The Progressive Christians Podcast

The Progressive Christians
  • 4.8 (85)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

We're the love your neighbor kind of Christians, not the storm the capitol kind. So, if you're curious about what a socially and politically progressive Christianity looks like, this podcast is for you! In each episode we discuss politics, pop culture, and anything else we find interesting from the perspective of progressive Christianity. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram, https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church.

  1. 6d ago ·  Video

    96: The Homophobic Belief Statement That Will Send Foster Children Back To The System

    Bethany Christian Services, the nation's largest Protestant adoption and foster care agency, has decided that all staff, board members, foster families, and adoptive families must sign a belief statement defining marriage as "a covenant between one man and one woman." The change takes effect in June 2027(happy pride!)   Obviously, this is unacceptable. But somehow, Bethany Christian Services is defending their discrimination with the Bible. How can they make this claim without the cognitive dissonance breaking their brain? Why did they make this change? What does the Bible actually say about this, and what will the effect be on our society? What will the effect be on these children? Join us to break down this insanity and more, and learn about what you can do to fight back.   Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Cold Open 6:00 - Bethany Christian Services Homophobia 20:00 - Evangelical Christianity + Adoption 28:00 - The Statement Of Faith 40:00 - "Biblical Family" 49:00 - Olmstead Decision 1:04:00 - Good News :)   Show Notes: Bethany Christian Services Commits to Homophobia Over Helping Kids 1: https://religionnews.com/2026/06/22/is-bethanys-break-with-lgbtq-people-a-bellwether-for-foster-care/  Source 2: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/christian-adoption-giant-reverses ACLU Statement On Olmstead: https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-statement-on-doj-memo-threatening-the-right-to-community-living-for-people-with-disabilities Overview of Olmstead Decision: https://thearc.org/blog/doj-opinion-on-olmstead-threatens-the-right-of-people-with-disabilities-to-live-in-the-community/ Lost In America: ‎Lost in America - Apple TV RFK Says kids should go to "wellness camps" https://www.npr.org/2026/04/29/nx-s1-5798733/rfk-jr-addiction-treatment-centers Coral Reef Resilience: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-identify-swaths-of-coral-reefs-that-might-be-able-to-withstand-climate-change-offering-new-avenues-for-conservation-180988976/  The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians    Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack!   If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct   The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.

    1h 9m

  2. Jun 23 ·  Video

    Wrestling With God: What Jacob's Name Change Teaches Us About LGBTQ+ Identity

    What if the story of Jacob wrestling with God has always been a story about identity, transition, and transformation — and we just didn't see it? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter brings a queer theological lens to Genesis 32, unpacking what happens when Jacob refuses to let go of a divine being until he receives a blessing. At the center of this story isn't just a wrestling match; it's a name change. A transition. A declaration from God: "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel."  These transitions have always been present in Scripture but often go unseen: the stories of Abram becoming Abraham, Simon becoming Peter, Saul becoming Paul — these are stories of transition and transformation. They have always been there. This episode is for anyone who has wrestled with who they are — and needs to hear that God is with them in the limping, in the transition, and in the resurrection into who they are truly called to be. Happy pride, and we hope you enjoy this little bonus ep! The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  Music by Coma-Media Song: Jazzy Abstract Beat_Chops CCLI License # - 11067347  CCLI Streaming Plus # - 22121889  OneLicense.net # - A-712504  CCS PerforMusic # - PML10767 #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion #christianpodcast

    21 min

  3. Jun 19 ·  Video

    95: The SBC Just Banned Women Pastors!? Here's What the Bible Actually Says

    The Southern Baptist Convention just voted 6,028 to 2,026 — a 3-to-1 margin — to advance a constitutional ban on women serving as pastors or preaching to their congregations. Dr. Carter and Rev. Blair responded to this news with a theological and biblical analysis of the SBC's arguments, and unsurprisingly, came to a vastly different conclusion. In this episode, we discuss what the SBC actually voted on, the THREE biblical passages they used to justify their restriction of women in ministry, how reading the passages in Greek changes everything, and argue that the real issue the SBC is concerned about is power, not scripture. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ The SBC Vote 10:00 - Their Arguments 17:00 - Greek Translation 23:00 - Why Do They Make This Argument? 28:30 - Break 29:40 - Feminism and Christianity 37:00 - Blair's Final Message Show Notes: - SBC Banning Women Pastors: https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-convention-evangelicals-women-pastors-7d85ddc4cc13f3c90a05c1ce3de196b3 - SBC Banning Women Pastors 2: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/06/southern-baptist-constitution-ban-women-pastors/ - The Response to SBC Banning Women Pastors: https://abcnews.com/US/southern-baptists-vote-ban-women-pastors-sparks-outcry/story?id=133747095 The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  Music by Coma-Media Song: Jazzy Abstract Beat_Chops CCLI License # - 11067347  CCLI Streaming Plus # - 22121889  OneLicense.net # - A-712504  CCS PerforMusic # - PML10767 #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion #christianpodcast

    42 min

  4. Jun 12 ·  Video

    94: Methodist Women Have Only Been Allowed To Preach For 70 Years?!

