Progressive Christian vs Conservative Christian
by WCBI came across this explanation of the difference between a Conservative Christian and a Progressive Christian at a local church website a couple of days ago.
“You’ve heard the phrase ‘Conservative Christian,’ but what’s a ‘Progressive Christian?’”
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- The life, teachings, and example of Jesus are the core of progressive Christianity.
- The Bible was not written by God. It was written by people – many of whom were inspired by God’s presence. The Bible is worthy of our deep study, but not unthinking belief.
- Ultimately, it’s NOT what you believe that makes the difference. It’s how you lead your life. Our members have a wide range of beliefs.”
So, what’s the definition of a conservative Christian?
Tags: christian, conservative, progressive
December 15th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Labels are always interesting, but almost never lasting. Once upon a time in the CofC, at least as I understand it, progressives were those who were not constrained by the full weight of the traditions of the Church of Christ (a cappella).
To those who thought that was a good thing, progressive was a positive term. To those who thought it a bad thing, progressive was a negative term.
And so it goes in all denominations, political parties, marriages and schools. People who like pushing the envelope call themselves progressive and beam, while people who will not move until the envelope burns or disintegrates call those same people progressive and sneer.
Conservative, likewise, is defined in the mind and mouth of the user, and that definition may or may not match the definition in the mind and ear of the hearer.
All of these labels (along with liberal, moderate, and others) are relative terms. Knowing that should cause our answer to your question, “What’s the definition of a conservative Christian” to be, “Compared to what?”
Personally I have decided that I don’t want to be a conservative, a liberal, a moderate, a progressive, or even a “fundy.” I just want to be a Christian. In doing so various labels will be applied to me. Most of them won’t stick.