Bruce Cooper

What is Progressive Christianity?

If you are not familiar with the term “Progressive Christianity”, you really should be. Progressive Christianity is a movement that is infiltrating and influencing the Evangelical church. This movement seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historic doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. 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 God saves people. 

These two links directly below provide a quick overview of what Progressive Christianity is, what they are not, and what they believe, all in their own words: bethelbeaverton.org/progressive-christianity

The following is a direct quote from the above site:
“The leaders of Progressive Christianity had grown weary of defining their Christian faith in negative terms: “We aren’t fundamentalists. We don’t believe the Bible is the inerrant or infallible word of God. We don’t agree that Creationism should replace the science of evolution in public schools. We don’t believe that God hates gays. We don’t believe that people of other faiths are going to hell unless they convert to Christianity. We don’t deny the right of women to choose what happens to their bodies.”

The following site provides an overview, again, from their perspective, of the 8 points that they adhere to: progressivechristianity.org/the-8-points/

I have provided some selected links below which provide an informative overview of “Progressive Christianity” plus links that provide insight into the subtleties that are associated with this movement. I realize that going through this material will take some time, but this is indeed a noteworthy deceptive movement that deserves our attention.

mamabearapologetics.com/progressive-christianity-and-why-understand-it/
the-gospel-according-to-progressive-christianity-is-it-really-good-news
the-gospel-according-to-progressive-christianity-2-creation-and-fall
the-gospel-according-to-progressive-christianity-3-redemption-and-restoration
5-ways-progressive-christianity-and-new-age-spirituality-are-kind-of-the-same-thing
counterfeit-truths-of-progressive-christianity.html
gotquestions.org/Progressive-Christianity.html
rts.edu/resources/what-is-progressive-christianity/
progressive-christianity-history Part 1 Alisa Childers
progressive-christianity-2/ Part 2 Alisa Childers
how-to-recognize-progressive-christianity-through-theology/  Part 3 Alisa Childers
original-sin-or-original-blessing/  Part 4 Alisa Childers
how-to-reach-our-progressive-friends/  Part 5 Alisa Childers
5-signs-your-church-might-be-heading-toward-progressive-christianity
Is Progressive Christianity Christian? (PDF) (Mark McGee)
another-gospel-a-lifelong-christian-seeks-truth-in-response-to-progressive-christianity-a-book-review/
biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/counterfeit-truths-of-progressive-christianity.html
alisachilders.com/blog/progressive-christianity-101-what-you-need-to-know
michaeljkruger.com/what-is-progressive-christianity/

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!

27 comments

  1. I found the Mark McGee article clear and detailed enough to recommend it. McGee identified who some of the progressive Christians are and presented their views. He ended with an appropriate rejection of progressive Christianity. Thanks for linking to it.

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    • Yes Damon, ultimately you’re right, all we can do is look at the evidence and then make a decision as to whether we believe in what the evidence and God’s faithfulness points to, or not. God’s blessings on you and yours.

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      • Yes, the Holy Scriptures, among other evidences, for the existence of God and that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. Curious why you ask. Is this a reciprocal dialogue that you are entering into with me?

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      • No, this won’t be a a reciprocal dialogue. I asked because I know there is no evidence for the truth. The truth is simply a belief that one has found truth within the Bible, even though it is an adulterated “truth.” Nothing like the Greek and Hebrew. I’m just curious to know your reasoning.

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      • Well Damon, considering that you have indicated that this is not a reciprocal dialogue taking place on my blog, and you have already blocked me from making comments on your blog, that would indicate to me that there would not be a requirement for me to respond to your allegations, would there? I’m always amazed at how you reserve the right to state your opinions and assumptions to others, but take offence when others, including myself, do likewise. So, on that note, considering that you already “know” there is no evidence for the “truth”, of whom, I would of necessity, have to include Elkhart Tolle’s teachings, him being your current source of unadulterated “truth”, you have yourself a great day!

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      • I can agree with Tolle because the majority of his views do in fact work. I’ll unblock you. It was your insistence that I write a different ending to a poem I had written that made me block you. I know how you really are Bruce, and it’s unfortunate.

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      • Hi Damon, I’m pretty sure that I “proposed” a change to the last verse, to add a little light instead of the darkness that was prevalent within the poem, “subject to your permission”, and also told you to trash it if you didn’t like it, but you can correct me if I am wrong. You state that you know how I really am, and your opinion of me is such that, to know me, is unfortunate. Not much room for accommodation there, from my perspective, so it probably would be best for both of us to give ourselves a wide berth. I wish you well Damon. God’s blessings on you and yours.

