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An assortment of thoughts, quotes, information, opinions, and such
"The 8
points" that define progressive Christianity, as seen by The
Center for Progressive Christianity
Fundamentalism:
The Challenge to the Secular World, by Lloyd Geering. This 2003 book by
a New Zealand Presbyterian minister and scholar is short and easy to read, and
available complete and free at this link. It would be excellent for use by
church classes and study groups. It concisely covers information that all
Christians need to know but many don't know, about the origin, characteristics, and dangers of
religious fundamentalism.
An
interview with Rev. Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in
Austin, TX, presenting his understanding of Christianity. He's saying things I
wish were said openly and regularly in every church congregation.
Granddaddy or Jesus?
Clarence Jordan was a lifelong resident of
Georgia
who lived from 1912 to 1969. He was troubled by the racial and economic injustice
he saw all around him. After getting a seminary Ph.D. to learn more about
the Bible, he and his wife created an interracial Christian farming
community in
Georgia
. They named it Koinonia, which means “communion” or “fellowship”
in Greek. The term was applied in the book of Acts to the earliest form of Christian
community.
Jordan
was also involved in the creation of Habitat for Humanity.
The story is told of his speaking at an all-white church in
Georgia
and advocating racial desegregation. After his talk, an angry church
member accosted him. “My granddaddy was active in this church all his
life,” she told Jordan, “and he would be outraged if he could hear what you’ve just been
saying.”
“Well, madam,”
Jordan
calmly replied, “that means you have a choice to make. You can either
follow your granddaddy or follow Jesus.”
Many churchgoers still need to make that choice.
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