The Progressive Christians Podcast
We're the love your neighbor kind of Christians, not the storm the capitol kind. So, if you're curious about what a socially and politically progressive Christianity looks like, this podcast is for you! In each episode we discuss politics, pop culture, and anything else we find interesting from the perspective of progressive Christianity. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram, https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church.
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Is Artificial Intelligence ANTI Christian?
01/03/2026
Is Artificial Intelligence ANTI Christian?
Time is running out to submit your questions for the Q&A! Comment below or email us to have your questions answered. We encourage silly and personal questions too, not exclusively “serious” or “theological” ones! This week, we continue our discussion from last week about Artificial Intelligence. In our previous episode, we focused more on the material impacts of AI. This week, we shifted to a more spiritual and metaphorical investigation. We also addressed Everest’s original question - is AI ANTI CHRISTIAN? Don’t worry, we make sure to look at all angles, and even end with some good news. CORRECTION: THE "FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT" HOME WE DISCUSSED IS ACTUALLY A "ZIMMERMAN" HOME Show notes: Overview of Mimetic Theory: The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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How Should Christians Feel About Artificial Intelligence?
12/26/2025
How Should Christians Feel About Artificial Intelligence?
Have y'all heard about this crazy new thing called Artificial Intelligence? Just kidding, of course you have - it’s been impossible to avoid for the last few years. Our co-host Everest felt inspired to talk about the ethics of AI because of a discussion they led during Sunday School a few weeks ago, and oh boy, did we get into it - so much that we had to split the episode into two parts! This week, we tackle the more “worldly” concerns - AI's impact on ecosystems, people’s neighborhoods, people’s livelihoods, copyright, education, and the way that AI can change our brains. The ethics of how we use new tools are essential, and we try to approach them with a nuanced yet decidedly Progressive Christian approach. Next week, we are going to dive into Everest’s argument that AI is anti-creation, and possibly even ANTI-CHRISTIAN!? Show Notes AI Figures Out Protein Folding- More Perfect Union Data Centers Video- More Perfect Union Data Centers Danger- Data Center Report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy- . The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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How To Survive A Conservative Family Christmas
12/19/2025
How To Survive A Conservative Family Christmas
This episode goes out to everyone who is feeling anxious about going home for the holidays this week. We get you, and we are you! Here are our thoughts on how to handle toxic family dynamics and ideally improve family communication on contentious topics. We discuss the cognitive dissonance around loving people who hate you, how to stay in community and conversation with them, and even break down specific techniques for the types of conversations you might be having. We finish with a sample conversation and getting to the root of what causes all this tension in the first place, and how to take care of yourself in the middle of it. We love you guys, Jesus loves you guys, and you got this. Don't forget to leave a comment or email us for the upcoming Q+A! The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes
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Samantha Fulnecky, Transphobia, & The Conservative Christian Grift
12/12/2025
Samantha Fulnecky, Transphobia, & The Conservative Christian Grift
On this week’s episode, we wanted to talk about some of the current stressors on our queer listeners. We discuss the Oklahoma University “bible essay” situation with Samantha Fulnecky, and the way that Conservative Christian grifters use the bible to leverage hatred for profit. We answer listener questions on how to talk to family members with regressive social views during the holidays. Finally, we talk to our queer listeners and make sure everyone in our community knows how beloved they are. And, as a bonus - this episode has all of the podcast super friends! Show Notes: Assignment criteria: The Paper Itself: The TA and Teacher’s Notes: Media Strategy of the Fulnecky women: The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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What Does Progressive Christianity Look Like in a Conservative Area? (with Pastor Ben Stringer)
12/05/2025
What Does Progressive Christianity Look Like in a Conservative Area? (with Pastor Ben Stringer)
In today’s episode, Rev. Blair and Rev. Dr. Carter talk with Ben Stringer - an attorney and pastor in Springfield, Missouri. In 2024, Trump won Missouri with almost 20% over Harris. Though Springfield is often referred to as “having a church on every street,” Progressive Christianity has often struggled to find advocates in the area. We talk with Stringer about his experience growing up in a Conservative Baptist family, becoming a Civil Rights Lawyer to live out his calling as a Christian, how the courts are being used to help and hurt people in this turbulent time, and how he eventually heard the call to go into ministry late in his career. In this episode, Ben challenges us on how to define ministry, especially when living in a politically hostile environment. We also discuss how to be an authentic, effective advocate for Jesus’ teachings in a world that tells us to do exactly the opposite (often, in the name of “Christianity”). This episode is dedicated to all of our red area listeners out there - we see you, we hear you, and you are not alone. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Can Christians Embrace Socialism?
