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Progressive Christian

2014-12-13T09:25:46-05:00

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.

Jesus Blog: I Know You’re Afraid

Last updated on: December 13, 2014 at 9:25 am By Susan Cottrell

More today from my Saturday “Jesus Blog” – a word from Jesus to you… So much is going on in your life right now. You are afraid. I know. It’s full to the brim of activity, and thoughts, and emotions. So much to keep up with. It’s easy to get pulled down by fears of the unknown, worst-case scenarios – and trying to make things go the way you think they should go! It’s maddening. Overwhelming. I invite you not to... Read more

2014-12-12T10:09:10-05:00

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 Susan: Should I Worry About My Family’s Response?

Last updated on: December 12, 2014 at 10:09 am By Susan Cottrell

When we are someone who much of the church has labeled as wrong, “the others”, even an abomination, we can’t help but worry about the impact our lives will have on those we love. Should our concern about our family’s response cause us to compromise living true to ourselves? It is a question many in the gay community struggle with. I write Dear Susan posts every Friday. Sometimes they are poignant, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes tender, sometimes funny… but hopefully always... Read more

2014-12-11T12:35:48-05:00

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.

Head Full, Could Explode, You’ve Been Warned :-)

Last updated on: December 11, 2014 at 12:35 pm By Susan Cottrell

Most of you know, but just a reminder… I am in the process of getting my M.Div at seminary! Well, it’s finals week… head full… could explode… you’ve been warned. When can a person actually be in danger of a caffeine overdose?!? Not only am I getting vast amounts of new information, and remembering things I’d forgotten or never learned from college, my whole belief system has been pulled out on the table for evaluation. And it’s wonderful! I feel closer... Read more

2014-12-10T11:07:48-05:00

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.

When God Stops Making Sense

Last updated on: December 10, 2014 at 11:07 am By Susan Cottrell

Sometimes you wake up and the faith you’ve known your whole life just doesn’t make sense anymore. Even worse, the god you’ve built your entire life around has stopped making sense as well. I am thrilled to share an article from Jason Whittington and his ‘Grace Is Not A Cheeseburger’ site. It reflects the journey many of us have been on, and some of us may just be starting… when the god we’ve built has stopped making sense. It’s a... Read more

2019-06-12T11:38:38-05:00

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.

Ten Sneaky Things Christians Say About Gays — And What They REALLY Mean

Last updated on: June 12, 2019 at 11:38 am By Susan Cottrell

A lot of Christians, and a lot churches are trying to fool you. But I’m not going to let them. 🙂 They are trying to change what they say, their tactics, their tone. Their marketing and phrases seem to be welcoming to LGBTQ. But they have not changed their hearts. Be very careful. I will say that many using these phrases are just repeating what they have been taught. They may have what they believe to be ‘good intentions’, but... Read more

2014-12-05T10:36:24-05:00

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 Susan: Should I Talk to the Pastor About Our Gay Son?

Last updated on: December 5, 2014 at 10:36 am By Susan Cottrell

You are a Christian, and your child comes out as gay. Where is the first place you turn? Often it is your Pastor. If your Pastor is not affirming, turning to them when your child comes out could be a tragically bad decision. Imagine following a Bible-wielding Pastor into your home to “talk” (i.e. fix) your precious child! So many parents feel lost, alone, confused and scared. They feel they have nowhere to turn, no place to even ask questions.... Read more

2014-12-04T10:54:18-05:00

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.

It’s Hard When People Are Afraid of You

Last updated on: December 4, 2014 at 10:54 am By Susan Cottrell

Did you ever watch The Wizard of Oz as a kid? Were you TERRIFIED of the Wicked Witch of the West? O! M! G!! “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too! A-hahahah” – turn to camera – “A-HAHAHAHA!” OH MY GOSH! How many NIGHTMARES did that witch inspire?!? Well, I recovered from my Wicked Witch fear “all in good time, all in good time!” In fact, I have rarely thought of the Wicked Witch, or Margaret Hamilton... Read more

2014-12-03T11:37:34-05:00

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’s So Offensive About Grace?

Last updated on: December 3, 2014 at 11:37 am By Susan Cottrell

Madeline was expressing all of her (perceived) failures, saying she felt unable to make God happy. It was years of misguided perceptions, the kind that many women, and men, subject themselves to when they live with people who demand perfection. I recalled to her the story of the father who runs out to embrace his son who returned after making a mess of his life. This father saw him at a distance because he’d been watching for him, and even though... Read more

2014-12-01T08:54:27-05:00

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.

It’s Not Possible For Most Anti-Gay People To Be Wrong (At least that’s what they think!)

Last updated on: December 1, 2014 at 8:54 am By Susan Cottrell

“Don’t take “no” from someone who can’t give you ‘yes.'” – Eleanor Roosevelt. Picture a corporate assistant whose job it is to screen the big CEO’s calls. They were hired to say ‘No’ and saying ‘Yes’ is not really an option. If yes is not an option, then no doesn’t really mean anything, does it? It’s what everybody gets. If you want to reach the big CEO, you have to find a way around that assistant. For many people –... Read more

2015-05-16T07:48:22-05:00

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.

Christians, You Say You Love Me, Please Hear My Heart

Last updated on: May 16, 2015 at 7:48 am By Susan Cottrell

More today from my Saturday “Jesus Blog” – a word from Jesus to you… God may be leading you to love like you have never loved before. To love people you have been taught to reject and even hate. That’s a wonderful thing. God is love. But many people – in my name – have programmed you with fear. They use fear to keep control over you, to keep you full of shame, guilt, and confusion. They use fear to... Read more

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