Living the Questions: An Intro to Progressive Christianity

[BayAreaOrBust]

11 people are atheists

[christhediablomaster]

@NixonisLord Hello, do I see someone making an intolerant comment with little to no reasoning behind it? Yes, yes I do. Before you say that all religion is bullshit, please THINK about what you say. These are progressive Christians; They actually UNDERSTAND their religion, rather than taking it to be 100% fact, like the evangelists. Generalization is very rarely a good idea.

[nicodemous52]

Its called a Bible people...Read it before you pretend to understand it!

[NixonisLord]

I don't see god at all. You and the funiegelicals deserve each other. You both preach on your projections of your politics. Leave your fairy tales out of politics please. My "prayer"? That all tax breaks be taken away from all religions.

[cre599]

20th Century Weapons vs. 15th Century Peacemaking? Seriously? This is a crude example of religious brainwashing & cherry-picking... What about the Inquisition, crusades, antisemitism, witch-hunts, etc? What about medicine, massive production of food, communications, etc? This is one of the 1,637,544 reasons I just cant believe: the constant & deliberate dishonesty of Christians. It is non-stop. When they have an agenda, they do whatever they have to do... including dishonest misrepresentations

[nijjhar1]

Hi,

I have watched a few and they are good for facts but not for the interpretation. They lack spirituality and do not know that not a single Jew died during the holocausts. Jew is a spiritual self.

[NixonisLord]

Dressing up Jesus as Che Guevara? No thanks.

You and the Fundiegelicals deserve each other.

Religion is stupid and boring and expensive and irrational. I am glad whenever I see a church close or hear about someone leaving religion for atheism. What a bunch of self-satisfied idiots!

[MrMohjong]

I was a atheist, but since I've found these people, I'm starting to believe, I see god in a new life, I was raised a fundamentalist and I never know anything but that, I know see God in a different light

[ElasticGiraffe]

Fancy running into WolfSyndrome here. :)

[madaboutpolitics]

There is no such thing as a "progressive" Christian. You're either a Christian or you're not. God has revealed to me that "Progressive" Christians are not Christians at all. They are Marxists disguised as Christians. They are warped, sick people.

[pwoods100]

@madaboutpolitics God has revealed it to you? So, I suppose if you told me that God called you on a cell phone, you would expect me to believe it.

[madaboutpolitics]

@pwoods100 No....I wouldn't expect you to believe that at all. God doesn't need to use cell phones. Actually...God didn't have to reveal it to me....the so-called Progressive Christians revealed to me that they are not Christians at all. Christ was not a pacifist. Progressive Christians or Social Justice Christians are just people who disguise themselves as Christians to try and peddle their evil Socialist ideology.  They figure people will swallow anything if it's wrapped in "Christianity".

[pwoods100]

@madaboutpolitics If Christ was not a pacifist, then why didn't he just lay the Roman empire to waste, instead of dying for them? If his teachings are not compatible with socialism, then why was he constantly preaching at rich people to give up all their wealth, and help the oppressed? Nowhere in the bible does it indicate that Jesus was a capitalist.

[madaboutpolitics]

@pwoods100

The master returned to settle his accounts. The servant who had received five talents came forth. “My lord,” he said, “you entrusted me with five talents; see, I have made five more!”

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” the master responded. “You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your lord!”

If Christ was a pacifist then why did he destroy the earth with a flood and rain down hellfire and brimstone on Sodom & Gomorrah?

[madaboutpolitics]

@pwoods100 “You wicked and indolent slave! You were aware that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered; you ought for that reason to have invested my money with the bankers; then, on my return, I should have received my own with interest.”

[WolfSyndrome]

@madaboutpolitics The early Christians WERE Socialists. Do I really have to start quoting scripture?

[madaboutpolitics]

@WolfSyndrome LOL! Please show me the scripture!

[WolfSyndrome]

The early Christians WERE Socialists...do I really need to start quoting scripture?

[homelesspoet]

Why don't they call it what it really is? Gnosticism or as Paul stated "another gospel".

[MassLiberal1]

@homelesspoet Gnosticism is dead and heretical, unlike progressive Christianity.

[homelesspoet]

@MassLiberal1 a lot of people involved in progressive christianity hold to gnostic traditions, especially contemplative prayer, also some of the doctrine permeating the progressive church has it's roots in ancient gnosticism. Like the so called "Sophia" aspect of God, it's nothing new, it's just been repackaged.

[MassLiberal1]

@homelesspoet Okay. I don't really think of contemplative prayer as gnostic but I see your point. Indeed a lot of progressive Christians would call themselves gnostic but I respectfully disagree w/ them. Peace and God bless.

[homelesspoet]

Why don't they call it what it really is? Gnosticism or as Paul stated "another gospel".