11/21/2025
Can Christians Embrace Socialism?
If you're a Christian and you’re American, you've probably been taught that socialism is unbiblical. That capitalism is God's chosen economic system. That Jesus would be against redistributing wealth, and the early church in the book of Acts was nothing more than a group of friends sharing their stuff. The election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and Rev. Blair's viral TikTok in response to Mamdani's election, which appeared on Jesse Watters' nightly Fox News show, prompted us to ask: Should Christians be socialist? Are Christian ethics really at odds with socialism? Or have many of us been taught a version of Christianity that was blended with modern conservative political and economic ideologies that have little to do with the radical call of Jesus Christ? Digging into the bible, we question the idea of capitalism as God's chosen system, offering a different perspective on socialism explained through the lens of Christianity and faith. Show Notes: Dead Internet Theory Def - What Makes Us Free- Throughline on NPR Parable of the Talents- Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard- Matthew 20:1-16 Sharing things in Common Acts 2:44-47 Ananais and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11 Working for Bread 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Good Fortune Movie- Leith Ross- I Can See the Future Syrophoenecian Woman- Matthew 15:21-28 The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Is Having Empathy Really A Bad Thing?
11/14/2025
Is Having Empathy Really A Bad Thing?
Conservative figures like podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey and theologian Joe Rigney are leading a campaign against a feeling they consider dangerous and are weaponizing against Christians—empathy. They argue that empathy has been hijacked and can become toxic and sinful. In this episode, we’ll explore their distinction between what they call “toxic empathy” and “biblical compassion.” We analyze their arguments, their use of the Bible, and how they overlook the teachings and ministry of Jesus to justify their claims. Ultimately, the conservative opposition to empathy helps explain some of the cruelty emerging from the Trump administration and their willingness to starve women and children to make a political point. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: Show Notes The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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What is JD Vance's Christian Nationalist Vision?
11/08/2025
What is JD Vance's Christian Nationalist Vision?
Vice President JD Vance wants to be the next leader of the MAGA movement. Speaking during a recent Turning Point USA event at Ole Miss, he cast a vision for America that blends Christian Nationalism, white supremacy, and conservative populism. In this episode, we discuss Vance’s beliefs about immigration, how his wife, Usha Vance, got caught up in the rhetoric, and how Pope Francis and Pope Leo offer a very different Roman Catholic perspective on how we are to love our immigrant neighbors. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: Show Notes Gina Zurlo- Usha Vance interview with Meghan McCain- The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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The Dangerous Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Military
10/31/2025
The Dangerous Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Military
This is the second episode in a three-part series on Christian Nationalism and its role in Donald Trump's White House. In this episode, we discuss Pete Hegseth and how his theology is influencing the Department of Defense. Hegseth was affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) in Nashville before his appointment, and he has stated that he affirms the teachings of Doug Wilson, a pastor and co-founder of the CREC. Wilson openly endorses Christian Nationalism and believes that America, and indeed the entire world, should be governed by biblical principles—specifically, his own interpretation of those principles. Show Notes The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Christian Nationalism & Its Role in Shaping America's Politics
10/24/2025
Christian Nationalism & Its Role in Shaping America's Politics
This is the first of a three-episode series on Christian nationalism and its influence in Donald Trump's White House. In this episode, we define Christian Nationalism and describe how Christian Nationalists use religion to shape American politics. We specifically discuss the impact of Stephen Miller and Russ Vought and how their policies on immigration, border protection, the government shutdown, and public services cannot, in good faith, be called Christian. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Southern Poverty Law Center Profile of Stephen Miller The Top 5 Most Awful Things You Need To Know About Stephen Miller What You Should Know About Russ Vought, Trump’s Shadow President . The Shadow President
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What Happens to the Forgotten Women of the BIBLE?
10/17/2025
What Happens to the Forgotten Women of the BIBLE?
