I just saw a poster on FB which defines progressive christianity to be characterized by willingness to question tradition, accceptance of human diversity, with a strong emphasis on social justice, or care for the poor and the oppressed, and environmental stewardship of the Earth. Progressive Christians have a deep belief in the centrality of the instruction to love one another within the teachings of Jesus Christ. This leads to a focus on compassion, promoting justice and mercy, tolerance, and working towards solving societal problems of poverty, discrimnation, and environmental issues.
I agree with everything that progressive christianity is. Unfortunately, if we are to be content with that, how different is our faith than others? Non-christians believe everything in the above paragraph too. So what is the distinctive factor that differentiates a christian and a non-christian? Long ago, when I received Christ, I learnt that one distinct characteristic that sets apart Christianity and other religons is that Christianity is not just a religon, it is a relationship with God. I am not saying this in a condescending manner, but when we have experienced communion with God, we will know that when our focus is primarily on God, and if we believe right, all the above will happen as a natural result of our belief.
Over the years, I learnt that when the focus is on building our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit naturally pours out his love and compassion on us in such a ridiculous amount that it overflows and overwhelms us, so much that we can't help but to love, and to care for others. Maybe I am not progressive enough but this is the kind of Christianity I believe in. I don't want to lose sense of this inward belief to outward action kind of order. That's all for tonight. Good night World.
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