[Pray4Revival]

Applause! This video is so true. I enjoy LTQ because they consistently present a message that teaches us about how faith can transcend dogma. Awesome videos.

[NickJCL07]

I think you all need to really look closely at what they are saying. It is about love, questioning the way things are and not absolute understanding. We need to respect people for their different values and beliefs. We do not need to be fundamentalist progressives, it isn't atheist or fundamentalist Christians that are the problem it is the human mindset of wanting black or white. It is about love and understanding that is the deeper message.

[HelionX]

Unfortunately, this pleases neither atheists or fundamentalist Christians. As it is not "solid" and "clear" for atheists and it's too radical for fundamentalists. But at the heart, what does it matter what others think? This is another system of belief, and therefore should be respected as one. A wonderful system might I add.

[0Krusnik0]

*Points at Desmond Tutu* That man is a true Christian. I've found few others.

[bigjames23]

I guess that helping the sick, the poor, the lame in the name of jesus, is so overrated.

anyway, thats what Jesus did all throughout his life.

I guess that fundamentalism republican reason is to help those who has the means to help themselves, and you have to believe my preacher, or you can shut up mob mentality.

The Church was made by men, not by god. The church has always been with you, in your mind and in your soul. follow god, not a multi billon dollar industry.

[DiscipleoftheWord]

It is only through the Holy Scriptures that we have any knowledge of the Christ, the History of Jesus or any understanding of Theology Proper. I doubt you can sight another source of standalone evidence that is not based on the Bible or that stands apart from it, that would more clearly affirm the teachings of Jesus or his life. And so I ask you to show me your scripture proofs for the beliefs which you so dogmatically assert to be truth. I am willing to open a dialogue.

[FillTheirVoid]

I think I might vomit ...

[jarrbear05]

Kakkoi, you are correct. I just moved to an area and they started doing this series and it forced me to leave. I'm sorry, but if you don't believe Jesus is the only way to heaven, that's OK...but you're not a Christian.

I am a 22-year-old recent college grad; and I am truly saddened that my generation of "Christians" is being led astray in the name of social justice. You are watering down faith.

Jesus is the only way to heaven, he said so repeatedly. The narrow path leads to salvation.

[josh684231597]

This is Blasphemy. Jesus IS God. This is NOT CHRISTIANITY. Luke 20: 41-44. John 13: 12-13. Jesus SAID " You call me "teacher" and "Lord" and rightly so" Jesus is God and if not then he would be a wicked evil man for proclaiming so.

[tlh215]

To me, religious absolutism (that is, "WE are right and YOU are wrong") is what leads to acts like the jerk who shot that security guard at the Holocaust Museum in DC last week. HE was ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN he was in the right, certain enough to kill someone. Fanaticism is dangerous.

[KakkoiGuy1]

It's not about right and wrong as far as opinion. It's about what the BIBLE says! What does it say? Progressive Christians claim Christianity yet don't follow the Bible as far as doctrine is concerned. Therefore, it isn't correct BIBLICALLY. People that do the things he did have not God in them. It's very typical for people to see that and make comments like you did, however it's incorrect. God never told that man to go in shooting those people. I understand how you think that but it's false.

[tlh215]

Yes, what DOES the Bible say?

In fact, what IS the Bible?

It is a LIBRARY, not a single unified book like a fictional novel or a technical manual.

AND...how can we understand what it really says (or should we use the word "teaches" instead) unless we understand Greek and Hebrew? Do not make the mistake of assuming the Bible dropped whole out of the sky in English.

[tlh215]

It is possible to take the Bible seriously without taking it literally.

Bibliolatry is a sin. Nothing, not even a printed, fallible book, should come ahead of God. The Word isn't a book, it is a Person - Yeshuah of Nazareth.

The Trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit - not Father, Son and Holy Scripture.

[tlh215]

Yeshuah often quoted the Hebrew Bible to his followers and students - usually in statements like "You have heard it said..." etc. But after he said that, he'd then say, "But I say to you..." and give an instruction that seemed to undermine and contradict what the written Law said.

So...if we who come after him are to be Christ-like, is this what we are called to do?

[KakkoiGuy1]

Furthermore, New and Old Testiments alike, both point to Jesus! He is the word. The word. The word. THE WORD! When you read the scriptures, He is speaking to you! God's Word and God are one. His name is Jesus. Do you know him? At the end of the day, DO YOU KNOW HIM?! IF YOU REJECT HIS WRITTEN WORD, YOU REJECT HIM! DO YOU KNOW HIM? I'm about leading people to Christ. DO YOU KNOW HIM? Arguments are worthless because it's about DO YOU KNOW HIM?! DO YOU? DO YOU REALLY?!

