Fall Series: “Eight Points of Progressive Christianity”

An Affiliate of The Center for Progressive Christianity

Out of fear over changing cultural norms and contemporary understandings of Jesus, eight churches in Fountain Hills joined together this summer to preach a six-week sermon series calling “Progressive” Christianity dangerous, heretical, and apostate. This thinly-veiled criticism of The Fountains’ core values sparked international attention, a flurry of blog-posts and podcasts, coverage in national magazines, and was even the catalyst for recognition with an national award.

The unanticipated consequences of the “Fact or Fiction” campaign included a sincere interest in the principles of Progressive Christianity by seekers who had never known there was an option to the fundamentalism of their birth. One visitor to The Fountains quipped, “The more my pastor described the beliefs of Progressive Christians (in order to tear them down), the more I realized that I was one!”

So, as both a review for those who are already familiar with contemporary Biblical scholarship and expose newcomers to the principles of Progressive Christianity, Pastor Felten will be Applying it to Life with a Fall series on the “Eight Points of Progressive Christianity.” Based on the Center for Progressive Christianity’s “Eight Points” (2011 version), this series will examine eight practical, credible, and positive basics for 21^st Century followers of Jesus.

Over the ages, Christianity has never remained the same. As theological and liturgical ideas evolve and old beliefs and practices become increasingly untenable in a post-modern, pluralistic world, it becomes all the more important to explore what a Christianity for the 21^st century might look like. Join us at The Fountains for “The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity” September 13^th through November 8^th. You’ll also be able to check out the audio versions on our new PodOmatic site.

“The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity”

• Sept. 13^th  #1: Following the path and teachings of Jesus can lead to an awareness and experience of the Sacred and the Oneness and Unity of all life (John 10.7-9)
• Sept. 20^th #2: We affirm that the teachings of Jesus provide but one of many ways to experience the Sacredness and Oneness of life, and that we can draw from diverse sources of wisdom in our spiritual journey (Mark 9.38-41)
• Sept. 27^th  #3: We seek community that is inclusive of ALL people, including but not limited to:
  • Conventional Christians and questioning skeptics,
  • Believers and agnostics,
  • Women and men,
  • Those of all sexual orientations and gender identities,
  • Those of all classes and abilities;   (Ephesians 2.11-22)
• Oct. 4^th  #4: We know that the way we behave towards one another is the fullest expression of what we believe (Luke 10.25-37)
• Oct. 18^th  #5: We find grace in the search for understanding and believe there is more value in questioning than in absolutes. (Matthew 10.13-17)
• Oct. 25^th  #6: We strive for peace and justice among all people (Matthew 25:31-45)
• Nov. 1^st  #7: We strive to protect and restore the integrity of our Earth
• Nov. 8^th   #8: We commit to a path of life-long learning, compassion, and selfless love. (Mark 10.35-45)