Christianity in Blue: How the Bible, History, Philosophy, and Theology Shape Progressive Identity
Today's social and political climate often pits conservative or traditional Christianity against "progressive" Christianity. But what is progressive Christianity? What is a progressive Christian? What is a progressive church? Christianity in Blue answers these questions by drawing from biblical scholarship, Christian history, theology, popular culture, philosophy, and cultural anthropology. Kaden shows how socially liberal values and progressive attitudes can be the fruits of taking seriously both the Bible and Christian tradition. But rather than treating these sources as static authorities and the final word on every subject, Kaden argues that they are places to start one's exploration of how to be a Christian in the world. Being a progressive Christian is an ethical exhortation to "uplift human personality," as Martin Luther King Jr. once said. This exhortation structures how progressive Christians receive, interpret, and apply the Bible and Christian tradition to daily life. A robust tradition provides an anchor to avoid the illiberal trends in contemporary society, and a commitment to uplifting human personality provides a check against dehumanizing uses of Scripture and tradition. Christianity in Blue will help both progressive and conservative Christians better understand the importance of the Bible, theology, history, and philosophy for building a loving church for everyone.
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David A. Kaden is senior minister of First Congregational Church of Ithaca, New York, where he also lives. He holds a PhD in religion from the University of Toronto and has taught at Cornell University, the University of Toronto, St. Olaf College, and the New York School of Ministry. His first book was Matthew, Paul, and the Anthropology of Law (Mohr Siebeck, 2016).
"In Christianity in Blue, Kaden provides us with a rich and warm account of how progressive Christians read the Bible, seek to follow Jesus, and devote themselves to love above all in a beautiful, yet hurting world." -- Matthew Thiessen, McMaster University
"Kaden presents a modern, progressive Christian view of the world that has been so elusive and often hidden in the public arena of Christianity today. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. My life has been greatly enriched by it, as will any reader's!" -- Robert J. Sternberg, Cornell University
"A slender yet sweeping blueprint for how to read the Bible and live in community for those who want to embody the compassionate heart of the gospel. Christianity in Blue is a timely antidote for those disheartened by evangelical Christianity's current glorification of judgment over love." -- Catherine E. Taylor, pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
"This book is a must read for anyone interested in a relevant and pragmatic understanding of progressive Christianity. Filled with references from Kierkegaard to The Cure, it is both immensely scholarly as well as completely accessible." -- Richard Rose, pastor of First Baptist Church in Painted Post, New York
"Christianity in Blue should be required reading for all pastors, congregants, ex-churchgoers, and former Christians. It is that incisive. It is that important." --Christopher Xenakis, pastor of Groton Community Church in Groton, New York