[KakkoiGuy1]

Yes! You are correct. The word is Jesus however even Jesus went back to SCRIPTURE when tempted by Satan. IT IS WRITTEN....IT IS WRITTEN....IT IS WRITTEN! So this same Jesus you say is the Word also went by this so called faliable written Book called the Bible. I'm finished. There's no need to say anymore. Please pray, read and study the Bible that you quote so horribly and then come back and let's have a discussion. Until then, I'm finished talking. Start at John. That will help you.

[tlh215]

KakkoiGuy: you are getting hysterical. Take your Valium and calm down.

[Menechem]

@tlh215 Still, one must also realize that Christ himself said, Man shall live by every word that comes from the mouth of God. I am a Jew, I am Formerally Orthodox, Now I am Born again! The Word of God, the Bible is infallible, and with you Liberals who claim Christ but cannot accept what the Word teaches us, you are lost! Explain 2 Timothy 3:10-17, and then tell me Sacred Scripture is fallible! You are dead wrong!

[KakkoiGuy1]

Oh how do you err. I don't really have to defend the bible at all. It is self evident and proves itself. From the birth of Christ, to Israel being a nation again to the coming of this one world gov't and currency through NWO. Not bad for a book of books that you say is false. Even archeaologist in the middle east use it when digging up sites. It's accurate. At the end of the day, what do you do TLH? Do you reject Jesus and the Bible or do you accept Him as Lord and Savior? What do you do?

[baddave62]

Nobody cares about your opinions. There are plenty of other venues for non-progressive Christians, why don't you go visit one of those. It is the nature of ignorant evangelicals (but that's redundant) to continually force themselves and their ignorant viewpoints on others. If you don't like Progressive Christianity, then WATCH SOMEONE ELSE'S VIDEOS. It's just that simple.

[AntG72]

@baddave62 There's loving your brother.

[baddave62]

@AntG72 Yes, that's me. Hate the idiocy, love the idiot.

[tlh215]

This is the first time I'm encountering Tex Sample, but there's something very earthy and wonderful about him. Even through a computer he seems to have a great, friendly energy.

[KakkoiGuy1]

....After taking the plastic off and Read it. After you do this, you will see what we are talking about. You take the BIBLE, read and study it and take the doctrines of Progressives and you will see how it's so twisted. That's all we're saying. There's nothing un-Christlike about that and I don't know how you can let that come out when you clearly don't read enough to know about Christlikeness. You have to know what Christ said to know what Christlikeness is. Read the bible!

[timonline2000]

Maybe it's the doctrine of conservative Christians that's twisted.

[yoshi38305]

If Jesus first of all was not the Son of God then what would mean that you and I would not be around today to discuss this. Cause if you were familiar with the Word of God you would know that their is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ. If you look at the Old Testament and see how they lived according to the Law not one of us that is alive today could up hold that. If it wasn't for Jesus and Him dying for us we would already be dead.

[timonline2000]

Yet the "Word" can say what ever you want it to. It's your interpretaiton that says there's only one way. Progressive Christianity is about acknowledging that things aren't so clear cut, and there can often be more than one right answer.

[yoshi38305]

That sounds like justification to me. That sounds like you read what is said in black and white and you make it say what benefits you. If you look the scriptures up in its context then it will tell you exactly what God wants you to know. That is what is wrong with this world now. They pick and choose which rules to obey that will benefit them. This is the feel good generation that we are living in. Ex: The lady that complained about prayer in schools. Now look at what is happening in our shcools

[timonline2000]

But what is the correct context? There are plenty of different contexts in which to read scripture. You have picked and chosen (or simply taught to accept) a certain interpretation of scripture and set of rules to obey, but why should yours be better than anyone else's?

[KakkoiGuy1]

Timonline, You really have no knowledge of anything. I think you just like to talk to hear yourself talk. That's not an insult. That's just truth. And to answer that question. NO! Jesus wasn't spiritual in the sense that people use it these days. He was the SON OF GOD and GOD IN THE FLESH. I don't expect you to understand those things though. Back to "PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY"...It's not CHRISTIANITY at all. It's a feel good gospel that is against the Bible.

[timonline2000]

I don't agree with you, because I don't interpret the Bible the same way as you.

You didn't answer my question: what is the correct context to see the scriptures? I presented a different opinion to you, and all you could do was throw an adolescent hissy fit to convince yourself that you are right. How un-Christlike, and how pathetic.

[pwoods100]

@KakkoiGuy1 I believe Jesus was the son of God, in the flesh, and yet I still call myself "progressive Christian. Why? Because, I still have questions about other things like six day creation, end times, hell, ect. Some of these things can be interpreted many ways.

