by Kyle Pope
Synopsis: In contrast with the confusing and contradictory views espoused by those branding themselves as "progressive," the Bible offers a clear and consistent path that our Creator has revealed to guide us through this life and into eternity.
Defining “progressivism” is a little like “nailing Jello to the wall”: its meaning varies depending upon the time, the subject, the field, the discipline, and the people to whom it is applied. In the Progressive Party of 1912, “progressives” called for disclosure of campaign contributions, publication of congressional committee meetings, the right of women to vote, workers’ compensation for workplace injuries, and the right to remove political leaders from office (Peters and Wooley). Additionally, the Progressive movements of the period known to history as the “Progressive Era” (1890-1920s) manifested themselves in causes as diverse as the Temperance Movement (that sought to prohibit the sale and production of alcohol) (Hanson) to the Eugenics Movement (that sought to “improve human heredity by the social control of human breeding”) (Thomas).
In our day, this ambiguity has improved very little. Political “progressives” claim to stand against corruption, oppression, and discrimination, and for democracy, transparency, accountability, freedom of the press, and non-violence (Kayes). Yet, the same political “progressives” quickly silence free speech through “cancel culture” (WSJ Editorial Board) and embrace lethal violence within the womb (Weigel). The religious “progressive” is no more consistent. In 2012, an organization known as the Center for Progressive Christianity published a statement known as “The 8 Points of Progressive Christianity.” In its first point it affirmed a belief in following “the teachings of Jesus,” but in its next two points it claimed “the teachings of Jesus provide but one of many ways to experience the Sacredness and Oneness of life” claiming to be “inclusive of ALL people. . . including all sexual orientations and gender identities” (ProgressiveChristianity.org).
Manmade philosophies and values inevitably lead to confusion and contradiction because they all come from the human mind that is frail, limited, and subject to bias, passion, and ignorance. Our Creator has set forth a better, more consistent, and clear path through the revelation of His word in the pages of the Bible. It teaches us:
Human beings were created by an omnipotent Creator, not formed by an accident of chance (Gen. 2:7; Isa. 44:24; 45:12). Our Creator knows us through and through and instructs us in what is best for us in this life and beyond (Ps. 139:1-4; Matt. 10:30-31; Deut. 10:12-13). Human beings have material bodies that are perishable and a spirit (created in God’s image) that is eternal (Gen. 1:27-27; Eccl. 12:7; 2 Cor. 4:16-18). God creates this eternal spirit within the womb (Ps. 139:13; Zech. 12:1).
The material world is a resource over which man has been given stewardship (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8:6-8; 2 Cor. 9:10-11; 1 Pet. 4:10). We should be good stewards, using its resources responsibly for God’s glory (Prov. 3:9; Matt. 25:14-30; Col. 3:23; 1 Pet. 4:10). The material world is temporary—our ultimate goal lies beyond this life (Matt. 6:31-33; 24:35; Col. 3:2; 1 John 2:17). Growing in knowledge and understanding of the material world enhances our appreciation for the intelligent Creator responsible for its existence (Ps. 19:1-3; 111:1-2; Rom. 1:20). While some materialistic scientific theories conflict with the Bible, the sound interpretation of Scripture is not in conflict with the facts of science (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; 1 Cor. 1:20-25; 1 Tim. 6:20-21).
God created human beings with biological gender that is not subject to individual choice (Gen. 1:27; 2:18-20; 2:21-23; 5:2; Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6). All genders are of value, but our Creator has equipped and assigned different roles and functions to different genders (Gen. 3:16; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14; Titus 2:5). Human gender is inextricably connected with human sexuality and homosexual relations are always sinful (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:27-27; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:8-11). God created sexuality as a beautiful part of the relationship that He intends to find expression within marriage (Gen. 2:24-25; Lev. 18:8; Prov. 5:15-19; 1 Cor. 7:3-5; Heb. 13:4).
Our Creator established and defined the covenant of marriage (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 19:6). While human beings can choose whether or not to marry, they cannot choose how to define marriage (Matt. 14:4; 19:10-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-40). Marriage is a lifelong covenant (Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39). Fornication is the sole grounds for divorce (Matt. 5:32; 19:9). All sexual relations outside of marriage are contrary to the will of our Creator (Gen. 34:7; Deut. 22:22; 22:23-29). God designed the home to be a place of love and spiritual and emotional shelter (Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 31:10-31; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Col. 3:21; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8, 16; Heb. 12:5). He established order within the home with husbands as the head, wives as keepers of the house, and children in obedience to their parents (Exod. 20:12; Deut. 6:16; Eph. 5:22-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:5). This order serves our needs and is maintained through love and the parental exercise of measured corporal punishment for the training and discipline of children (Prov. 13:24; 23:13-14; 29:15; Heb. 12:4-11). Parents hold the primary responsibility for material, emotional, and spiritual training of children (Gen. 18:19; Deut. 4:9; 6:6-9; 11:18-21; Eph. 6:4).
