Are You a Traditional Christian or a Progressive Christian?
There is a Big Difference!
Overview
Modern-day Christians are generally divided into two camps: traditional Christians and progressive Christians. Sometimes, these camps are mutually respectful. However, sometimes they seem like competitors — each tribe believing that God is more pleased with their tribe’s theology and actions.
Both groups are to be celebrated for their positive contributions to their church and community. They are good people who are simply trying their best to live according to what they believe is in harmony with God. Their different ideologies guide their corresponding behaviors, and it’s important to recognize and appreciate the unique ways in which they contribute to making the world a better place.
It’s also important to remember that both traditional and progressive Christians share commonalities. They both believe in God, revere Jesus, believe in an influencing spirit, strive to do right to others, and have faith in a pleasant afterlife. These shared beliefs can serve as a unifying force, reminding us that despite our differences, we are all part of the same faith community.
Traditional Christianity has, naturally, been around for much longer and is, therefore, well-established and in the majority. Denominations that seem most aligned are Baptist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian conservative churches.
Progressive Christianity was largely formed as a contrast to traditional Christianity. For example, many people say, “I am not a Christian or religious, but I am spiritual.” Such people — along with many Evangelicals — became disgruntled with the beliefs and actions of traditionalists. Therefore, these discontented Christians underwent a “deconstruction” process. This renewing of faith caused some of them to become “ex-vangelicals” (former Evangelicals who have left the movement due to theological or social reasons) or religious “nones” (those who identify as having no religious affiliation — which is the fastest growing “religion” in America). Denominations that represent the ethos of progressive Christianity include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
This article provides macro distinctions between being a traditional Christian versus a progressive Christian.
Which camp are you in?
Note: For purposes of this article, “Christian” is focusing on American Protestants (i.e., Mainline and Evangelical). No malice or disrespect is meant toward Christians who are Catholics, Orthodox, the Black Church, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
God
Traditional Christians view God as a Holy Trinity: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
The Father knows all, is all-powerful, creator, ruler, and judge, and is usually imagined as residing in Heaven. Father’s dominant virtue is sovereignty. There is nothing greater than the Father, and humans best succeed when they obey the Father’s commands (as specifically stated in the Bible).
Jesus is the Father’s only son, being together with the Father from the beginning of time. Jesus lived a sinless life so that His death would be an atonement for Adam’s Original Sin (along with people’s individual sins). Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The Holy Spirit is believed to be the third (shy) member of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit inspired the writings of the Bible, empowers understanding of the Word, encourages people, convicts sin, is an intercessor to God and provides individuals with distinct spiritual gifts (e.g., speaking in tongues).
Many progressive Christians view God in the Trinity form. Others view God as singular (i.e., unitarian) — an invisible Spirit of Love who interacts with all creation. This God continually nudges each person to provide love to all others, is beyond gender, and always advocates for social justice for the marginalized (promoting diversity and inclusion). God’s central and commanding virtue is love. God is pure love, continually loves, loves every person equally (regardless of religion or lack thereof), and loves people exactly as they are (i.e., people do not need to be “clean” in order to be near God). This perspective is often referred to as “universalism,” which means the belief that all people will eventually be with God and experience His love in the afterlife.
Many progressives have committed their lives to Jesus and believe Him to be part of the Holy Trinity. Others believe Jesus is not actually God, but he declared himself to be the Jews’ Messiah and was God’s extraordinary messenger — to inform what God is really like, share the Good News about the Kingdom of God, and provide the best example of how to love all others (to include one’s enemies — even at the cost of one’s life). Progressives hold Jesus in the highest esteem and aim at loving all others in Jesus’s way.
Some progressive Christians believe that God is One (“Hear oh Israel, our God is One”) and fulfills all of the roles of what traditionalists call the Holy Spirit. Thus, there are not “two Spirits” doing the same functions. This One God is always interacting with love toward all of God’s creation.
