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Study Guide: Progressive Christianity: An Academic Overview

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Progressive Christianity: An Academic Overview Study Guide

Defining Progressive Christianity

Progressive Christianity is primarily characterized as a revival of ancient Christian traditions, seeking a return to early church practices.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is inaccurate. Progressive Christianity is understood as a postmodern theological evolution of liberal Christianity, integrating contemporary insights rather than solely focusing on a return to ancient practices.

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Progressive Christianity is considered the postmodern theological evolution of liberal Protestant Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The movement is accurately described as the postmodern theological evolution of historic mainline liberal Protestant Christianity, incorporating contemporary perspectives.

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The 'postliberal approach' in Progressive Christianity involves integrating postmodern insights and reinterpreting biblical texts for contemporary understanding.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'postliberal approach' is indeed characterized by the integration of postmodern insights and the reinterpretation of biblical texts for contemporary relevance.

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The postmodern theological approach in Progressive Christianity relies heavily on Enlightenment principles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The postmodern theological approach characteristic of Progressive Christianity moves beyond, rather than relies heavily upon, the foundational principles of the Enlightenment.

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Roger Wolsey characterizes Progressive Christianity as a 'post-liberal approach' focused on Jesus' teachings and God's immanence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roger Wolsey defines Progressive Christianity as a 'post-liberal approach,' emphasizing Jesus' teachings and God's immanence, influenced by postmodern thought.

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What is the primary theological characteristic of Progressive Christianity?

Answer: A postmodern theological evolution of liberal Christianity.

Explanation: Progressive Christianity is primarily characterized as a postmodern theological evolution of liberal Christianity, integrating contemporary insights and moving beyond the foundational concerns of modern liberalism.

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What does the 'postliberal approach' integrate into theological perspectives?

Answer: Postmodernism

Explanation: The 'postliberal approach' integrates insights from postmodernism into theological perspectives, moving beyond the foundational concerns of classical liberalism.

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According to the source, what does Roger Wolsey's definition emphasize regarding faith in Progressive Christianity?

Answer: A post-liberal approach influenced by postmodernism.

Explanation: Roger Wolsey's definition highlights Progressive Christianity as a 'post-liberal approach,' influenced by postmodernism and focusing on Jesus' teachings and God's immanence.

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Core Theological Principles and Values

A core characteristic of Progressive Christianity is a resistance to questioning established traditions and a preference for rigid dogma.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, Progressive Christianity is characterized by a willingness to question tradition and an embrace of paradox and mystery over rigid dogma.

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The central biblical teaching guiding Progressive Christians is the commandment to 'love one another,' found in John 15:17.

Answer: True

Explanation: Progressive Christians indeed hold a deep belief in the centrality of Jesus Christ's instruction to 'love one another,' as articulated in John 15:17.

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Progressive Christian thought condemns fairness and compassion in societal governance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christian thought actively promotes values such as fairness, justice, and compassion, condemning societal structures that exhibit injustice or neglect the poor.

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Archbishop Wynn Wagner identifies the fundamental posture of progressive Christianity as exclusivity and judgment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Archbishop Wynn Wagner characterizes the fundamental posture of progressive Christianity as inclusiveness and acceptance, which he posits as a key distinguishing feature.

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Progressive Christianity generally views homosexuality as sinful and advocates for its exclusion from religious communities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity typically does not consider homosexuality sinful and emphasizes inclusivity and acceptance regarding sexual orientation within religious communities.

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Progressive Christianity defines salvation primarily as a future event focused on escaping hell.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity tends to define salvation more in terms of achieving a robust, abundant life in the present, rather than focusing primarily on a future event or escaping hell.

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Progressive Christianity tends to emphasize God's transcendence over God's immanence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity typically emphasizes God's immanence (presence within the world) more than God's transcendence (being entirely separate from the world).

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Progressive Christianity generally asserts that Christianity is the only valid path to connecting with God.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity is typically non-exclusive, meaning it does not assert that Christianity is the sole valid or viable path to connecting with the divine.

