Why We Stick with "Christian"

Many of the organizations with which we cooperate -- such as the Sea of Faith, the Snow Institute of Religion, and the FaithFutures Foundation -- identify themselves as interfaith rather than Christian. TCPC has taken a different approach and has encouraged the use of the terms Christian and Christianity among progressives.

For one thing, I am constantly reminded of what has been the history of unitarian movements in this country and the U.K. First they gave up the trinity and removed Jesus from the godhead. So far, so good. I am with them. Now, however, most of them cannot openly refer to Jesus and many never mention God.

Another reason we emphasize our Christian heritage is that we contest the extremists' claim that only they have the right to call themselves Christians. In the minds of most people outside the church, Christianity tends to be identified with evangelicals and fundamentalists. We need to make every possible effort to let them know that other approaches to the Christian faith are available.

Third, when it comes to interfaith strategy, we have taken an approach that is different from that of our friends who emphasize the interfaith character of their organizations. In my experience, interfaith dialogue works best when each faith group is clear about its identity. I have learned from Jews and Muslims that they don't think that conversations are helpful when liberal Christians attempt to blur the boundaries.

To be a constructive voice in the world, I believe that progressive Christians need to stand firmly on the ground of our tradition. We are first and foremost followers of Jesus.

Comments

[Kristen Pratt]

Jim, Thank you for this article and thank you for all that you are doing to bring Progressive Christianity into the conversations of our day. I am a 1990 grad of Princeton Theo Sem. I was told by my classmates that I was not a Christian. At that time I decided I guess they were right. I took refuge with the UU's for awhile and they are certainly an affirming and welcoming community. But there was never mention of Jesus and rarely mention of God. In the end it is the Christian story that most readily transports me back to God. I found courage to reenter Christian community at a UCC last year and I am now in care for ordination. My church is not yet affiliated with tcpc but they practice in much the same way. Do you know of any groups affiliated with tcpc meeting in the San Francisco Bay area? Again, thank you. Kristen Pratt, M.Div., M.S.W. Los Gatos, CA.