ATSS: Jim Burklo, “The History & Meaning of Progressive Christianity”
23 October 2024 |
“As the pessimism and despair of Orthodoxy fades away, like the darkness before the rising sun, it leaves us in a world containing a nobler religion, a grander God, a more hopeful man, a more comprehensive Bible, a better Church, and a more inspiring destiny.” So wrote the Rev. Minot Savage, pastor of the Church of the Messiah in New York City, in 1900.
While the use of the term “progressive Christianity” dates back only about a quarter of a century, it is hardly a new phenomenon. In 1651, the British philosopher Thomas Hobbes declared that the books of Moses could not have been written by Moses. The scientific method began to infiltrate Christian theology. As the historical-critical method of interpreting the Bible spread among educated Protestant clergy, a fierce reaction ensued from Christians who claimed that the Bible was meant to be taken literally.
That split is now manifested between progressive and evangelical/fundamentalist Christians. Where is progressive Christianity headed today?
Jim Burklo will start us in conversation about its origins, development, and current trends – and how Adventists can engage with it.
Teacher:
Jim Burklo is an ordained United Church of Christ pastor. In 2022 he retired after 14 years as the Senior Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Southern California. He now serves as pastor of the United Church of Christ in Simi Valley, California. He also serves as executive director of Progressive Christians Uniting/ZOE: Progressive Christian Life on Campus, a national network of progressive Christian campus ministry groups. Jim is the author of seven published books on progressive faith: the latest is Tenderly Calling: An Invitation to the Way of Jesus (St Johann Press, 2021). His weekly blog, “Musings,” has a global audience. Jim and his wife, Roberta, live in Ojai, CA.
Moderator:
Loren Seibold is the executive editor of Adventist Today.
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85468732630
Passcode: CHRISTIAN
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Lena Toews
- Warren Trenchard
- Denis Fortin
- Mark Carr
- Skip Bell