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      • Yes, I agree. I cause myself grief by allowing you to rob me of joy—real joy, unlike the joy of destructive religion I find within your writing. Perhaps your intentions were seen within the selective wording used when suggesting I rewrite the poem. (likely not as you cautiously had worded). You insisted on being correct in all that you do, based upon our previous experiences together, and continue to do based on your constant justifiable slandering towards other Christians. Enjoy the misery. Thanks for your “blessings!”

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      • Actually Damon, the words that I quoted in my last comment to you were exactly as I stated in my submitted comment to your poem post, because I did take the time to check, so your inference to “likely not” would be wrong. And if this particular post on “Progressive Christianity” is deemed as justification for your statement of my slandering towards other Christians, I would respond, slandering no, defending orthodox doctrinal truths within Christianity, absolutely. Which would, no doubt, put you and I at opposing ends, when it comes to the teachings of Elkhart Tolle and orthodox Evangelical Christianity, which apparently, you have long since abandoned. The positive blessings that I ended my last comment to you with, was sincere, unlike the negatively inclined “enjoy the misery” you sent my way. Regards.

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      • What evidence do you have that PROVES that Jesus was the Son of God besides the Bible? Furthermore, do you know FOR A FACT how the Bible and its writings came to be. Careful, Bruce. I do know a thing or two.

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      • Hi Damon, I’m glad to see you back because I didn’t like how our last exchange ended. Unfortunately I think too much of our humanistic tendencies came to the surface in the last exchange and I am sorry that I hit back. You’re an intelligent man, as am I, and as such, I can recognize when you send sarcasm or deliberate slurs my way. If you and I could converse with one another without resorting to personal slights, it might be easier on both of us. Now to answer your questions. I can’t give you any unchallenged proof that Jesus is the Son of God and you know that because literally every aspect that can be put forward as evidence can and has been challenged. Same thing when dealing with knowing for a fact how the Bible and its writing came to be. There is much evidence that can be put forward but once again, nothing that can be put forward as unquestioned or unchallenged proof. J. Warner Wallace (coldcasechristianity.com) calls following the evidence, death by a 1000 paper cuts. To my mind, and I realize that this is subjective, I understand and have looked at the positive and negative spins that have been associated with the Bible and how it came to be as we currently have it on the Protestant side of the fence. What it all boils down to, for me, is that over the years I have been reading and studying the Bible, the testimony that Jesus gave us convinces me that Jesus is who He said He was. And the older I get, the stronger I am convinced of that reality. In addition to that are personal experiences that I have had, along the way that have added to the belief that I hold. I had one vision and one instance a good number of years ago when God allowed me to experience His presence that is difficult to put into words. I’ve been to Israel and that also is hard to put into words. Plus there are my failures and God’s grace through 50 years of marriage and the raising of five children along the way and being in the military for 35 years, in many parts of the world. In reality Damon, it is a combination of God’s Word and what I have learned and experienced alone the way. The short story is that Jesus is my hope, I think that really says it all. But that only works for me, I can’t transfer that to you. I understand your hostility to what you were exposed to in the Church, I’ve seen that too but I also was fortunate enough to see a better kinder side along the way. I acknowledge that life in the church is not an easy road to walk on. No two of us are identical, we all have our stories and baggage and there is not one of us that does not fall short and there is not one of us that understands it all. But I have seen enough and understand enough to convince me that this is the road for me. And one of the beautiful parts is that through God’s grace, I have been blessed with knowing other men and woman who are of like mind. And once again, not one of them is perfect but then again, none of us are. All I can really tell you is what has worked for me and witness to the patience and love that emulates from God in the person of His Son. Jesus said He who has seen Me has seen the Father. I can’t think of anyone else who would dare to even say that, and then of course, according to the eye witness accounts of the authors of the New Testament, Jesus actually did all that He said He would do. Then we have Israel, the Tabernacle, the Temples, the Jews themselves and where we are today. It’s not pretty out there and it’s not going to get better. I haven’t walked in your shoes, I have not experienced all that you have gone through and I do not carry the same load that you have to carry. I know that. But neither have you walked in my shoes or experienced what I have experienced or have had to carry what I carry. We all have a story, we all have regrets, we all fall short. The wonder of it all is that God actually exists and He cares and He is Holy and good and much smarter than either you or I. And He sent us His Son. Do you know that I still pray for you and Stephen daily? Do you want to know why? It is simple really, because I see myself in both of you and I can identify with both of you. I liked Stephen and I could like you. I don’t dislike you, we just haven’t got rid of the BS between us yet so that we can really talk to one another. I don’t have all the answers but I do have enough, for me. Jesus is my hope, He knows me better that I do and He still asks me to follow Him. And He asks you too and I know that He loves you, warts and all, just like me, but true to His Word, He is changing my heart and changing my mind and I don’t think that ever stops, while we walk in these bodies. And no it is not easy, is is hard, darn hard, but at the same time it is also good. Sorry if I did not answer you questions the way you expected but I am trying to be as honest as I can. Please don’t give up on Jesus because as long as you draw breath, He doesn’t give up on you, but you do need to walk towards Him and really consider all that He says. God’s blessings on you and yours Damon.