Civil government functions under the authority of God to protect and serve the good of mankind (Rom. 13:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-15). Humans should not kill other humans, whether in or out of the womb (Exod. 20:13; Deut. 5:17; Matt. 19:18; Rom. 13:9). Civil government is granted the right to exercise capital punishment for protection and the punishment of wrongdoing (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4). Followers of Christ must submit to civil authority unless doing so requires the violation of God’s law (Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-6; 1 Pet. 2:14-15). It is the responsibility of the family and the individual to provide for one’s livelihood (Prov. 21:25; 2 Thess. 3:10-14; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8, 16).
Human beings should treat one another with kindness, respect, and as we would want to be treated (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 4:32; Phil. 2:4; 1 Pet. 3:11). Disciples of Christ should not lie, but live lives characterized by honesty (Exod. 20:16; Deut. 5:20; Prov. 14:5; Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9). Disciples of Christ should not steal but respect the property of others (Exod. 20:15; Lev. 19:11; Deut. 5:19; Matt. 19:18; Rom. 13:9). Disciples of Christ should not curse and use foul language (Prov. 12:18; Eph. 4:29; Jas. 3:5-10).
Man does not possess the instinctual ability to direct his own ways (Jer. 10:23). Following God’s law leads to blessings in life and beyond (Pss. 1:1-6; 19:7-11). God’s law for human beings is revealed within the Bible: with the teachings of the New Testament as the binding standard in this age and the Old Testament for our learning (John 12:47-48; Rom. 15:4; 1 Tim. 1:8-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The violation of God’s law (i.e., divinely revealed instruction), either by commission or omission, constitutes a sin against God (John 14:23-24; 1 John 3:4; Jas. 4:17).
Sin committed by accountable souls severs our relationship with God (Isa. 59:1-2; Eph. 2:1-3). Only the shed blood of Christ can restore that relationship (Acts 4:10-12; Rom. 5:8-11; Col. 1:19-22). One comes into contact with the blood of Christ through faith, confession, repentance, and baptism into Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:28; 22:16; Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-11; Gal. 3:26-27). Once forgiven of sin, the faithful disciple of Christ continues in obedience to the teaching of the New Testament in life and worship of God (John 8:31; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Phil. 4:9; Rev. 2:10). Faithful disciples of Christ identify with sound local congregations of Christians for worship and service to Christ (Acts 11:26; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-30; Eph. 4:11-16). Local churches assemble regularly for worship and encouragement (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Heb. 10:25). Worship under Christ involves prayer, singing, study, and the observance of the Lord’s Supper and contribution for the saints on Sunday (Acts 12:12; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). Members of local churches function under the headship of Christ in submission to scripturally qualified appointed elders and deacons (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:16-18; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 3:8-13). While all genders have equal value before God, the Creator has reserved roles of leadership and public teaching for male disciples (1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14). Female disciples may teach other women, children, and join in discussions with men in contexts outside the worship assembly (Acts 18:26; Titus 2:3).
Upon death, one’s spiritual destiny is sealed with all souls going to Hades to await final judgment (Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 20:12-13). When Jesus returns, this universe will be destroyed and all souls will be judged by Jesus Christ (Matt. 25:31-32; 2 Pet. 3:10-12). At the final judgment, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ will attain an eternal home with God free of pain, decay, and death (Matt. 25:33-40, 46; Rom. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 1:17-19; Rev. 21:3-4). Those in sin will remain eternally separated from God under punishment (John 8:21; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:5-11; Rev. 20:15).
The Creator’s plan for life on earth and His provision for eternity is a consistent and clear path for us to follow. It demonstrates the unchanging wisdom of God. In a world of continual “regression” to the lowest forms of chaos and selfish imagination, it represents what is actually the most “progressive” and beneficial platform ever known. Wise souls will yield to its guidance in every step and choice in life.
Hanson, David J. “Prohibition and Progressives: Progressive Movement Promoted Prohibition.” Alcohol Problems and Solutions, February 2, 2020. https://www.alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org/prohibition-and-progressives/.
Kayes, Sammy. “Principles of a Modern Progressive Movement.” The Progressive Times (blog), January 25, 2017. https://medium.com/tptimes/principles-of-a-modern-progressive-movement-a2c3f9e5d25a.
Peters, Gerhard and John T. Woolley. “Minor/Third Party Platforms: Progressive Party Platform of 1912.” The American Presidency Project, November 05, 1912, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/progressive-party-platform-1912.
“The 8 Points of Progressive Christianity.” ProgressiveChristianity.org. https://progressivechristianity.org/the-8-points/.
The WSJ Editorial Board. “Opinion: The Progressive Purge Begins.” Wall Street Journal, January 10, 2021. https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-progressive-purge-begins-11610319376.
Thomas, Bradley. “The Progressive Ideas That Fueled America’s Eugenics Movement.” Foundation for Economic Education, March 7, 2019. https://fee.org/articles/the-progressive-ideas-that-fueled-america-s-eugenics-movement/.
Weigel, David. “Progressives Issue ‘Statement of Principles’ on Abortion Rights after Democratic Leaders Hint at Softer Stance.” Washington Post, August 2, 2017. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/08/02/progressives-issue-statement-of-principles-on-abortion-rights-after-democratic-leaders-hint-at-softer-stance/.
