Christian Flavors
Are Progressive Christians Countercultural?
In a recent Instagram video, a progressive Christian (also an “exvangelical” and deconstruction coach) claims he and other progressive Christians are not capitulating to culture by advocating for pro-gay and pro-trans theology. Rather, he argues, men and women who identify as LGBT have always been at odds with culture. They’re the ones who have been historically oppressed, discriminated against, and targeted with violence. Heteronormativity is the current standard. To be a progressive Christian, he concludes, is to be countercultural. In fact, he claims that his position is courageous and consistent with the gospel. Part of what he’s saying is true. The United States culture has historically been opposed to homosexual sex and transgenderism. But in the last couple of decades, there’s been a massive shift in attitude towards men and women who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Today, two men or two women can legally marry and adopt children. Men and women who identify as gay or transgender can openly serve in the military. There are LGBT members in Congress, the White House staff, and many other parts of the government. Most LGBT characters in television and cinema are positively portrayed. A celebrity who “comes out” as gay, non-binary, etc. is celebrated and featured in magazines and interviews. People who identify as LGBT are included in advertisements on television, billboards, theaters, and airplanes. There’s even an entire month of the year that’s dedicated to celebrating “pride.” I could continue this list of examples, but it’s evident that major portions of our culture are pro-LGBT. (Alan Shlemon/The Stream 1/11/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
In a recent Instagram video, a progressive Christian (also an “exvangelical” and deconstruction coach) claims he and other progressive Christians are not capitulating to culture by advocating for pro-gay and pro-trans theology. Rather, he argues, men and women who identify as LGBT have always been at odds with culture. They’re the ones who have been historically oppressed, discriminated against, and targeted with violence. Heteronormativity is the current standard. To be a progressive Christian, he concludes, is to be countercultural. In fact, he claims that his position is courageous and consistent with the gospel. Part of what he’s saying is true. The United States culture has historically been opposed to homosexual sex and transgenderism. But in the last couple of decades, there’s been a massive shift in attitude towards men and women who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Today, two men or two women can legally marry and adopt children. Men and women who identify as gay or transgender can openly serve in the military. There are LGBT members in Congress, the White House staff, and many other parts of the government. Most LGBT characters in television and cinema are positively portrayed. A celebrity who “comes out” as gay, non-binary, etc. is celebrated and featured in magazines and interviews. People who identify as LGBT are included in advertisements on television, billboards, theaters, and airplanes. There’s even an entire month of the year that’s dedicated to celebrating “pride.” I could continue this list of examples, but it’s evident that major portions of our culture are pro-LGBT. (Alan Shlemon/The Stream 1/11/23)
READ MORE>>>>>