It Isn't What You Believe but How You Believe It
Guest Hosts – Michael Denton, Conference Minister of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ
If you want to talk about “progressive Christianity” than there is no better denomination than the United Church of Christ (UCC), and if you want to find someone from the UCC who is progressive then go to the Northwest. Although Mike does admit that he is “moderate,” but moderate for the UCC is lefty for the rest of us. And Jonathan and Mike have a history together of progressive, liberal, tree-hugging rants and adventures, so it should be a good conversation.
For Mike, part of the issue is around values or faith. For some communities it is more about the values of that community than the faith statement, and for others it is the faith statements rather than the values. One of the questions that every Christian community must ask is around identity. Does one identify first with doctrine following action or action following doctrine. While there is no hard and fast definition of “progressive Christianity” those who are progressive tend to favor action and values over doctrine and a strict definition of faith.
For Mike, it is important to be sure that wherever people are they feel welcome, or as he says, “wherever you are in your life’s journey, you are welcome here.” What a softy!
Rialage –
Jonathan is tired of people complaining about snow (and is also tired of all the snow).
Mike is worried about the Police Department in Chicago having a “Black-Site” building. This was reported by The Guardian, so it must be true.
Scripture
John 14:1-7 – really, no one can get to God except through Jesus?
Watcha’ Into
Mike is into Bigfoot podcasts, The Magician Series by Lev Grossman, and the book Raising Cain by Dan Kindlon et al– ease up, Mike!
Jonathan is into James McBride’s memoir The Color of Water – although it seems that Jonathan is not really all that into memoirs
Again, thanks for listening. Check out the website: www.twelveenough.com Send your comments and questions to twelveenough@gmail.com, and don’t forget to rate the show on iTunes.