Bible
Traditional Christians believe that God inspired each book of the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, the Bible is considered infallible and the sole definitive source of Truth. The Bible provides the moral compass for how every civilization across time must behave to be aligned with God’s will. Accordingly, devout Christians need to know the Bible verses, always apply them to one’s life, and guide their culture with the correct ways in which to live.
Some progressive Christians believe each book of the Bible was formed by human means (i.e., not inspired by God) — oral information passed along to others and eventually recorded in written form. In general, the Bible conveys stories about the original author’s beliefs about God. Progressives point out important errors in the Bible — which therefore makes the Bible errant. Also, various verses of the Bible have been added or changed throughout time. However, progressives respect the Bible as one source of wisdom (along with science, personal experience, and the personalized nudgings of God). They believe the Bible should not be taken literally but should be understood within the context of the author’s intention for a specific audience.
Salvation
Traditional Christians universally agree that salvation (i.e., entry into Heaven and avoidance of Hell) only occurs through faith in the gracious atoning works of Jesus, as evidenced by repentance of sins. Thus, traditionalists believe that those of other religions will be excluded from Heaven — unless someone evangelizes “the lost” with the Good News of Jesus’s rescue. Therefore, Hell is a place of eternal conscious torment for all who do not accept Jesus into their life.
Progressive Christians believe that God loves every human equally and unconditionally. Therefore, there is no Hell, and all souls, upon death, will eventually and fully experience the highest form of love possible. Some progressives believe that those few people who consistently and adamantly refuse God’s invitations to love others may experience a hellish, horrible state of being — both during life and sometimes in the afterlife — until they choose to live in love. This is not punishment from God. Rather, love is simply the best way to live. God consistently invites us to do so — and those who refuse create a loveless life for themselves. You can witness such loveless people today — and they are miserable.
Sin or Love?
Traditional Christians believe that sin separates us from God, and thus they tend to focus on understanding the behaviors that constitute sin and strain to resist them. While such Christians believe they are saved by grace, they still continually fret about their sins and often confess them to someone who holds them accountable. On the other hand, many traditionalists believe that, through sanctification (aided by the Holy Spirit), they increasingly attain holiness.
Progressive Christians generally do not lament about sin. Instead, they tend to focus on intentionally providing love to each person whom they encounter. Failure to provide love (usually due to selfishness) is viewed as a lost opportunity to experience the Kingdom of God on earth (with more opportunities around the corner).
DEI, Woke, and Social Justice
Traditional Christians are generally antagonistic toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts (witness President Trump’s attempts to eliminate all DEI). Traditionalists believe that providing race-based scholarships and hiring privileges to minorities is unfair to the majority and creates strife. “Woke” means the study of Black history (and has recently also meant education on LGBTQ history). Traditionalists view Woke education in schools as a form of “re-writing history” so that the White majority becomes “the bad guy,” plus a liberal indoctrination to accepting sinful gay behavior and transgenderism.
Progressive Christians believe that it is vital to society to have minorities represented. They believe that the diversity of ideas and backgrounds yields better solutions. Also, from a “social justice” perspective, marginalized people must have equal opportunities and dignity. Progressives also believe that education on Black and LGBTQ history is actually “truth-telling” and helps people have more understanding and empathy toward those people groups.
Science
Traditional Christians believe that the Bible alone is absolute Truth. Therefore, when science presents different information, then science must be discounted. The largest examples of this science versus Bible war are the “young earth” versus “old earth” continual debates, plus one’s perspectives about homosexuality. Traditional Christians believe in the literal biblical explanation of how the Earth, humans, and animals were created in six days — approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Also, traditionalists believe the literal Bible’s condemnations of homosexuality.
Progressive Christians believe that science reveals truthful discoveries that were not known during the time the Bible was written. Thus, progressives believe that science has shown the Earth to be billions of years old and that humans (and all living creatures) evolved into their current form over long periods. Regarding homosexuality, science has consistently shown that homosexual attraction is enduring (rather than the belief that sexual orientation can change) and that there is nothing inherently pathological or disordered about having same-sex attraction.