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      • Thanks for the reply Bruce.
        I appreciate your honesty. Since we can gather only a minute fraction of each other from mere writing, I won’t assume I know you anymore. With that said, in the same sense, I personally no longer assume I know the truth of a man named Jesus, or the validity of writing within the Bible, which I’ve extensively researched myself, Bruce. For me, since nothing can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, pertaining to his deity, I won’t say, he is or isn’t. Saying he is is simply a belief. Saying he isn’t is as well. Fear of being cast into a “Hell” if one doesn’t believe he died for sin must be a powerful catalyst, especially for those who are limited to their conditioned mind. I’m currently on a very different type of journey of peace, and it was found within the eyes of conscious beings, both human and animal, and their true, underlying nature of benevolence. I only find malady in humans. As silly as this may seem to you, God love emanates in all of his creatures and creations. I strongly believe, if any of the written Jesus IS true, that mere men and Rome / the Roman Catholic Church downsized Jesus and his misunderstood message of enlightenment—placing him alone on a pedestal and calling him God incarnate. Read Pagan Christianity? By Viola and Barna, if you like. It goes deeper into the subject of Rome. All emphasis on Jesus alone and his words of overcoming our “mind-made sense of self”i.e. “overcoming the world” (although they didn’t understand what Buddhists had already known for centuries) was a ticket to THEIR prideful gain, and power. Later, through a mind-made filter of man’s SAME pride, Protestantism arose.
        I will never claim to know God outside of knowing that we are all here because of an unfathomable creator, as it seems. What beauty beheld!
        I followed your blog again to, honestly, try to again understand why you believe with such conviction something that cannot be proven. Thanks for your prayers. Take care, Bruce, of yourself and yours.

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      • Hi Damon, I hear what you are saying and I appreciate your honesty. I obviously can’t prove to you, beyond a shadow of a doubt, as to whether Jesus is in fact the Son of God. I don’t think anyone can do that for someone else, but for me, as much as anything can be proven, I have come to the place where He is my hope. I have also studied history, especially as it relates to the growth of the Church and I agree with you about the RC church. Where ever there is opportunity to gain power and control, men will succumb to that temptation, that never changes and it matters not where or whom you look at throughout Church history. Above and beyond what Jesus is recorded as doing, it is His words that for me, are the most convincing and how I see that played out in the Apostles, including Paul, as indicated in the whole of the NT. Jesus actually lived, the vast majority of scholars agree to that. The Christian Church is a reality, although I grant you, what was and is now in far too many ways, is very different. The Church has always been imperfect because there are imperfect people in it. But my hope is not in the Church, although I have been fortunate enough to see and experience some good aspects of it, even to this day. My hope is in Jesus because when all is said and done, it is Jesus who saves. I did not respond to Jesus because of fear, I responded to Jesus because of the reality of God’s holiness, my sinfulness and God’s love, which He allowed me to taste, for a minute or so. I cannot describe it but I can tell you, you never want to leave His presence, not for anything, ever. And I see that love, in the words that Jesus spoke, given to Him by His Father, to us. Your statement about God’s love emulating in all of His creatures and creations is not silly, because He does care for all that He has made. But when it comes to mankind, not all desire or even want to entertain acknowledging Him. So now you’re on a journey that has changed somewhat from what you initially identified when you first put your blog together. And who knows, maybe in time, it will change again. Time has a way of changing our perception of reality and God’s grace and patience is deep and long. I sincerely hope you get to the peace that He wants you to have. You take care too Damon, and thank you again for being real. God’s blessings on you and yours.

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  5. Thanks Bruce for prompting me on this new idea of progressive Christianity. I will definitely check out some of the links you shared. Once again, thank you for the effort.

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