Rev. Ronald M. Pearson

Introduction: Preacher, teacher and singer of the Gospel of Jesus, The Christ. Progressive Christianity is where I place my sights, beliefs and theology. I place more weight on the question(s) rather than on absolutes. In questioning, we are forever seekers of truth, on a journey to realize who we really are and obtain greater enlightenment. Though I have many gifts and talents I am a promoter, a people person. I help to promote people. I see gifts, talents and abilities in others and I help them reach their goals/next level. There is more to who I am and being a promoter is just one gift in a vast and plentiful gift package. As a Progressive Christian I subscribe to the following. Progressive Christianity is the alternative name given to a movement within contemporary Christianity, more commonly referred to as the Emerging Church. The movement is characterized by a willingness to question tradition, acceptance of human diversity with a strong emphasis on social justice or care for the poor and the oppressed (often identified as minority groups) and environmental stewardship of the Earth. Progressive Christians have a deep belief in the centrality of the instruction to "love one another" (John 15:17) within the teaching of Jesus Christ. This leads to a focus on compassion, promoting justice and mercy, tolerance, and working towards solving the societal problems of poverty, discrimination and environmental issues, especially by social and political activism. Comparatively, a further understanding within Christianity being of the Greek word agape or agapaó as used within John 15:17 translated to the English word "love" as that being of "i.e. embracing God's will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power". This movement is by no means the only significant movement of progressive thought among Christians (see the 'See also' links below), but it is currently a focus of such issues in many parts of the world. Progressive Christianity draws on the insights of multiple theological streams including: 19th century evangelicalism, 19th and early 20th century Christian liberalism, 20th century neo-orthodoxy, and late 20th and 21st century liberation theology. The characteristics of Progressive Christianity, and its distinction from Liberal Christianity, have been articulated in an article by Hal Taussig. These can be summarized as: A spiritual vitality and expressiveness, including participatory, arts-infused, and lively worship as well as a variety of spiritual rituals and practices such as meditation Intellectual integrity including a willingness to question An affirmation of human diversity An affirmation of the Christian faith with a simultaneous sincere respect for other faiths Strong ecological concerns and commitments.