In this episode, we are joined by Claire McKeever-Burgett, author of , to explore some of the well-known and lesser-known women in the Bible. From the mystics to the brave to the misunderstood and overlooked, these women played essential roles in their communities and our faith tradition. Throughout our conversation, you will gain a deeper understanding of how these stories are relevant to our lives today. Show Notes: Young Republicans group chat article - The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on YouTube and all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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What Are The TOP 5 Myths About Progressive Christianity?
10/10/2025
What Are The TOP 5 Myths About Progressive Christianity?
“A Progressive Christian is an oxymoron” is probably the most popular (simple-minded and incorrect) critique that we receive from people trolling our YouTube comments and Apple Music reviews. Given the frequency of the comments, we figured that our amazing listeners probably hear the same comments from people in their own community. So, in this episode, we address five common myths about progressive Christianity. From the bible, to sin and salvation, we wanted to bring some clarity to the conversation. We have discussed a lot of these topics already, and we have listed each myth and the corresponding episode title where we discussed it below. Please to find links to our previous episodes. Myth 1 - Progressive Christians don't believe in the bible. Episode 28 - Do Progressive Christians Believe In The Bible? Myth 3 - Progressive Christians don't believe in sin. Episode 29 - What Is Sin? Episode 36 - The Problem of Evil with Dr. Becky Copeland. Myth 4 - Progressive Christians don't believe in "real" salvation. Episode 34 - What Do Progressive Christians Believe About Salvation? Episode 56 - Beyond the "Thin Blue Line": Exposing The Religious Roots of Mass Incarceration. Myth 5 - Progressive theology was created to normalize sinful behavior. Episode 27 - Sex, Gender, and Christian Theology The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Purity, Shame, and Its Impact On A Generation of Christians
10/03/2025
Purity, Shame, and Its Impact On A Generation of Christians
Join us as we delve into a nuanced discussion on purity, shame, and “biblical” marriage—topics often surrounded by controversy and misinformation, especially within traditional religious circles. Using the perspectives of liberation, feminist, and womanist theologies, we analyze how religion, economics, and politics have always intertwined, shaping our views on purity, marriage, and divorce. As progressive Christians, we aim to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the damage that shame and judgment can cause to individuals, particularly women and members of the LGBTQ community. Whether you're seeking to unlearn purity culture, engage in conversations with conservative friends, or are simply curious about progressive Christian perspectives on intimacy, this episode is for you. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Clobbering Biblical Gay Bashing Just Love- Margaret Farley The Purity Myth- Jessica Valenti Clobbering Biblical Gay Bashing by Mark Sandlin Biblical Perspectives on Homosexuality by Walter Wink The Great Sex Rescue- by Sheila Wray Gregoire
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What Makes People LEAVE the Church and Then Return?
09/26/2025
What Makes People LEAVE the Church and Then Return?
In this episode, we explore the complex factors that lead individuals to depart from their faith communities and the experiences and desires that ultimately bring them back. We explain why progressive Churches are well-equipped to meet the needs of people who are searching for an authentic faith community that engages the social and political realities of our time. We close out the show by answering questions from listeners on gender roles and progressive views of the afterlife. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Maybe This Is Who We Are? A Conversation on Violence, Trauma, and Faith
09/19/2025
Maybe This Is Who We Are? A Conversation on Violence, Trauma, and Faith
In a society saturated with violence, how do we, as Christians, process ongoing trauma? In this important yet heavy episode, we explore the concept of moral injury with insights from a combat veteran. We confront the dangerous "myth of redemptive violence," examining how it normalizes harm in our culture and even in our faith. This discussion offers an honest look at the widespread trauma we all carry, from personal experiences to the psychological violence caused by living in a culture of misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes https://benqohelet.substack.com/about https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ethics-and-international-affairs/article/moral-injury-and-the-lived-experience-of-political-violence/DB2C6314078D608514FD78F046F6B1A8
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Beyond the "Thin Blue Line": Exposing the Religious Roots of Mass Incarceration
09/12/2025
Beyond the "Thin Blue Line": Exposing the Religious Roots of Mass Incarceration