White Christian Nationalism
Traditional Christians believe that America’s independence and governance were founded by White Christian men, based upon biblical ideals. Furthermore, they think that America is uniquely favored by God — as long as Americans retain the Bible’s commands for healthy human behavior (especially restrictions on sexual behavior). Also, in American history, Whites have always held a dominant position over racial minorities. Therefore, some traditionalists assume a “White male superiority” model. Traditionalists also believe that “the American way” is best for all civilizations. Thus, it is Manifest Destiny to take over lands. Finally, Traditionalists preach a “love it or leave it” embracement of White Christian Nationalism.
Progressive Christians say that many of America’s “Founding Fathers” were deists (not Christians) who approved of slavery and the subordination of women and created institutional genocide of Native Americans. Thus, America needs to repent of such abuse of power — by ensuring social justice for one and all and (where possible) reparations.
Politics
Arguably, there is no greater predictor of whether someone is a traditional versus a progressive Christian than to look at who people recently voted for as President of the United States.
Traditional Christians (especially White Evangelicals) have consistently been the largest voting block for each election involving Donald Trump. And after President Trump’s first 100 days in office in 2025, White Evangelicals believe the president is doing a marvelous job of leading America (even though he had the lowest approval rating of any president in the last 100 years).
Progressive Christians usually support Democrat candidates because of that party’s allegiance to aid for the poor and elderly, social justice, DEI, equal rights for racial minorities, women, and LGBTQ, and environmental policies.
Celebrities
Famous people who have represented traditional Christians include Billy Graham and Dr. James Dobson.
Billy Graham was an ordained Southern Baptist minister who evangelized millions of people worldwide through radio, television, and crusades. He preached a belief that if people would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, their lives would dramatically change for the better, and they could be certain of going to Heaven.
Dr. Dobson was an author and political champion for traditional Christian values. Specifically, his “Focus on the Family” organization was hugely responsible for influencing anti-abortion and anti-gay rights campaigns, Christian homeschooling, patriarchy, and zealous Christian involvement in politics (by siding with known Christian Republicans).
Progressive Christians mostly do not have the international fame as Billy Graham and Dr. Dobson. However, many progressives embrace the following four people for their common theology of love, as expressed in their epic books.
Richard Rohr is the author of “The Universal Christ,” which explores the idea that Christ is not just Jesus but a divine presence permeating all creation, inviting readers to see God’s love and presence in everything.
Marcus Borg authored “The Heart of Christianity,” which reimagines faith by contrasting traditional and emerging paradigms, emphasizing transformation, relationship, and a life rooted in love, justice, and spiritual vitality.
Brian McLaren wrote “Do I Stay Christian?” which explores the tension between faith and doubt, offering reasons to leave Christianity, reasons to stay, and a path forward that embraces love, justice, and spiritual transformation.
And Thomas Jay Oord authored “Open and Relational Theology,” which presents a vision of God as deeply relational, loving, and non-coercive, emphasizing that divine action is persuasive rather than controlling, and that creation unfolds in partnership with God.
Conclusion
There are macro differences between traditional Christians and progressive Christians. Some people strongly identify with one tribe over the other. But some Christians agree with specific principles from both camps, creating their own personalized beliefs.
But there is one principle that every Christian should believe and enact: treat all people with love and not hate.
I would love to hear whether you generally side with either traditional Christianity or progressive Christianity — and what you most appreciate about that form of Christianity.
And in the spirit of benevolence and charity toward all, please do not tell me how screwed up the “other side” is.
Jesus: “As you have loved me, so you must love one another.”
Dr. Mike Rosebush (Ph.D., Counseling Psychology; he, him, his;) is the author of “Gay Christians: Our Story.” A short synopsis of Dr. Rosebush’s life can be found at I Lived the Most Unusual Gay Christian Life Ever. He may be contacted at mikerosebush75@gmail.com.