[KakkoiGuy1]

Jesus was a mystic? Are you kidding me? This is basically saying He wasn't th Son Of God and that He wasn't of the Godhead. This is completely blashpemous. They are watering down God's word to make it a feel good message to allow people to do what they want. This is the downfall of America at hand. And to think our President believes this. I'm saddened.

[yoshi38305]

I could not agree with you more.

[timonline2000]

Why not? Why can't He be a mystic and the Son of God? Jesus was deeply spiritual and steeped in Jewish learning.

[blindvoyager]

Do you even know what a mystic is?

[tlh215]

KakkioGuy: you forget the "true man" part of Jesus' nature. He was true God AND true man. And if a man can be a mystic, so too could Jesus be.

[KakkoiGuy1]

Should be careful not to make such blasphemous statements. Yes! He was, is, and always be TRUE GOD (not lower case god). And true man. However he was not a mystic. Mystics seek elightenment and higher knowledge and truths. You just said he was true GOD so there was no need for him to be a seeker of higher knowledge. Plus sin came through man. He wasn't born of a humanly father. Therefore He was sinless. Thus the reason he was able to die for our sins. He was sinless. Please study before talking.

[trinitychiq]

RE: "Please study before talking."

You are very arrogant. Come down off your high horse. I've been studying nonstop for the last 20 years. You are the one who needs to not make such snotty statements. You really deserve a "Fuck you" to that, you arrogant and snotty worthless piece of crap. Oh, you don't like being talked to like that? Then don't talk to others like that.

RE: the rest of it

You're clearly too emo to handle the topic. Take your Prozac and calm down, then we'll talk.

[KakkoiGuy1]

Was I being arrogant or truthful? Not snotty or arrogant. I just made a statement based off a blasphemous comment the person I was talking to, who was not you by the way, wrote. Go back and read the person's comment then my repsonse, Trinity Chiq. Some people on here make statements just to make them. I don't. If my response bothers you, then that sounds like a personal problem but I won't stoop down to your level and call you names or curse you the way you did. Shows your true character.

[ChibiiVidz]

It is crazy, for you guys in America progressive Christians are a little minority, here in Germany, it is the huge majority. I think therefore our country is a bit more peaceful.

[spinhook888]

You're probably right. Fortunately it seems to be changing for the better now, although slowly.

[KakkoiGuy1]

I'm sure it is more peaceful there because Satan has already deceived most over there from what you are telling us. The Bible said that those that stand for Christ would suffer persecutions. If you've water down the gospel to make everyone feel good, I'm sure they won't suffer anything becuase they are lukewarm and not a threat to darkness because of it. They won't speak the truth and Satan knows it.

[brenzmom]

I am thrilled to find this on YouTube. I have seen parts of the series and always thought there to be so much there that I would like to hear it several times. I love the perspective of these progressive theologians who have shown me that the stories of the Bible are bottomless, universal and timeless. It has opened it all up for me far beyond my original understanding.

[boomac62]

Good stuff here, thanks for putting it up.

[WolfSyndrome]

I have a theory based on the data presented here. 3,721 views and 8 comments. Doesn't seem fishy until you add in the fact that ALL the comments are not only positive, but in the form of a recommendation for the most part. I'll know if my suspicions are correct if this comment is deleted.

[livingthequestions]

Sorry to disappoint you, WolfSyndrome, but no comments have been deleted from this video.

[WolfSyndrome]

Umm...why would I be disappointing? This is a good thing! I'd only be disappointed if comments WERE being deleted...because I'd be disappointed in YOU.

[jdrobertstri]

@WolfSyndrome Chill out stop being paranoid.

[fhcollector]

I recommend this series highly. I've shared some of the info from the series to friends who have had past negative "religious" experiences. They found this program to be a fresh open minded approach to looking at the bible, "religion", and spirituality.

Thank you for your work!!!

[patost71]

Amen; did the study of this video in the spring, and really appreciate refreshing my memory.Thank You

[susiehomemaker37]

Our minds and hearts were opened to the Spirit working and abiding within us when we dug into the Living the Questions videos last year. Thank you so much for the opportunity to revisit the videos.

[TRW920]

At our church, we read through and comment on the written guides, take a short break and then view a Lesson. The response has veen very positive! These lessons are highly validating to those of us who have felt so alone in questioning traditional Christian doctrine. They also confirm the idea that it's essential for those of us who question to follow the teachings that find confirmation in our hearts rather than someone else's philosophy about the way things "really are."

[Fortunatus1686]

This series is absolutely excellent. I recommend if for anyone trying to understand Christ in our modern world, and I recommend it to any church trying to deepen its own faith.

[blindvoyager]

AMEN to that keep up the good work!

[lydiasaintjohn]

YEAH!!! I have been hoping someone would put these up. Thank you so much for doing this. This is a great series that bring up much needed topics for Christians to discuss.