New Old Thing

A few atheist blogs have begun to notice the existence of a religious left. Not maybe as potent politically as the right but one that is beginning to be heard, even as it's been around longer than folks imagine.

Atheist revolution highlights the Institute for Progressive Christianity, with it's goal to present an alternative face to religion. Friendly Atheist has found a compelling progressive theology book. Of course none of this is new. It's been around for over a century.

In politics it had many names, at the turn of the century Rauschenbusch called it the social gospel, in the 1930s and 40s Tillich called it Christian socialism, in the 60s through the 80s it was liberation theology, now it's being called progressive Christianity.

In theology, in the late 1800s working with evolution and religious faith was key. The 1920s saw the battle of Harry Fosdick and fundamentalists in the Presbyterian Church. Later in the 20th century dialog with women, glbt folks, people of other faiths brought changes.

Both in the work of established groups like the National Council of Churches (and its predecessor the Federal Council of Churches) and new groups like Crosswalk America progressive faith remains a vital, though minority, expression of faith today.