! Please take 5 minutes to complete our listener survey, and help us to keep creating the content that you want. https://forms.gle/ADiZmaFHAffvkArS7 In this episode, we examine the connection between faith, justice, and the American carceral system with Dr. Andrew Krinks, author of "." Dr. Krinks discusses the religious, social, and political roots of mass incarceration and how Christian ideas of sin, salvation, and hell have contributed to mass criminalization in the U.S. We finish our conversation by exploring the spiritual and biblical foundations of abolition, the role of religion in justice, practical ways to challenge the carceral system, and how Christians can imagine a world beyond prisons. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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Cruelty Disguised As Christianity? Examining The Legacy of James Dobson
09/05/2025
Cruelty Disguised As Christianity? Examining The Legacy of James Dobson
! Please take 5 minutes to complete our listener survey, and help us to keep creating the content that you want. https://forms.gle/ADiZmaFHAffvkArS7 Dr. James Dobson’s death triggered an onslaught of social, digital, and print media reflections. While some mourned his death, most of the reflections were about the traumatic impact of their parents following his advice, which encouraged practices such as corporal punishment and queer “conversion therapy.” In this episode we explore the legacy of James Dobson, Focus On The Family, and how a generation of children raised under Dobson-like rules are finding healing and parenting differently. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes https://atoday.org/bitter-fruit-reflecting-on-the-legacy-of-james-dobson/ https://sojo.net/articles/opinion/5-times-we-disagreed-james-dobson https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/focusing-on-the-family-james-dobson-propel-evangelicals-into-politics/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCAuHH5EYnE
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I Was A Christian Nationalist & Didn’t Know It w/ April Ajoy
08/29/2025
I Was A Christian Nationalist & Didn’t Know It w/ April Ajoy
Have you ever wondered what motivates someone to become a Christian Nationalist and what it takes to recognize you're not truly practicing the teachings of Jesus and to leave high-control religion? Then this episode is just for you! We were joined by April Ajoy, author of Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith, for a compelling discussion about her book, her role in the Amazon documentary Shiny, Happy People, and how we can help guide people who are questioning out of Christian Nationalism. Click on the link below to learn more about April's work, her podcast "The Tim & April Show," and to purchase her book! The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at .
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The Progressive Christians Podcast - Trailer
08/26/2025
The Progressive Christians Podcast - Trailer
The Progressive Christians Podcast - New Episodes Available Every Friday - On All Platforms We're the love your neighbor kind of Christians, not the storm the capitol kind. So, if you're curious about what a socially and politically progressive Christianity looks like, this podcast is for you! In each episode, we discuss politics, pop culture, and anything else we find interesting from the perspective of progressive Christianity. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church.
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Seeing Jesus In A Queer Black Woman
08/21/2025
Seeing Jesus In A Queer Black Woman
Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl has been widely praised as powerful, transcendent, and unsurprisingly criticized by religious conservatives. How could a woman, and especially a Black queer woman, play the role of Jesus? Julia, Rev. Blair, and Everest were in attendance on opening night. In this episode, we discuss Erivo’s performance, the role of art in unsettling assumptions and critiquing power, and what it means to see the spark of the Divine in all of us. We end the episode by celebrating the one-year anniversary of our podcast. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this first year a success! We are excited about our future as we aim to create the best progressive theological podcast that you can find. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes
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Israel, Gaza, & The Political Theology of Collective Punishment
08/15/2025
Israel, Gaza, & The Political Theology of Collective Punishment
Are you struggling to reconcile your faith with the headlines about the human-made famine that is causing the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza? You're not alone. All people of good conscience should feel unease. When Jesus wept, it was for the suffering of all humanity. What if we applied that same deep empathy to the heartbreaking crisis unfolding right now? In this episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Timothy Murphy, the senior pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to discuss the war in Gaza, his hunger strike to raise awareness about the famine, and what progressive Christians can do to motivate our elected officials to use their power to get humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Rev. Dr. Timothy Murphy Bio/Church Website- Rev. Dr. Murphy’s Hunger Strike- . Orientalism- Edward Said The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine- Rashid I. Khalidi Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn- Daniel Gordis My Name is Rachel Corrie- Marjorie Spiegle- The Dreaded Comparison Caste- Isabel Wilkerson The Mathematics of Starvation: How Israel Caused a Famine in Gaza Zeteo report on starvation (Behind a Paywall): The Israel Lobby and American Foreign Policy- John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt Jewish Voice for Peace- On Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Dangerous Conflation What Antisemitism? - David Klion on Zeteo (Paywall) Majority of Israelis Do NOT Support Netenyahu’s Actions in Gaza- This American Life Episode with reports from American Doctors in Gaza: Institute for Middle East Understanding Explainer on ADL
