An Evolutionary Theologian’s 10 pointers for progressive practice

21 Saturday Sep 2013

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bruce sanguin, Evolutionary theology, progressive

Bruce Sanguin shared 10 succinct pegs for evolving practitioners of the Jesus way to hang their hats on at the Common Dreams Conference in Canberra tonight.

Kick the apocalyptic habit. Things ain’t all bad, indeed the world is ablaze with the glory of God if one cares to look.
Be inclusive of the tradition that nurtured you and provided your confessional DNA.
Affirm providence – the loving nurture that pervades the cosmos.
Get out of your heads – drop into your yearning. In avoiding the fear of the irrational, do not neglect to embrace the trans-rational.
Offer hope.
Preach beauty
Return to the wisdom of the body – personal and planet – remember the Christian faith is incarnational.
Redeem legacy of indigenous wisdom through listening to first peoples elders.
Complain less and build the Kingdom of God more.
Love all creation.

Is “Progressive” progressive enough?

20 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal

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Tags

progressive, Religion and Spirituality

This is the gist of one of many conversations emerging from today’s conversations at Common Dreams.

For some, the term “Progressive Christianity/Religion” sits uncomfortably – it can sound and feel elitist, judgemental and lack distinctiveness in articulating the motives of the gathering momentum (which are diverse and multi-directional anyway).

The metaphor of midwifery, also introduced today, informs the dilemma. After all, it is not usual to name a child until after it is born!

For now, progressive in the sense, of “moving forward”, “non-static”, “evolving”, seems to be OK for a peg to hang discussions on.

The movement looks for expressions of faith that are practical, based on Jesus inspired action rather than defining and debating Christological abstracts, inclusive rather than exclusive in transforming community, and ready to be caught up in wonder and partnership across a multiplicity of scientific, artistic and social disciplines.

In some ways, it’s back to the beginning, the core business of those who called themselves followers of the Way.

If this is what is meant by progressive, we are in for an interesting ride.

Do you hear what I hear? A voice in the wilderness ….

19 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal

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As our new government continues to dismantle structures of humanitarian aid through a policy of “absorption” and further bastardise our collective responsibility to the world refugee crisis, it was good to hear today of another voice of constructive protest.

A Progressive Christian Voice (Australia) described its manifesto at the Common Dreams Conference currently under way in Canberra.

APCV describes itself as a group of Christians who wish to contribute to a public debate by promoting a generous and future-focused understanding of the Christian faith.

It’s manifesto includes:

understanding Christian opinion to be more diverse and broader than portrayed by the media
contributing insights from progressive streams of Christianity
minimising effect of powerful lobby groups on public discourse
promoting public awareness of diversity of Christian opinion
welcoming fresh insights into the interpretation of Christian scriptures and tradition
not speaking on behalf of any Christian denomination, congregation, community or organisation

Think I can add my voice here! Let the green shoots burst forth from the cold earth.

Wondering Pilgrim

~ the ramblings of a perambulent and often distracted sojourner

Monthly Archives: September 2013

An Evolutionary Theologian’s 10 pointers for progressive practice

Is “Progressive” progressive enough?

Do you hear what I hear? A voice in the wilderness ….