Rev. Brandan Robertson is an American author, activist, and public theologian widely recognized as a prominent voice in the progressive Christian movement. Affectionately known as the "TikTok Pastor," he utilizes digital media to build spaces where faith, social justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion intersect. He has been serving since 2023 at Sunnyside Reformed Church in Queens, He has been serving at Coral Gables United Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. He is Executive Director of DevOUT, a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging far-right religious narratives. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at Drew University. Robertson focuses heavily on deconstructing traditional text-based exclusion to advocate for what he calls a "queer revolution of faith". He frequently critiques conservative biblical literacy, arguing that ancient historical contexts did not view human sexuality through a modern lens. He has authored, edited, or contributed to multiple books. His most notable works include: Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the TableTrue Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace: The Gospel of Inclusion: A Christian Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the ChurchAdvocacy & Recognition. Robertson's reach spans nearly 400,000 online followers, generating over 10 million views worldwide. His work has been recognized by major publications and organizations. He was named by Out Magazine as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ leaders in America. Human Rights Campaign: He was honored as one of the top faith leaders advancing LGBTQ+ equality. He has spoken at major institutions, including the White House and Oxford University, and partnered internationally to fight against conversion therapy.
‘A danger to American society’: Miami pastors sound alarm on Christian nationalism
Far-right Christians — often described as Christian nationalists — have become increasingly vocal and influential in the United States, but there’s a growing number of progressive religious voices in Miami and beyond that are challenging the claim the religious right has on Christian values. At a recent event at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, a few dozen congregants listened as a panel of theology and history experts discussed the threat of the Christian nationalist movement — and discussed how progressive Christians can fight back. Panelists warned about a future where Christian nationalists subvert democratic systems in order to achieve a larger goal of garnering special power and privilege for Christians. Rev. Brandan Robertson, the theologian in residence at Coral Gables United Church if Christ, said the goals of Christian nationalists go beyond evangelizing and proselytizing. The leaders can be described as having more of a “colonizer mindset,” he said. (Miami Herald 7.18.26)READMORE>>>>
Far-right Christians — often described as Christian nationalists — have become increasingly vocal and influential in the United States, but there’s a growing number of progressive religious voices in Miami and beyond that are challenging the claim the religious right has on Christian values. At a recent event at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, a few dozen congregants listened as a panel of theology and history experts discussed the threat of the Christian nationalist movement — and discussed how progressive Christians can fight back. Panelists warned about a future where Christian nationalists subvert democratic systems in order to achieve a larger goal of garnering special power and privilege for Christians. Rev. Brandan Robertson, the theologian in residence at Coral Gables United Church if Christ, said the goals of Christian nationalists go beyond evangelizing and proselytizing. The leaders can be described as having more of a “colonizer mindset,” he said. (Miami Herald 7.18.26)READMORE>>>>
To queer or not to queer, that is the question
When it comes to debating LGBTQ inclusion in the church, most folks think the debate is only about whether gays and lesbians can be Christians and whether they and their B, T and Q cohorts should be allowed full participation in the church.But that’s only the beginning. Inside the world of affirming Christians lies another big debate — actually, several debates — about where and if to draw any lines. Two of the most prominent views on the bigger debate are articulated by two gay men who have come out of evangelical Christianity: Matthew Vines and Brandan Robertson. (Baptist News Global 3/5/24) READMORE>>>>>
When it comes to debating LGBTQ inclusion in the church, most folks think the debate is only about whether gays and lesbians can be Christians and whether they and their B, T and Q cohorts should be allowed full participation in the church.But that’s only the beginning. Inside the world of affirming Christians lies another big debate — actually, several debates — about where and if to draw any lines. Two of the most prominent views on the bigger debate are articulated by two gay men who have come out of evangelical Christianity: Matthew Vines and Brandan Robertson. (Baptist News Global 3/5/24) READMORE>>>>>
Ps 103:10-14: We sinned against him, but he didn’t give us the punishment we deserved. His love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. And he has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is as kind to his followers as a father is to his children. He knows all about us. He knows we are made from dust.
