Brian McLaren | What Is Progressive Christianity?

We’re thrilled to have Brian McLaren joining us for our gathering! He’ll be speaking on Progressive Christianity’s posture towards other faiths, a subject he discusses at length in his book: "Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World".
We're also looking forward to having guest artist Dani Rocca joining us for a special performance! She performs and writes with her husband, Joel Michael, in their band, The World in Lights.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit gracepointe.net/about-us​
For weekly event and ways to get plugged in, visit gracepointe.net/calendar​
To become a sustaining member of the GracePointe community, visit gracepointe.net/give​
Like us on Facebook at / gracepointetn​
Follow us on Instagram at / gracepointetn​
Follow us on Twitter at / gracepointetn​
Note: In an effort to promote a virtual space that is inclusive and safe for all of us on our respective journeys, we want to remind you that this chat is not intended for debate or argument. As always, our team is present to moderate, and we’ll take action in the event of an inundation of hateful comments. We’re grateful for your help and participation!

[@kristalsea]

You sing pop music?

[@erichbrough6097]

Thank GOD, whose very nature is other-centered, self-giving love, for Brian McLaren! 🙏❤️🙌

[@patrickc3419]

Brian McLaren is actually not a Christian, nor a pastor.

[@mdbrown5499]

I can't imagine throwing this much energy into distorting and misrepresenting a religion I didn't believe in.

[@LandonthemanForrest]

Good Morning Gracepointe, Its been a while since I've been able to join yall on a sunday morning

[@GracePointeChurchTN]

Landon, it's so good to see you here! You've been missed. ❤️

[@LandonthemanForrest]

I'm now in a position at work that allows me to attend

[@WISE1]

Thanks for this message, Gracepoint! Can you point me to a sister church in the Portland, OR area who is welcoming to Brian McLaren and his teachings.. thank you 😊 💓

[@WISE1]

The greatest of all commandments is LOVE.... Jesus Christ; Matt 22:36-40
LOVE is the greatest gift - St Pual to the Corinthians.

[@carlgoodman1493]

Excellent service/teaching

[@Mzansi74]

So basically, throw the Word of God out and make it up as you.

[@WISE1]

What 'exactly' is the "Word of God" you reference? Are you able to articulate that in a coherent manner?
Are you aware the Bible contains many references of "Word" "The Word" "Word of the Lord" etc, etc.
It is very clear with a simple reading of the scriptures that these many and varied references are clearly not referring the same idea [example: St John chapter 1 compared to a host of Scripture verses].
Please consider my statements as merely 'food [seed] for thought.'
I am absolutely certain that I am not going to convince you or anyone; unless one has the desire to be persuaded. Nor would I want to. An arguementative, back and forth discussion avails nothing.
To be clear, every individual, every human created in the image of God, is at their own place, with regard to growth, maturity, enlightenment, etc.
As humans, we subject ourselves to that 'truth' which makes us feel secure; that which gives us hope, meaning, purpose, etc.
If anyone is still reading, do you know the 'Bible' [translated book] makes no such claim that it's 66 books [73 or more in the Catholic Bible] are the 'Word of God?'
The council of Nicea [325 AD] recognized that a total of 66 books were shown to be more 'inspired' than other books they had at their disposal.
Yet the Nicean council never put a stamp on their compilation, stating "this is 'The Word of God.' "
That term actually is relatively new. It wasn't part of the church's vernacular for a very long time.
I attended Christian churches starting in the 1950's. I never once heard the Bible referred to as "God's Word" or "Word of God;" not until the 21st century.
My thinking is that term began to find its way into the church vernacular sometime after the release of a new translation, titled something like 'God's Word to Men' which, if memory serves, was a Living Bible translation.
The term grew in popularity amongst churches and pastors.
The Bible has been used as a 'weapon' of sorts ever since. The term "Word of God" bodes very well when we want to take issue with all who oppose our belief system, our values, etc.
The Bible has been used to create divisions; start wars; to demonstrate a great chasm that Christians perceive as a great need to separate themselves from the rest of mankind.
To be sure: Jesus Christ was about love and unity.
Interestingly, He had only one qualm or beef with a certain people.
He took issue with religious leaders [religious people]; who cared more about 'The Law' [the 'Word of God'] than they cared about Jesus' commandment to love others from a pure heart! ❤
So much more can be added to this sad story. 😔

[@markie10ful]

Thank you Gracepoint!! ❤️

[@dough3821]

"Progressive Christianity" is an oxymoron. There is only one truth, and Brian McLaren is a false teacher who denies the inerrancy of Scripture. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). The Lord Jesus Christ loves all sinners, even though He hates our sin. The truth is that death leads to heaven or hell, and the only way to heaven is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of the entire world (John 1:29) and came back from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3-4). He did all of the work necessary to purchase our salvation, and all He requires of us is that we trust in Him. The moment we believe in Jesus for His free gift of eternal life, we are saved forever (John 5:24).

[@thomasnorton4610]

What is progressive "Christianity"?
Heresy

[@WISE1]

It's heresy in your mind.

[@RyanGr33n]

They don’t care, their ears are tickled.