‘Progressive‘ is definitely a word that is hard to pin down, but then again most categories are. Perhaps we should just get rid of categories all together, but I imagine we would create even more problems. Even if we limit the discussion to theology, when some one embraces or does not embrace a category be it progressive, evangelical (or both), etc., it does communicate something that hopefully makes further conversation more engaging. For these categories to function in a positive way, they need some positive content.
In the video Clayton (yes Tony he is da bomb) points out some vapid meanings of ‘progressive’ where it serves as a sneaky way of not saying liberal but meaning it or a way of identifying oneself with a leftist political agenda. In contrast Clayton understands ‘progressive’ as a synonym of transformative, rooted and grounded in the New Testament. In a sense ‘progressive’ here is understood as deliberately engaging the church and world through the transformed mind of one in Christ. When the same mind takes root in us as a ‘progressive’ Christian people we can’t help but venture in faith to participate in the revolutionary message of Jesus.
I would love to hear other definitions of ‘progressive’ or responses to the video.
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