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Progressive Christianity embraces paradox and mystery over strict adherence to rigid doctrines.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key characteristic of Progressive Christianity is its embrace of paradox and mystery, valuing these elements more than strict adherence to rigid doctrines.

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Environmental stewardship is considered a minor concern within Progressive Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Environmental stewardship is recognized as a key characteristic and significant value within Progressive Christianity, reflecting a commitment to ecological care.

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Social justice is considered a core value and integral aspect of discipleship in Progressive Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Social justice is indeed recognized as a fundamental value and an integral component of discipleship within the framework of Progressive Christianity.

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Progressive Christianity is characterized by a willingness to question tradition and an acceptance of human diversity.

Answer: True

Explanation: A defining characteristic of Progressive Christianity is its openness to questioning tradition and its affirmation of human diversity.

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Progressive Christianity primarily focuses on individual spiritual enlightenment rather than societal issues.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity places significant emphasis on societal issues, particularly social justice, alongside individual spiritual development.

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Progressive Christianity embraces God's transcendence while downplaying God's immanence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity tends to emphasize God's immanence (presence within the world) more than God's transcendence (being entirely separate from the world).

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Which core characteristic is NOT typically associated with Progressive Christianity according to its adherents?

Answer: Strict adherence to biblical literalism.

Explanation: Progressive Christianity is characterized by a willingness to question tradition, an acceptance of human diversity, and an emphasis on social justice, rather than strict adherence to biblical literalism.

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What central biblical teaching is highlighted as guiding Progressive Christians?

Answer: The instruction to 'love one another' (John 15:17).

Explanation: Progressive Christians place significant emphasis on Jesus Christ's commandment to 'love one another,' as recorded in John 15:17, as a guiding principle.

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Which of the following values is NOT stressed by progressive Christian thought?

Answer: Exclusivity

Explanation: Progressive Christian thought stresses values such as fairness, compassion, and justice, and is generally characterized by inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

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According to Archbishop Wynn Wagner, what is the fundamental posture distinguishing progressive Christianity?

Answer: Inclusiveness and acceptance

Explanation: Archbishop Wynn Wagner identifies inclusiveness and acceptance as the fundamental posture that distinguishes progressive Christianity.

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What is the general stance of Progressive Christianity regarding homosexuality?

Answer: It is not considered sinful, with an emphasis on inclusivity.

Explanation: Progressive Christianity generally does not view homosexuality as sinful and emphasizes inclusivity and acceptance concerning sexual orientation.

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How does Progressive Christianity typically define salvation?

Answer: As achieving a robust, abundant life in the present.

Explanation: Progressive Christianity typically defines salvation as the attainment of a robust, abundant life in the present, rather than focusing solely on future afterlife events or escaping hell.

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Progressive Christianity tends to emphasize God's immanence, meaning:

Answer: God's presence is within the world.

Explanation: Emphasizing God's immanence signifies the belief that God's presence is manifest within the world.

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What is the stance of Progressive Christianity on religious exclusivity?

Answer: It is generally non-exclusive regarding paths to God.

Explanation: Progressive Christianity generally adopts a non-exclusive stance, not asserting that Christianity is the sole valid path to connecting with God.

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Which value is emphasized alongside social justice and non-violence in Progressive Christianity?

Answer: Environmental protection

Explanation: Environmental protection is emphasized as a core value within Progressive Christianity, alongside social justice and non-violence.

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Biblical Interpretation and Theological Influences

The emphasis on justice in Progressive Christianity is a theme inherited from the Greek philosophical tradition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The emphasis on justice and care for the marginalized within Progressive Christianity is primarily inherited from the Hebrew prophetic tradition, not Greek philosophy.

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Progressive Christianity draws theological influence from liberation theology, feminist theology, and eco-theology.

Answer: True

Explanation: Progressive Christianity indeed draws significant theological influence from streams such as liberation theology, feminist theology, and eco-theology, among others.

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Progressive Christians interpret the Bible exclusively through a literal, historical lens.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christians approach the Bible with seriousness but generally favor interpretive and metaphorical understandings, rather than adhering exclusively to a literal, historical lens.

