One of the benefits of studying church history is that you realize that Solomon was right: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl 1:9).
This proverb has certainly been proven true when it comes to different “versions” of Christianity that have popped up throughout the life of the church. In every generation it seems there’s a new group that comes along insisting that their new and improved Christianity beats all predecessors hands down.
But, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this new version isn’t new at all. It’s simply a microwaved version of some other alternate brand of Christianity that the church has faced (and rejected) before.
This is not to suggest, of course, that the modern church has no room for change or growth. Just like individuals need sanctification, so does the institutional church. Christ wants to purify his bride, and so we should expect that, this side of glory, there will always be places that need reformation and improvement.
But wanting to reform the church is not the same thing as wanting an entirely new version of the Christian faith.
And that brings us to the theme of “progressive” Christianity. While it might look like a new and shiny version of the faith—Christianity 2.0 if you will—it turns out to be something the church has faced, and rejected, before.
So, what are the tenets of progressive Christianity? Well, I wrote a whole book on it! In The 10 Commandments of Progressive Christianity (Cruciform, 2019), I laid out ten beliefs of progressive Christians (in their own words), and then offered a response.
The framework of my book came from (of all things) a daily devotional from Richard Rohr which listed 10 principles that he thinks modern Christianity needs to embody. Rohr’s ten principles are actually drawn from Philip Gulley’s book, If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus (HarperOne, 2010).
Although ironically entitled, “Returning to Essentials,” the ten principles are essentially a confessional statement of modern liberalism (while, at the same time, pretending to deplore confessionals statements). It is, more or less, a “10 commandments” for progressive Christianity.
Indeed, these ten commandments sound like they were gathered not so much on the mountain top but in the university classroom. It’s less about God revealing his desires, but more about man expressing his. It’s less Moses, more Oprah.
But take note: each of these commandments is partially true. Indeed, that is what makes progressive Christianity as a whole, so challenging. It is a master class in half-truths which sound appealing on the surface until you dig down deeper and really explore their foundations and implications.
So, for further reflection, here are the ten tenets of progressive Christianity:
1. Jesus Is a Model for Living More Than an Object for Worship
(Translation: Jesus isn’t divine but just a good moral teacher)
2. Affirming People’s Potential Is More Important Than Reminding Them of Their Brokenness
(Translation: Sin is not a problem; people are basically good)
3. The Work of Reconciliation Should Be Valued over Making Judgments
(Translation: Christians should stop being so judgmental)
4. Gracious Behavior Is More Important Than Right Belief
(Translation: Theology doesn’t matter; Just be a good person)
5. Inviting Questions Is More Valuable Than Supplying Answers
(Translation: We cannot be certain about what we believe; truth is not accessible)
6. Encouraging the Personal Search Is More Important Than Group Uniformity
(Translation: The church is just about protecting its authority and squashing dissent)
7. Meeting Actual Needs Is More Important Than Maintaining Institutions
(Translation: Too much focus on the Church gets in the way of God’s mission)
8. Peacemaking Is More Important Than Power
(Translation: Since the church abuses its power, that power should be taken away entirely)
9. We Should Care More about Love and Less about Sex
(Translation: God doesn’t care what you do in the bedroom if your hearts in the right place)
10. Life in This World Is More Important Than the Afterlife
(Translation: No one knows what happens after you die, so just focus on fixing the present world)
Of course, this is just a list of the ten commandments. For my rebuttals, check out my book. In the meantime, I think one thing is clear: this particular version of Christianity is not really Christianity. It is a man-made system of morality that lacks any real hope or vision for the future.
Put differently, it is not good news. It is not good news to tell someone that it is all up to their good works, and that there is no eternal value to what they do, and that you can’t be certain it matters because we cannot be certain of anything.
What we need, then, is not to go forward to Christianity 2.0, but to go back to the original, historic Christian faith. And that faith is, indeed, good news.
Ross Reinman says
Progressive Christianity is the real and more lethal virus wreaking more havoc than any microbe the world has ever known—thanks for giving us the cure, Michael.
Gregg Doyle says
I agree with your views on the undercurrent of humanism in these “commandments”. The real question is, who reforms the church if it needs reforming? Is it up to the people who were trained, indoctrinated, and licensed, to decide to change the organization from within? Based on Adam Grant’s thoughts in “Think Again” (Viking 2021), people who use God’s authority to justify their decisions, are the last people on earth who are willing to see that change is needed, much less initiate it. The old testament prophets and Jesus himself suffered under these people’s authority.
Cheyn Onarecker says
Dr. Kruger, I appreciate the work you have done in simplifying the concepts of progressive Christianity and supplying careful answers to the questions raised by those who have wandered down the path of Christianity 2.0. I suspect that the biggest challenge for me will not be rebutting the old re-packaged objections to historical Christianity but finding the wisdom to engage in conversations that will result in genuine reconsideration and rejection of the false premises of this movement. My goal is not to out-argue my friends but to win them back. I look forward to reading your book.
