The Practicing Progressive

Issue 4
January 1, 2007

One of the most encouraging developments in Progressive Christianity comes from a most unlikely source: Evangelical Christianity.

Over the past year, numerous Evangelical Christian leaders have begun involving themselves and their followers in projects that, surprisingly, mesh quite well with some of the goals of PC. Environmental awareness, the fight against AIDS, the empowering of the poor in New Orleans, the war on hunger in Africa, are just a few of a growing number of undertakings that have Progressives and Evangelicals moving in a similar direction.

The benefits of such mutuality seem obvious. Working to eradicate the sources of injustice and global destruction are noble goals to be sure but there is a secondary benefit that may ultimately prove even more beneficial.

Evangelical Christianity has, for the most part, arrived late on the social justice scene. Historically, EC’s concern has been centered more on the afterlife than this life. There are exceptions, of course. Many leaders of the abolitionist movement in the 19th century could be categorized as Evangelical Christians and many a soup kitchen over the years has been operated by good folk who would be quite comfortable in the Evangelical camp. Nevertheless, Evangelicalism has not been noted, by and large, for concern about social problems much beyond their opposition to abortion in particular and homosexuals in general.

Now, however, some Evangelicals, most notably Rick Warren of “The Purpose Driven Life” fame, have begun to align themselves strategically, if not theologically, with folk of a very different sort. Folk like us.

When Warren marshaled thousands of his followers to head to New Orleans shortly after the hurricane or now as he generates millions of dollars to fight the AIDS epidemic, he is acknowledging a fundamental tenet of Progressive Christianity: Christian belief is secondary to Christian action.

Although the generating force of a compassionate act certainly matters to the actor, it is the act itself that matters most to the recipient. Warren, a deeply committed Evangelical, has begun to acknowledge, whether he admits it or not, that the paramount Christian challenge is not right doctrine but right action.

Such recognition has enormous ramifications. Some of Warren’s Southern Baptist brethren have loudly criticized his growing alliance with non-Evangelicals as he moves further into the war on poverty and disease. His conservative critics wisely recognize the inherent danger of Warren’s decision-making. For once compassionate action takes precedence over orthodox belief; the invulnerability of religious institutions that claim to speak for God is threatened. This, you may remember, is what got Jesus into so much trouble.

In my experience as a parish pastor, I had the privilege of witnessing, over and over again, the life-changing power of compassion. I remember quite clearly a father, whose aversion to gay folk was once both deep-seated and very loud, deciding that loving his homosexual son mattered more than his prejudice. It was a courageous act made possible by compassion. I can recall numerous similar occasions where love trumped the law. Sadly, I could also tell stories of good people caught up in the illusion that tradition and ancient dogma were of more worth than welcoming strangers or, even harder, strange ideas.

Habitat for Humanity, a Christian organization, has long brought folk from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds together for compassionate action. Evangelical Rick Warren is beginning to do the same. It bodes well for those of us who claim to be Progressive Christians. Perhaps putting down Bibles and picking up hammers can make us all better disciples of Jesus.