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The 'epic of evolution' narrative is used by some progressive Christians to reconcile science and faith.

Answer: True

Explanation: The narrative of the 'epic of evolution' is employed by some progressive Christians, such as Michael Dowd, to foster compatibility between scientific understanding and religious faith.

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Panentheism, the belief that God is in all things but also greater than all things, is a view often leaned towards by Progressive Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Progressive Christianity frequently leans towards panentheism, a theological perspective where the divine is immanent within the universe while also transcending it.

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Liberation theology's focus on the liberation of the poor and oppressed is a significant influence on Progressive Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Liberation theology, with its emphasis on the liberation of the poor and oppressed, constitutes a significant theological influence on Progressive Christianity.

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Feminist theology's critique of patriarchal structures contributes to Progressive Christianity's emphasis on gender equality.

Answer: True

Explanation: Feminist theology's critical examination of patriarchal structures within religious traditions significantly informs Progressive Christianity's commitment to gender equality.

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Womanist theology, originating from the experiences of Black women, addresses issues of race, gender, and class, influencing Progressive Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Womanist theology, which addresses intersecting issues of race, gender, and class, particularly from the perspective of Black women, is a notable influence on Progressive Christianity.

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Eco-theology, or environmental theology, explores the relationship between religion and the environment, aligning with Progressive Christianity's values.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eco-theology, which examines the intersection of religion and the environment, aligns closely with the values of environmental stewardship emphasized within Progressive Christianity.

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Progressive Christians reject the historicity of biblical passages, viewing them only as allegories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christians affirm the spiritual truths within biblical passages, even if their historicity is debated, suggesting a willingness to engage with metaphorical or allegorical interpretations rather than outright rejection.

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Progressive Christians typically interpret the Bible with strict literalism, believing every word to be factually accurate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christians generally approach the Bible with seriousness but favor interpretive and metaphorical understandings, rather than strict literalism.

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The emphasis on justice and care for the marginalized in Progressive Christianity is historically linked to which tradition?

Answer: Hebrew Prophetic Tradition

Explanation: The emphasis on justice and concern for the downtrodden within Progressive Christianity is primarily inherited from the Hebrew prophetic tradition.

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Which theological stream is NOT mentioned as influencing Progressive Christianity?

Answer: Fundamentalist Theology

Explanation: The source lists Process Theology, Neo-Orthodoxy, and Eco-theology as influences, but not Fundamentalist Theology.

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How do Progressive Christians typically approach the Bible?

Answer: With seriousness, favoring interpretive and metaphorical understanding.

Explanation: Progressive Christians approach the Bible with seriousness, generally favoring interpretive and metaphorical understandings over strict literalism.

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What is the 'epic of evolution' used for in some progressive Christian circles?

Answer: To foster compatibility between science and religious faith.

Explanation: The 'epic of evolution' narrative is utilized in some progressive Christian circles to foster compatibility between scientific understanding and religious faith.

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How does feminist theology influence Progressive Christianity?

Answer: By critiquing patriarchal structures and promoting gender equality.

Explanation: Feminist theology influences Progressive Christianity by critiquing patriarchal structures and advocating for gender equality within religious discourse and practice.

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What does Progressive Christianity affirm regarding biblical stories that may not be historically factual?

Answer: They are affirmed for their spiritual truth, even if not literal.

Explanation: Progressive Christians affirm the spiritual truths contained within biblical stories, even when their literal historicity is questioned, embracing metaphorical or allegorical interpretations.

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Historical Origins and Development

Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg is credited with coining the term 'progressive Christianity' in the late 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'progressive Christianity' was indeed first coined by the German-American Lutheran pastor and scholar, Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg, in 1898.

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Progressive Christianity in the US has been linked to involvement in the Social Gospel movement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Progressive Christianity in the United States has indeed been associated with Christian engagement in the Progressive Movement and the Social Gospel movement, emphasizing social justice.

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The Social Gospel movement focused solely on individual spiritual salvation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Social Gospel movement emphasized the social implications of Christian teachings, focusing on justice and the welfare of the poor, rather than solely on individual spiritual salvation.