Angus J says
It’s well worth having a good knowledge of the various specific heresies of the Church through the ages so that when an old one pops its head up again it’s easy to recognise, and like playing whack-a-mole, to slap it back down again. A recent example is the so-called New Apostolic Reformation, which is a reprise of Montanism.
Bryant Williams III says
You are correct regarding Solomon’s proverb of Ecclesiastes 1:11, “There is nothing new under the sun,” I would add, “they have just changed the packaging and ribbon.”
Jim Pemberton says
Just as the Mosaic decalogue reveals God to us, these tenets reveal the nature of the false god of progressives. Their god is incoherent and untenable.
Andy says
Hello, I’m a former Evangelical Christian who currently identifies as a Progressive Christian. After reading your article, I want to offer a Progressive Christian perspective on what you shared in the hopes of building shared understanding and empathy. I see your passion for Christianity, and it’s clear to me that you want to support others in being faithful, loving, and righteous followers of Christ. I also admire your commitment to faithfully understanding the history of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy. I am similarly passionate about faithfulness to the historic beliefs and practices of Christianity, a passion which lead me away from Evangelicalism and towards Progressive Christianity. I mention this, not to debate which view is more historically faithful, but to share that I take my devotion to Jesus and His Good News as seriously as you do, but come to different conclusions on that.
I’m writing this comment, not to argue in favor of Progressive Christianity, but to share how this article sounds to “Progressive Christian ears.” My main perspective to offer is this: I do not feel understood by this article. Your title poses the question, “What is Progressive Christianity?” and as a Progressive Christian, I don’t see anything which resembles an answer I would give. I applaud you for drawing from Fr. Richard Rohr in forming these 10 points. I appreciate Rohr’s contribution to my faith and I do find resonance in the words he shared in those 10 points. I find your translations of those 10 points insulting. Your translations feel to me like ungenerous straw-men of Rohr’s values. I don’t get the impression that you spent time trying to truly understand these points and offer a thoughtful critique of where you think they diverge from orthodoxy. While these points were copied from Richard Rohr’s work, I don’t see a shred of his (or my) faith represented here.
So why do I feel the need to write out this comment and share this? Two reasons: It breaks down the potential for fellowship, and it leaves people feeling isolated and anxious. There are far too few loving conversations occurring between Evangelical and Progressive Christians. Your article says that my “version of Christianity is not really Christianity.” I want to invite you to contemplate how that rhetoric lands in the ears of Progressive Christians. It does not express love, gentleness, or kindness to any of us. It is not persuasive. This leads me to that second point, this rhetoric leads people to feel isolated and anxious. Many Progressive Christians were formerly Evangelicals who “deconstructed” their faith. I was one. In my evangelical church, I heard this rhetoric from pastors, friends, and online platforms like yours. Before I started asking the questions of my deconstruction, I loved this content and cheered for it. When I began asking those questions, I found the sword of this rhetoric turned towards me. I learned it wasn’t safe to ask these questions, and that the love I was shown in my Evangelical Church was conditional to my ability to answer my questions the way I was told to. This did not convince me to remain and Evangelical, it convinced me I had to hide from them. It isolated me just as it has countless other former evangelicals.
I share this because I don’t think it’s what you want. I think you want people to lovingly, faithfully, and wholeheartedly follow Christ. My fear is that there are many like me who hear this rhetoric, but rather than feel energized in their faith, they feel afraid, isolated, and rejected.
Kyle says
Interesting post.
What about running a brief thought experiment where you imagine the reverse of some of these points, then asking yourself if this is the type of belief system you desire to operate in.
For example:
Making judgments should be valued over the work of reconciliation.
Power is more important than peacemaking.
Supplying answers is more important than inviting questions.
Affirming people’s brokenness is more important than affirming their potential.
We should care more about sex and less about love.
Certainly, not a church world or belief system one should sign up for, yet sadly feels very in line with much of American evangelicalism.
The point: maybe progressive Christianity is offering a timely critique of American evangelicalism. Maybe progressive Christianity is an admirable invitation offering evangelicals the space to look inwardly and clean their own house.
Bryant Williams III says
Andy,
I read your comment with interest. I do understand what you said, but I think that you need to submit a response or rebuttal to the 10 Essentials or Commandments Dr. Kruger has proposed.
For example:
1. Jesus is a model for living more than an object of worship.
Yes, the Christian should be “like Christ,” but, at the same time, Jesus is to be worshiped for who He is, “Lord.” The early church from the very beginning, Pentecost of Acts 2, worshiped Christ in the same breath as it worshiped God. The late Dr. Larry Hurtado, et al, has shown that the early church in its teaching but especially in its practice, worshiped Christ. This is evident in liturgy of the church very early on contra Walter Bauer.
3. The work of reconciliation should be valued over making judgments.
The problem here is that one is making a judgement and should be. The judging of motives is one thing and is condemned. It is the behavior that needs to be reconciled Reconciliation is the acknowledgement of my sin as the cause of the break between God and me. Confession of that sin begins he process of reconciliation. Turning away from that sin is the next step. All of this reconciliation begins and ends in Christ upon the Cross.
