Progressive Christianity

Liberal Christianity emerged from Enlightenment critiques of the Bible, distinguishing scientific truths from myths and propaganda. Rather than abandoning Christianity entirely after reinterpreting its dogmas, liberal Christians found existential significance in its myths. They recognize that while science governs reason, it remains mute on meaning and values. To navigate life’s uncertainties, they utilize stories to humanize their understanding of reality. Absent this myth-making, nature can seem devoid of meaning or even terrifying.

The narrative of Jesus’s death and resurrection critiques social norms that overlook the value of idealistic and authentic individuals often marginalized for challenging established power structures. The hope is that even if these spiritual elites fail in worldly terms, they might be recognized by a higher authority.

Jesus’s resurrection symbolizes a transcendent calling, presenting a judge who sees beyond the confines of Roman and Judean authority, appreciating Jesus’s radical vision for an equitable society. The gospel story serves as a beacon for marginalized groups, including introverts, radicals, and outcasts. Inspired by Jesus's moral radicalism, progressive Christians are motivated to advocate for social justice and to combat capitalism's threats to the planet.

Evangelical Christianity

In contrast, born-again Christianity aligns with a conservative, authoritarian mindset that emphasizes reliance on Jesus for salvation. This perspective dismisses the role of human cooperation or reason in achieving social progress, viewing such efforts as misguided. Salvation is assured simply through acknowledging Jesus’s sacrifice, fostering a personal relationship with him.

In this framework, secular aspects of life—politics, economics, and culture—are deemed fallen and irrelevant. While God may intervene in social matters, these realms are seen as corrupted until divine judgment occurs. The born-again experience is often reconciled with right-wing ideologies through selective biblical interpretation, supported by a public-private dualism that prioritizes personal faith over collective responsibility.

This dualism implies that as long as one professes faith in Jesus, their actions are secondary, which complicates the relationship between faith and morality. Although good works are valued, they primarily serve as indicators of one’s faith rather than as means of societal improvement.

Evangelical Response and Cultural Implications

Evangelicals often justify their engagement in secular society as part of their mission to spread the gospel, paralleling Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. This necessitates participation in everyday life, including family and work, in a bid to embody and share their faith.

The evangelical’s political stances often draw from biblical tribalism, rationalized as essential for spreading God’s message. Critics highlight the hypocrisy in this alignment with conservative policies, noting how many evangelicals supported figures like Donald Trump, whose behaviors starkly contrast with Jesus’s teachings.

The Self-Contradiction of Evangelicalism

In praising works that defend evangelicalism against progressive views, some evangelical writers exhibit a lack of awareness regarding the historical complexities of Christianity. They fail to recognize that orthodox interpretations have evolved amid challenges from diverse theological perspectives.

The reliance on "facts" and "evidence" reflects an internal struggle within evangelicalism, which has been increasingly influenced by secular thought. This creates a tension where evangelicals attempt to ground their beliefs in rationality, undermining the very foundations of faith.

Challenges for Progressive Christianity

Progressive Christianity, while less controversial than evangelicalism, is not without its own challenges. By acknowledging the subjective nature of its narratives and the competition with other social philosophies, it risks reducing its emotional resonance over time.

The historical dominance of Christianity has led to a collective craving for new narratives, which in a postmodern context, could diminish the relevance of its teachings. Furthermore, the ethical principles within progressive Christianity may face scrutiny regarding their practical implications, potentially leading to a slide towards secularism.