religious belief as harmful, and only want to talk about eradicating religion.

For myself, it came as a bit of a shock to see that people who claim to be using reason and rational skepticism to find answers, are as guilty of tribalism as religious communities.

Moderates seem to complicate things for idealogues of all stripes. Christian fundamentalists do not want moderates raising doubts or shifting interpretations, and New Atheists prefer to debate with theists who consider their beliefs to be scientific claims.  When Sam Harris said that he had more respect for fundamentalists than religious liberals, it was an indication that secular fundamentalists want to debate people who make easy, straightforward arguments to deal with.

Jan 30, 2010 -- 6:43AM, Iwantamotto wrote:

I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but moderates are getting shot at from all sides.

Amen, but I have to wonder if that's not a requirement of being "middle of the road", LOL.

But I've never seen a Progressive Christian criticize a New Atheist. 

Is this the liberal axiom, "No enemies on the left"?