This is the message of Christianity. This is the message that the world so desperately needs and that the church has so quickly forgotten. All who trust in Jesus initially put their trust in this truth. But so quickly we fall away from that message and replace it with some other knock off. We have been redeemed. We have been set free from who we used to be. Our sins, our past, our mistakes, they are no longer a part of us. They were separated as far as the east from the west as Jesus Christ stretched out his arms on a cross for us. God no longer sees us as we once were, he sees us a children. He treats us a sons, as heirs.
The Gospel of Jesus is not so much that we are saved from hell, though we are. Nor is the Gospel that justice will be brought to an unjust world, though it will be. The Gospel isn’t even primarily that a Kingdom is being created. Even though that is a large part of it. The Gospel is that Jesus has not given us the punishment that we deserve. The Gospel is that we are children of the God of the Universe. The Gospel is that God sees us, our past, our hearts, our thoughts, and desires us all the more. The Gospel is that we have changed, redeemed, made new, loved, given purpose, and are made to bring share and bring forth the Kingdom of God.
Whoever you are, Christian or not, this is the best news that could ever be proclaimed. May you respond to this news and experience the joy and peace that comes through knowing God as Father and being known by God, being made new, forgiven, and liberated from all the things that you used to be.
[SOURCE: Brandan Robertson: God Will Never Give Us What We Deserve]
This is the message of Christianity. This is the message that the world so desperately needs and that the church has so quickly forgotten. All who trust in Jesus initially put their trust in this truth. But so quickly we fall away from that message and replace it with some other knock off. We have been redeemed. We have been set free from who we used to be. Our sins, our past, our mistakes, they are no longer a part of us. They were separated as far as the east from the west as Jesus Christ stretched out his arms on a cross for us. God no longer sees us as we once were, he sees us a children. He treats us a sons, as heirs.
The Gospel of Jesus is not so much that we are saved from hell, though we are. Nor is the Gospel that justice will be brought to an unjust world, though it will be. The Gospel isn’t even primarily that a Kingdom is being created. Even though that is a large part of it. The Gospel is that Jesus has not given us the punishment that we deserve. The Gospel is that we are children of the God of the Universe. The Gospel is that God sees us, our past, our hearts, our thoughts, and desires us all the more. The Gospel is that we have changed, redeemed, made new, loved, given purpose, and are made to bring share and bring forth the Kingdom of God.
Whoever you are, Christian or not, this is the best news that could ever be proclaimed. May you respond to this news and experience the joy and peace that comes through knowing God as Father and being known by God, being made new, forgiven, and liberated from all the things that you used to be.
[SOURCE: Brandan Robertson: God Will Never Give Us What We Deserve]
Brandan Robertson
“We are saved by faith alone, apart from works!” This is a very popular Protestant catch phrase. The doctrine of sola fide (faith alone) was developed by the Reformers in response to the Roman Catholic Churches corrupted teachings that emerged in the 16th Century teaching that one could gain favor with God and shave off years in Hell and Purgatory by giving money to the church or doing acts of penance. The intention of the doctrine of faith alone was very good- to correct the error that our salvation could be earned or that God’s grace could be manipulated. But like most doctrines that are formulated in response to another group’s doctrine, it often goes too far. One of the clearest teachings throughout all four Gospel accounts is that the way to enter the Kingdom of God is through living in obedience to the Law of Christ. Time and time again, Jesus makes very clear statements that condemn those who think that they will be saved because they believe the right things or do the right religious rituals. Jesus responds to people who believe they are religious and deserve heaven by saying that their outward religiosity is detestable to God and the only thing God desires is that they would exercise their faith by obeying the command of God- to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8) Jesus says if anyone claims to be right with God but doesn’t serve the poor, needy, oppressed, marginalized, sick, diseased, and sinful, then they do not have a relationship with God. No matter what they proclaim with their lips. No matter how religious they may appear. Jesus says those who don’t obey will have no part in his Kingdom. He makes very clear that the way to “inherit eternal life” is through loving God and loving our neighbor. Isn’t it astonishing, then, how many Christians today have been taught that salvation comes through right believing instead of right practice- a message that is fundamentally contrary to the words of Jesus. (And even more to his little brother James who says, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” James 2:24 ESV)
-Brandan Robertson: 4 Teachings Of Jesus That His Followers (Almost)Never Take Seriously 6.19.14
-Brandan Robertson: 4 Teachings Of Jesus That His Followers (Almost)Never Take Seriously 6.19.14