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Who Wants To Be A Trad Wife? Deconstructing Gender Roles & Traditional Marriage
08/08/2025
Who Wants To Be A Trad Wife? Deconstructing Gender Roles & Traditional Marriage
What is biblical or traditional marriage, and how have Christian understandings of marriage been shaped by economics, politics, and faith? In this week's episode, we explore the rise of the Trad-Wife phenomenon and shed light on the propaganda that pushes this image of family life as normative. We conclude by re-examining our sacred texts to craft a vision of partnership that honors the sacred worth of human beings and the progressive values of relationality and freedom, without abandoning our faith. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:24 - Responding to Listener Comments 3:29 - The Evolution of "Biblical" Marriage 17:05 - Traditional Values Are Actually Just European Values 29:28 - Trad Wives, White Femininity & "Free" Labor 37:31 - Can Our Relationship With God Be A Model For Marriage 42:27 - A Progressive Vision Of Marriage & Gender Roles 1:00:57 - Closing Show Notes Just Love by Margaret Farley Betty Bowers Explains Traditional Marriage (Warning: Explicit Language) Ballerina Farms Interview- Young Women’s Leadership Summit- Young Conservative Women -
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South Park Jesus: Examining Christianity's Broken Public Image
08/01/2025
South Park Jesus: Examining Christianity's Broken Public Image
Has Christianity lost its positive public perception? The season premiere of South Park revealed a lot about our current political and religious climate. Their portrayal of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount exposes the hypocrisy that an increasing number of non-religious people see within our tradition. In this week's episode, we discuss the declining public image of Christianity, the role evangelical, conservative, and mainline churches have played in speeding up that decline, and what Christians can do to start changing that perception one relationship at a time. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes: Chapters 0:00 - Intro 3:29 - Listener Review, Deconstruction 11:27 - Polling on Public Perception of Christianity 18:48 - South Park's Portrayal of Trump & Jesus 31:50 - Data On Why People Left The Church 35:50 - The Black Church Losing Trust Of The Black Community 39:00 - Progressive Visions For Improving The Image of Christianity 48:00 - Listener Question From Former MAGA Christian on LGBTQ 1:07:47 - Closing
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The Epstein Files, Trump, & Why This Matters To Conservative Christians
07/25/2025
The Epstein Files, Trump, & Why This Matters To Conservative Christians
What if the person you elected president to save the country from a global cabal of child sex-traffickers actually was a part of the cabal? At first glance, this question sounds strange. However, when you consider that a 2022 poll by PRRI revealed that 1 in 5 people and 1 in 4 Republicans believe the QAnon conspiracy theory that the government, media, and financial sector are controlled by a group of Satan-worshipping pedophiles who run a global child sex-trafficking operation, then things begin to make a bit more sense. In this episode, we explore why the Epstein files matter to conservative Christians, how they connect with evangelical purity culture, and how the rapture-like theology of QAnon laid the groundwork for the outrage that we are witnessing. Please note that we recorded this episode on Wednesday, July 23rd, before it was confirmed that Trump is named in the files in multiple places. We assumed as much, though, to be honest. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes: Understanding MAGA’s response to the Epstein Files: Emily Joy Allison on Tiktok Assault Allegations Toward Trump: Southern Baptist Sexual Offenders List: Colbert Vs. Trump Colbert on Catholic Podcast: The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin How the QAnon movement entered mainstream politics – and why the silence on Epstein files matters
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How Rapture Theology Influenced The Guadalupe River Flood Response
07/18/2025
How Rapture Theology Influenced The Guadalupe River Flood Response
If you thought the world was ending, how would you spend the last days of your life? While this may be a theoretical question that many of us can use to help discern what we believe are the most essential things in our lives, it is also a very pragmatic question for others. In this episode, we discuss how the eschatological belief in the Rapture has informed our governments' response to the Guadalupe River flood and how they are recruiting people to join ICE. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Summary of Rapture Theologies:
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Debunking MAGA’s Biblical Argument Against A Government Social Safety Net
07/11/2025
Debunking MAGA’s Biblical Argument Against A Government Social Safety Net
