Nowadays, the most obvious current flashpoints are the Israeli/Palestinian and Russia/Ukrainian conflicts. Turf wars by either dreams of empire, or religiously inspired claims of a so-called “promised land,” are nothing new. Just peruse the history books or biblical scriptures.

Inclusivity has always been a core value in progressive Christianity.  We're reminded, for example, of Jesus' practice of open table commensality.  Radically inclusive, this was a core practice of Jesus' ministry.  At his table, everyone was welcome.  As Christians, therefore, we are encouraged to do the same.  It is in this way, as we lift up the common good, that the new covenant in Jesus is served.  

I seriously doubt that the great majority of Americans want to treat immigrants and refugees with the callous disregard currently aimed at them by the Trump administration. 

The history of Christianity and its weaponization against the queer community

I grew up loving this country.  It is not because of our vibrant economy or large and powerful military.  It also is not because of our spacious skies, amber waves of grain, majestic mountains, or fruited plains. I have had love and pride in this country for its values. What are these American values? They are values of our Declaration of Independence with the assertion that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Satire is one of the most potent forms of non-violent protest. Its unique strength lies in its ability to enable those with limited power to voice dissent and spotlight problematic issues in an engaging, humorous, and effective manner, all while remaining relatively non-threatening to those in power.

The Gospel of John has long fascinated readers with its poetic language, theological depth, and enigmatic characters. Among these, the "Beloved Disciple" stands out as a figure shrouded in mystery. Who was this disciple? What was their relationship with Jesus? And why does their identity remain anonymous?

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

In the ongoing drumbeat of this "era of Trump," as Christians and as "we the people," we need to remind ourselves--again and again--how "we're all in this life together."  Always, there is more that unites us than divides us.  Trump has a lot invested in us not believing this.

We must acknowledge the bold persistence of Donald Trump that won over nearly 50% of American voters in 2024, despite concerns about his lack of humanity or character and his disrespect for the constitution and the rule of law. The big questions for those of us on the losing side are about how to move forward.

his video sets out to debunk ideas linking what is "Natural" with puritanical admonitions of morality. Being "natural" or somehow like animals does not equate with clean or moral living. The video draws on historical Christian examples and what we know as scientific facts to make the case.

Perception is not a one-way street, wherein all the information comes from the outside and informs a blank slate brain. We come to everything with memories, expectations and hopes, and these predispositions encourage us to pick and choose, to pay attention to, and to neglect certain sensory information.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

Yes, there are always fires in California. But those fires are rarely in the middle of a city. We have never seen anything like this in modern times. There have been devastating urban fires in history like the Great Fire of London in 1666 or the Chicago fire of 1871.

A spiritual warrior takes care of his or her body and soul in order to be strong.  And a spiritual warrior knows what he or she stands for, refines it, and finds allies for the resistance.

Human attitude toward land is two-sided. We always want more, that’s one side, but once we get it, we don’t take very good care of it. That’s the second. Beginning with the wanting more, the search for good land and what it can provide has always been a driving force in human history.

For years, I thought Christian ethics were based on the Ten Commandments or the Golden Rule. Most Christians feel the same. That presents a couple of huge problems.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

We must not forget the fighting spirit of Governors Newsom, Pritzker, Hochul and many others. All of this, I say, is a sign for hope. Although we may often feel alone and discouraged with what appears on the horizon, a new era may now be opening.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

Today—and it seems like for forever—the geopolitical dynamics in Palestine/Israel/Gaza are complicated, mired in conflict about land, identity, and belonging. The West didn’t help. Christianity has not helped.

Christmas of 2024 is a time of prayers for peace and justice in the world at a time when international conflicts are highly volatile and American leaders are more concerned about their own wealth and power. There is always room for hope that some of the Scrooges will have Marley insights that lead to conversion—that even evangelical Christians will rediscover Jesus’s message that the best way to show dedication to God is by loving neighbors as ourselves.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

The story of Christmas has yet to end, and continues in the goodness and goodwill of our everyday lives. It may be that there are others such as he in different times and places, in distant galaxies or on the other side of earth, but for us, right here and right now, we are given a light, and a hope-certainty that loving-kindness is our truth and our destiny.

Braided Way has featured many essays and poems by John over the years. He is the author of a dozen books combining psychology, social change, and soul work. He joins us to talk about his newest book.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.

The ERA was approved by Congress in 1972 and reached its ratification requirement with Virginia in 2020. Indeed, in the opinion of the American Bar Association, “the ERA has satisfied all constitutional requirements to become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

Transformation ought to be an essential part of Christianity, but all too often, it isn't.  ProgressiveChristianity.org Co-Executive Director Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines discusses how we must embrace change to experience true transformation.