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The term 'progressive Christianity' was coined by contemporary theologians in the late 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'progressive Christianity' was first coined by Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg in 1898, not in the late 20th century.

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Who is credited with first using the term 'progressive Christianity'?

Answer: Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg

Explanation: Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg is credited with coining the term 'progressive Christianity' in 1898.

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What was Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg's primary motivation for advocating progressive Christianity?

Answer: To oppose religious dogma and promote living teachings.

Explanation: Stuckenberg advocated for progressive Christianity based on his belief in the living teachings of Christ and the Apostles, opposing the stagnation caused by religious dogmatism.

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Which historical US social movement is mentioned as having reflected Christian involvement aligned with Progressive Christianity?

Answer: The Social Gospel movement

Explanation: The Social Gospel movement is cited as a historical US social movement where Christian involvement reflected themes aligned with Progressive Christianity, particularly concerning social justice.

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Distinctions and Criticisms

Rev. John H. W. Stuckenberg advocated for progressive Christianity because he believed it should be based on rigid, unchanging interpretations of scripture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stuckenberg's advocacy stemmed from a belief that progressive Christianity should be grounded in the living teachings of Christ and the Apostles, opposing the stagnation caused by rigid dogmatism.

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The '8 Points of Progressive Christianity' are a set of credal statements defining specific theological beliefs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The '8 Points of Progressive Christianity' are described as non-credal principles, intended to outline core tenets rather than function as formal credal statements.

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Progressive Christianity is synonymous with progressive political movements, sharing identical goals and ideologies.

Answer: False

Explanation: While there may be philosophical overlap, Progressive Christianity is not synonymous with progressive political movements; they are distinct concepts.

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Michael Dowd promotes the idea that science and religious faith are mutually exclusive.

Answer: False

Explanation: Michael Dowd, an advocate for evolutionary evangelism, promotes the view that science and religious faith are not mutually exclusive, but rather compatible.

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Geoff Thompson argues that progressive Christianity sometimes 'over-reaches its arguments' and questions its adherence to traditional Christian definitions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Geoff Thompson has critiqued progressive Christianity, suggesting that certain expressions may 'over-reach their arguments' and challenge established definitions of Christianity.

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The phrase 'orthopraxy instead of orthodoxy' means that Progressive Christianity prioritizes correct actions over correct beliefs.

Answer: True

Explanation: This phrase signifies a prioritization of right actions and practices (orthopraxy) over strict adherence to correct beliefs or doctrines (orthodoxy) within the faith.

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The 'Christian left' is a term exclusively used for progressive political activists who happen to be Christian.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Christian left' encompasses Christians who align with progressive political and social values, often drawing from their faith's emphasis on justice; it is not exclusively limited to activists.

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The concept of 'orthodoxy' (correct belief) is prioritized over 'orthopraxy' (correct practice) in Progressive Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Progressive Christianity often prioritizes orthopraxy (correct action) over orthodoxy (correct belief), emphasizing lived practice and ethical engagement.

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What is the nature of the '8 Points of Progressive Christianity'?

Answer: A set of non-credal principles.

Explanation: The '8 Points of Progressive Christianity' are described as a set of non-credal principles designed to articulate the movement's foundational beliefs and practices.

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What is the relationship between Progressive Christianity and progressive politics?

Answer: They have philosophical overlap but are distinct concepts.

Explanation: While Progressive Christianity shares philosophical overlaps with progressive politics, they are distinct concepts and not synonymous.

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Which criticism has Geoff Thompson leveled against progressive Christianity?

Answer: It sometimes 'over-reaches its arguments' and questions its definition.

Explanation: Geoff Thompson has argued that progressive Christianity can sometimes 'over-reach its arguments' and question its own adherence to traditional Christian definitions.

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The phrase 'orthopraxy instead of orthodoxy' suggests a prioritization of what in Progressive Christianity?

Answer: Correct action over correct belief.

Explanation: The phrase 'orthopraxy instead of orthodoxy' indicates a prioritization of correct actions and practices over strict adherence to correct beliefs within Progressive Christianity.

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