The Practicing Progressive

Issue 19
April 24, 2007

In the aftermath of the horrifying Virginia Tech murders, I was particularly intrigued with the nationally reported interviews of two Blacksburg clergy, a Baptist and a Presbyterian.

They both were involved in the pastoral care of family members of those killed as well as grieving VT students. In the interviews, neither man made mention of any theological concept to try and explain the terrible event. Both suggested that the proper Christian response in such a time is a ministry not of explanation but of simple presence. To offer a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or even a symbol to rail against, was how both pastors felt they could best serve.

I have had the good fortune to have as a friend an evangelical pastor with a very traditional and conservative theology. Over the years and as our friendship deepened, it became clear to both of us that although our theological understandings of Christianity were very, very different, our desire to follow the teachings of Jesus were remarkably similar. Certainly there were some divergence of opinion and strategy and occasionally we realized there were some issues we would probably never agree on but, by and large, when we stopped arguing doctrine and started serving others, we trod the same path. Building a food bank, assisting with housing, visiting the sick, being present for others…these were ministries to which we both could not only intellectually affirm but assist each other in actual practice. I think we both realized that authentic Christian discipleship is found in this mutual practice rather than in theological principles. All the doctrinal detailing holds little value if Christian adherents fail to follow Jesus.

One of the distinguishing marks of Progressive Christianity must be the willingness to put aside theological differences for a greater good. This, of course, is much easier said than done. To ignore the condemnation, even damnation, of a Christian claimant in pursuit of a mutually desired goal is to experience the challenge of Jesus’ call to love our enemy. If the Billy Graham Crusade or World Vision or Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is providing desperately needed goods and services to those in need around the world who might otherwise go without, it is incumbent upon us to put aside our doctrinal disputes and support their efforts. Again, this may be a terribly difficult course for some of us to follow, particularly in light of how many of us have been treated by our conservative Christian brothers and sisters, but surely the end here justifies any means available.

I suspect it is easier for many of us to reach out to non-Christian folk than align ourselves with conservative Christianity. But it may be that in finding ways of cooperating with those most critical of our own beliefs that we find ourselves more closely following Jesus.