4. Gracious behavior is more important than right belief.
Good behavior should always be before us. However, Isaiah 64:6 (NET),
“We are all like one who is unclean,
all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight.”
II Timothy 3:16-17 is quite relevant here; so also Jude 3, “to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” This faith is both doctrinal, i.e. a right belief, and practical, i.e. right practice and behavior. You cannot have the one without the other.
Finally, Paul in I Corinthians 6:9-10 gives us a list of behaviors that those continually said sins shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Yet, we neglect 6:11, “and such were some of you.” This verse teaches that any one change by the power of God. You name the sin, and one can change from that sin by turning from that sin. Thus, even if one were to commit homosexual acts they can be changed per Scripture which is not what one would want to hear. It is what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Go and sin no more.”
Can you go through the List of 10 Essentials to give a response?
Andy says
I’m trying to respond to a comment reply, but I can’t seem to see the comments now?
Andy says
Hi Bryant,
I can’t seem to reply directly to your comment, so I’ll try posting here. I read through your response and it appears to me you may have missed my intentions in my reply. My goal in that post was not to argue in favor of these 10 Commandment of Progressive Christianity, rather, to highlight that the author has missed and misrepresented the views of Richard Rohr and many Progressive Christians. My comment was more focused on expressing the experience a Progressive Christian has when reading these posts, and to highlight some unintended harm it can cause for those in Evangelical spaces who begin to have more progressive views.
That said, I can see where a further exposition of these 10 Commandments from a Progressive Christian could be valuable to this conversation. I will aim to do this when I find the time. Until then, I imagine more information could be found from the original text by Richard Rohr which these “10 Commandments” emerge from.
Angus J says
Same as Andy, the comments don’t appear for me when I load this page, which is a bit frustrating, as I’m following the discussion. If it help debugging, I’m using Firefox on Windows 10.
Angus J says
OK, now I’ve posted my previous comment (awaiting moderation) all the other comments now appear.
Chijohnnwankwo says
Very nice content. Thanks
Chijohnnwankwo says
Very nice content. Great Thanks
Meridith Black says
So grateful for the work that you and your wife do… I hope it is permissible:) that I posted this on my lil WordPress blog (Gal220Life) as I no longer am posting on FB or Instagram. Took a step back from both… but sharing the reasons for the I that I have via the blog instead. Again, grateful to colabor with the Kruger’s and praying you both are encouraged! Meridith
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Meridith. I am happy if you link to my article but I do not allow my articles to be reposted on other sites. Sorry, and thanks for understanding.
Coburn says
Points 2,3,4 are the ones that make it so hard to stay tuned into a modern Western (culturally) church. You get tired of going and hearing the same feel good sermons. Mostly focused on how much God loves YOU, and maybe odd thing about being kind to others. Very rarely mentioned sin and rarely walk away actually feeling any sense if real conviction or challenge. You’re basically on your own for that. It’s like you want near but they keep giving milk. Refreshingly went to church with a coworker which is mostly Filipinos and seems to address the topic of sin more and says things that some might find offensive.
#6 can actually go both ways. I found conformity in this modern age often meant just repeating church cliches (like mindlessly saying thou shalt not judge without reading a sa whole what Paul says about it within the church etc. I know I personally want to be held accountable and convicted from time to time) and reading the same books of the Bible (avoiding some of those smaller ones near the end that challenge you personally)
Nemo says
Kyle wrote, “What about running a brief thought experiment where you imagine the reverse of some of these points, then asking yourself if this is the type of belief system you desire to operate in.
I realize the comment is rhetorical, but will do the thought experiment, for perhaps the belief is not as unreasonable as you might think.
Making judgments should be valued over the work of reconciliation.
Work of reconciliation necessarily involves making judgments: To reconcile means to restore, and implies that something is lost or damaged. There would be no need of reconciliation if nothing is lost or damaged, and unless one can judge rightly what is lost and damaged, and the way to restore it, no reconciliation would be possible.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a parable of reconciliation, and involves making judgments, judgments made by both the son and the father. First, the son came to his senses, and made a judgment of himself when he said to his father, “I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son”; the father also made a judgement concerning his son, ” For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” It was after the judgments had been made that the celebration began.
Power is more important than peacemaking.
Peacemaking requires power: It takes no less than the power of God, which is none other than Christ, to make peace between God and man, between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female; By contrast, one needs to look no further than current events to see how ineffective and pathetic “peacemaking” is among man.
Supplying answers is more important than inviting questions.
Did Jesus invite any questions to which he supplied no answers?
David Madison says
Andy, you say that as a Progressive Christian you have not been “understood” but you don’t elaborate on this. Perhaps you could clarify your position. For example, do you believe that Jesus is divine? Do you accept that sin is a serious problem? Do you believe that there will be a future resurrection of the dead and that this is fundamental to our faith? It is possible that you would answer those questions in the affirmative. However, if that is the case then I think you would be unusual among Progressive Christians. In which case you would only be misunderstood to the extent that your views differ from those of most Progressive Christians.