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Progressive Christian

2015-11-12T21:44:57-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

7 Ways Christians Can Honor God, Even While Using a Red Starbucks Cup

Last updated on: November 12, 2015 at 9:44 pm By Susan Cottrell

“Being a Christian does NOT mean giving the middle finger to those who disagree with you.” Let me tell you, all you Christians who are listening, we have a real problem here. A lot of people think Christians are jerks, because a lot of Christians have been acting like jerks. We need to lay down our weapons, stand back, and reevaluate what we’re doing here. For those upset that Starbucks has cups that don’t outwardly celebrate your personal faith, this... Read more

2015-11-10T10:26:45-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

To Reject One’s Child is the Worst Transgression

Last updated on: November 10, 2015 at 10:26 am By Susan Cottrell

Families really go off a cliff when they allow any disagreement to translate into: “You no longer belong to us. You no longer deserve to be here. We no longer want you.” Here’s the bottom line: to reject your LGBTQ child is among the worst transgressions a parent can commit. What is a family meant to be, if not a safe place where people have your back? You may not always agree, you many not always even like each other—but... Read more

2015-11-02T22:32:49-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

From the Mom of Two LGBTQ Kids… A Little Motherly Encouragement

Last updated on: November 2, 2015 at 10:32 pm By Susan Cottrell

I’m a mother, through and through. I can’t help mothering those around me who can use it. I offer motherly advice freely to those who want it. I’m all about compassion. Perhaps the “motherly advice” you got growing up was only to correct or diminish you. If you will allow me, I will offer some motherly advice to inspire life. Draw closer to the people who love and encourage you, who put light in your eyes and peace in your... Read more

2015-10-30T21:10:46-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ask Any LGBTQ Person if They Have Ever Felt Like This – The Answer Will be Yes

Last updated on: October 30, 2015 at 9:10 pm By Susan Cottrell

This body-slamming incident with the security officer and the student is a shocker. But, is it really? We’re almost not even shocked anymore. We’ve seen this kind of brutality go down again and again with those in authority, and it just doesn’t seem to be slowing down. If you think about it, it makes your stomach sick. But again, when it happens this often, we almost stop getting sick. This is a problem. I’ve read a few great posts about... Read more

2015-10-27T11:51:23-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Acceptance of LGBTQ is a Slippery Slope

Last updated on: October 27, 2015 at 11:51 am By Susan Cottrell

Perhaps you’ve heard this, that acceptance of LGBTQ, of “unauthorized” behavior is a slippery slope toward more acceptance. (And we can’t have that, can we?) I believe acceptance is a slippery slope toward acceptance, one Jesus modeled! Let me show where I have seen this slippery slope played out. Women were once considered subhuman, property, “deformed men.” We shifted on that—which paved the way to treating women as humans —which paved the way to the vote—which paved the way to... Read more

2015-10-20T10:36:05-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Beware of Falling Scripture – It Can Really Hurt

Last updated on: October 20, 2015 at 10:36 am By Susan Cottrell

Are you getting a little tired of people pulling out scripture to entrap you, tell you how wrong you are, and get you to change? I am! When people use scripture as a weapon, they’re using it wrong. To use the Bible correctly is to seek its overarching message: restoration, healing, hope, love, promise. Every time it is used, it should be used in a way that matches the heart of God. If it is not, it is being abused.... Read more

2015-10-14T23:17:41-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What Does It Mean to “Come Out” For Your LGBTQ Child

Last updated on: October 14, 2015 at 11:17 pm By Susan Cottrell

My beloveds, I want to express my heart to you. We had the idea for a National Parents Coming Out Day, but we have changed our plans and in the process, learned what it means to truly “come out” for your LGBTQ child. Our work and our heart’s desire is to free the hearts of parents to stand up, make their voices heard, and to make an impact in their communities, churches, and families. Our vision was for great numbers... Read more

2016-07-09T07:16:44-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Dear Perfect Family… From Your Son (Or From Anyone Who Has Been Rejected)

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 7:16 am By Susan Cottrell

I’m writing with a heavy heart about our family, the family I grew up in, which no longer accepts me. It’s so strange, this outside looking in. I’d never really considered that to be a possibility, that our family is negotiable—you can be born in it, but that doesn’t secure your place. What’s more, I don’t expect you to change. Apparently, the preachers in your church and on TBN have more clout with you than I do—even though I’ve lived... Read more

2015-10-06T09:13:40-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Have You Been Hurt? Three Areas of Healing That Will Reveal Your True Colors

Last updated on: October 6, 2015 at 9:13 am By Susan Cottrell

You have undoubtedly endured some intense pain from which you may not have fully recovered. You’ve endured more rejection, dehumanization and hate than most of us realize. Worst of all, the majority of this torment has come from people closest to you: church, friends, family. For those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, there are three areas that need to be healed in order to let your true colors, the truth and beauty of the real you,... Read more

2016-07-09T07:17:30-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Same-Sex Marriage is an Affirmation of Family & Marriage

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 7:17 am By Robert Cottrell

Christians, shouldn’t you be rejoicing that people – who just so happen to be gay – want to embrace an institution that has been under attack in so many ways? The ease and acceptance no-fault divorce. Is it protection of the family and the institution of marriage to make it so quick and easy to dissolve? The granting of annulments after decades of marriage. Is it protection of the family and the institution of marriage to just declare that it... Read more

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