Faith-led Protest

A Progressive Christian Perspective

Christianity has always been about protest against the ills of leadership consumed by worldly power, wealth, and privilege, and a rigid adherence to oppressive traditions, and the abrogation of seeking compassionate and equal justice.

The rightwing conservative American Christians tells us we’re supposed to be good little Christians, obedient to the state. They want us to embrace the idea that patriotism is godly. There are so many reasons why this is blatantly wrong that I’m sure I do not need to enumerate them. They’ve been telling us we are rude or impolite to challenge fellow Christians — in direct contradiction of scripture which adjures us to offer correction to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Moreover, there are many verses guiding us to discern when to correct, such as the three following verses:

Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept correction”

James 5:19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Titus 3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

All people protest when correction is dismissed or suppressed. Protest is the cultural cry of pain in struggle ignored. Progressive and liberal Christians — Christ-centered Christians — march with those struggling against injustice and inequity and marginalization without touting our faith. We don’t join their protests it to wave our “American Christian” flag. Those who do so, as scripture tells us, have their reward. Our presence and our support is with those in need because it is right that we work for a more just and equitable society.

Christ-centered Christians — the progressive Christian Left (yes, we do exist) — march with protestors as we have always done, overcoming the “traditions” that would silence us. We…