A few weeks ago, at a Bible study on Capitol Hill titled “God’s Design for a Societal Safety Net,” political conservative and Christian pastor Ralph Drollinger argued that the New Testament never discusses governments helping people. He told the Senators that helping the truly needy is for individuals, then families, then the church, but not the government. With this, he morally justified the suffering of millions as a consequence of passing Trump’s new spending bill. In this episode, we discuss how the bill will impact healthcare and immigration, and we explain how the biblical argument used to justify passing it is a perfect example of eisegesis rather than biblical exegesis. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Doc Albany: God’s Design for a Social Safety Net:
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A Spirituality of Staying In A Culture Of Leaving
07/04/2025
A Spirituality of Staying In A Culture Of Leaving
Modern society tells us that we should constantly reinvent ourselves to stay interesting and that we should do whatever it takes to get wherever we want to go. In her book, Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving, Lydia Sohn argues for the opposite: stay. Stay and cultivate the immense potential and beauty that currently lies dormant within your circumstances. In this episode, we sit down with Lydia and discuss her book, the necessity of speaking to audiences across faith and spiritual traditions, and how sometimes stability requires a particular type of leaving. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . is a mom, writer, and United Methodist Pastor currently serving Walnut United Methodist Church. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Christian Century, among others. One of her very first essays, "What Do 90-Somethings Regret Most," received over 700K views, leading it to be one of the top ten most-read essays on Medium. As a daughter of immigrants who moved to America in search of the American dream (and achieved it), she saw with her own eyes that all can be burned down to begin afresh at any time. But it wasn't until her adult years, after multiple moves and a life of chasing greener pastures, that she began to realize the power of stability and commitment and our miraculous abilities to transform our circumstances from the inside out. She lives in Claremont, California with her husband and three children. You can purchase her book through her website, and it is available at all major bookstores.
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Why Young Men Are Struggling & Why It Should Matter To All Of Us
06/27/2025
Why Young Men Are Struggling & Why It Should Matter To All Of Us
In part one of our episode, we discuss the No Kings Marches across the country, the detainment of NYC Mayoral Candidate Brad Lander by ICE, and the political assassinations of two Minnesota State Representatives. In part two (19:00), we are joined by Jonas Williams, an undergraduate student at UCLA who has been researching the masculinity crisis for a film project. In our conversation with Jonas, we explore why young men are increasingly isolated, depressed, and angry at a time when wealth, economic, and political power are still held mainly in the hands of, you guessed it, men. We covered a lot of ground and therefore didn’t have time to discuss a theological response to the masculinity crisis. However, we will address it in a future episode this summer. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Queer Theology by Linn Marie Tonstad Elliot Rodger: How misogynist killer became ‘incel hero’ Antioch Shooting: Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon: Together by Vivek Murphy: Looksmaxing Intro:
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The Spiritual Immaturity of MAGA & A Progressive Theology of Spiritual Formation
06/20/2025
The Spiritual Immaturity of MAGA & A Progressive Theology of Spiritual Formation
No one enjoys being labeled immature, particularly when it comes to our faith journey. However, Paul the Apostle reminds us in his first letter to the Corinthian church that we ought to mature in our Christian faith, recognizing that we currently know God only partially and will ultimately come to know God fully after we transition from this life to whatever is next. In this episode, we explore two different approaches to assessing our faith journeys and discuss how spiritual “arrested development” can help us understand the current resurgence of White Christian Nationalism. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr Compassion in Practice by Frank Rogers, Jr. Children’s Books Old Turtle by Douglass Wood and Cheng-Khee Chee The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor What is God Like? by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner The Blessing of You by Mark Batterson and Summer Batterson Daily The Story of Passover by David A. Adler and Jill Weber Little Sid: The Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha by Ian Lendler and Xanthe Bouma
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ICE Raids, LA Protests, & Progressive Christian Resistance To Tyranny
06/12/2025
ICE Raids, LA Protests, & Progressive Christian Resistance To Tyranny
While LA is not the war zone that Fox News would have you believe, what we are experiencing in our community is not normal. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Carter, Westley, and Everest discuss the immigration raids and protests that have erupted across Los Angeles County, share our thoughts on why Trump is doing this right now, and describe what a progressive Christian response could look like. The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of , a worship community of . If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at . Show Notes
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