    Join us this week to celebrate 70 YEARS OF WOMEN'S ORDINATION in the Methodist Church! Rev. Blair and Dr. Carter are joined by their boss, Reverend Molly Vetter, and everyone's boss, Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, to discuss their experiences during different eras of women's rights in the church. One of the most common hate comments we get is from people claiming that women can't be pastors - so just this once, haters - this one is for you. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Celebrating 70 Years Of Female Ordination 7:00 - Discussion Begins 9:45 - Call Stories 29:00 - Different Eras Of Sexism 38:30 - What Would You Tell Young Folks? 42:00 - Responding To Sexism 54:00 - HOPE Show Notes: - Why the 1956 vote matters: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/why-the-1956-women-clergy-vote-matters  - Resource UMC's Podcast on the 70th Anniversary: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/utm-70th-ordination-live-podcast  The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  Music by Coma-Media Song: Jazzy Abstract Beat_Chops CCLI License # - 11067347  CCLI Streaming Plus # - 22121889  OneLicense.net # - A-712504  CCS PerforMusic # - PML10767 #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion #christianpodcast

    1h 11m

  5. Jun 5 ·  Video

    93: "Coming Out As Christian" With Minnesota Representative Leigh Finke

    HAPPY PRIDE! We have another special guest this week: Representative Leigh Finke! The first openly transgender Representative in Minnesota's history, she is a founding member and current chair of the Queer Caucus, and she helped to pass the "Trans Refuge Bill," protecting access to gender-affirming care for Minnesotans.  Leigh Finke is also a practicing Christian, and an author that wrote "Queerfully and Wonderfully Made," a  handbook for LGBTQ youth in Christian families. Join us for an incredible conversation on faith, community, and how to build a future that's worth fighting for. AND HAPPY PRIDE! 0:00 - Intro/ Introducing Leigh Finke! 6:00 - Queerfully And Wonderfully Made 15:00 - What Made Christianity Stick? 22:20 - Break 23:45 - Fighting For Gender Affirming Care, And Rights Of Minors 32:00 - Transitioning Is Both Physical And Metaphysical 35:00 - What Does Pride Mean To You? 41:00 - Power Is Obsessed With Trans People 46:20 - Advice For Queer Kids, And Hope 58:00 - Good News! Show Notes: - Leigh Finke: https://www.leighformn.com/  - Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens- https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506465241/Queerfully-and-Wonderfully-Made  - Trans Theologian Austin Hartke: https://austenhartke.com/  - The Pryde:  https://www.lgbtqseniorhousing.org/the-pryde-full  The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  Music by Coma-Media Song: Jazzy Abstract Beat_Chops CCLI License # - 11067347  CCLI Streaming Plus # - 22121889  OneLicense.net # - A-712504  CCS PerforMusic # - PML10767 #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion #christianpodcast

    1 hr

  6. May 29 ·  Video

    92: What a Muslim Senate Candidate Taught Us About "Love Your Neighbor" with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed

    This week, we are honored to be joined by the one and only Dr. Abdul El-Sayed! As he loves to remind us, Dr. Carter is from Michigan, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is currently running in a three-way Democratic primary to be Michigan's Senator against Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow. If he wins, he would not only be an unprecedented Progressive voice in Congress, but he would also be the first Muslim Senator in United States History. Dr. El-Sayed has also been vocal about how his religious views are part of his holistic philosophy - shaping his time growing up in America and the way he is committed to loving his neighbors. You guys have been asking for some more interfaith collaboration on the podcast, and we felt that there was an incredible opportunity for some interfaith religious construction here. Spoilers... Dr. Abdul El-Sayed totally blew us away. (disclaimer: this interview was recorded the week of May 17th, so our political discussions focus on last week's news cycle) Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Introducing Dr. Abdul El-Sayed 5:00 - How Christians Can Fight Islamophobia/ How To Build A Better Society 8:00 - Successful Muslim Progressives 12:30 - Is Being Progressive Radical or Religious? 16:30 - What Gives You HOPE? 20:35 - Dr. Abdul's Medical Experience and Medicare For All 25:00 - The Black Church 29:00 - How To Support Abdul 32:00 - Break 33:00 - Post Interview Freak Out/ Debrief 44:00 - "Rededicate 250" 1:08:40 - Good News! Show Notes: - Find out more about Abdul: https://abdulforsenate.com/ - San Diego attack: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/18/us/live-news/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting  - Green Nobel Prize: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D7tWNrETNQXfIYUu17qjgj3k2QB_IpRsF45skAHlvZo/edit?tab=t.0  - Rededicate 250- https://freedom250.org/celebration/rededicate-250-a-national-jubilee-of-prayer-praise-and-thanksgiving - RNS News Review of Rededicate 250- https://religionnews.com/2026/05/17/trump-allies-lead-thousands-in-prayer-to-rededicate-america-to-god-on-national-mall/ - The Convocation Unscripted- https://convocation.substack.com/  The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  Music by Coma-Media Song: Jazzy Abstract Beat_Chops #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion #christianpodcast

    1h 10m

  7. May 22 ·  Video

    91: The Supreme Court Just Gutted The Voting Rights Act | How Should Christians Respond?

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was born from the Black church. It wasn't just a political achievement — it showed the world the courage and resilience of Black people, the theology of the Civil Rights Movement, and the conviction that loving your neighbor means protecting your neighbor's voice. SCOTUS gutting it isn't just unconstitutional — it's un-Christian. In this episode, we're breaking down the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais and what it means for democracy, racial justice, and American Christianity. It's just Julia, Dr. Carter, and Westley today - so get ready for a crazy one! No punches pulled - even Jesus showed that leaning into our holy anger is sometimes what we need. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Southern Baptist AI Chatbots 4:45 - The VRA Being Gutted 17:00 - John Roberts and the Civil Rights Era 24:00 - The Black Church 38:00 - Break 40:00 - Jesus' Thoughts? 49:30 - What To Do With SCOTUS Show Notes: - AI "Faithbot" : https://www.christianpost.com/news/imb-sees-over-600000-people-use-ai-tool-faithbot.html - Montgomery and Selma protests: https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/16/thousands-attend-protests-in-selma-and-montgomery-for-voting-rights/ - Supreme Court Ruling: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/04/supreme-court-louisiana-vra-callais/ - Timeline of the Voting Rights Act: https://www.naacpldf.org/voting-rights-act-history-timeline/ The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.

    1h 6m

  8. May 15 ·  Video

    90: Midwestern Christians Did the Largest Refugee Resettlement in US History!? With Dr. Melissa Borja

    We are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melissa Borja this week, to discuss her new podcast "One Million Neighbors!" The podcast follows the story of the largest refugee resettlement in American history - when Midwestern Christians resettled "One Million Neighbors." Obviously, this is very relevant to our current immigration panic, so we dive deep into the strange role that Christians have played here - and what our theology tells us to do next. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Golden Trump Statue 8:00 - "Tax The Rich" is a Slur? 11:15 - Introducing Melissa Borja 16:00 - One Million Neighbors 28:30 - Americans and Missionaries 38:00 - Coastal Elitism vs. Midwestern Coalition Building 44:00 - Matthew 25 50:00 - Refugee Resettlement is Culturally Beneficial 57:30 - Immigrants vs. Migrants vs. Asylum Seekers 1:05:00 - Good News! Show Notes: - Check out One Million Neighbors: https://www.axismundi.us/podcasts/one-million-neighbors - Politics is for Power by Eitan Hersher: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Politics-Is-for-Power/Eitan-Hersh/9781982116798  - Billionaire says "tax the rich" is a slur: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/06/business/mamdani-taxes-real-estate  - The Trump Gold Statue: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/05/11/donald-trump-gold-statue/90029751007/ - UK emissions at 150 year low: https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-emissions-fall-2-4-in-2025-as-coal-hits-400-year-low/ The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians  Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack! If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.  #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

    1h 7m
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We're the love your neighbor kind of Christians, not the storm the capitol kind. So, if you're curious about what a socially and politically progressive Christianity looks like, this podcast is for you! In each episode we discuss politics, pop culture, and anything else we find interesting from the perspective of progressive Christianity. The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram, https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church.

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