The Progressive Christians Podcast

The Progressive Christians

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. 4h ago ·  Video

    98: Wealth Hoarding, Wealth Taxes, and the Gospel

    What does the Bible say about billionaires and wealth accumulation? Quite a bit, actually! In this episode, we discuss economic inequality and the rising demand for wealth taxes, and explain why hoarding wealth is a sin and what Christians should do about it. We examine his economic arguments for a wealth tax before addressing the strongest theological and social counterarguments, including conservative interpretations of the Parable of the Talents, private property as a divine gift, and the question of whether wealth taxes even work. From James 5 to Jubilee to the California ballot box, loving our neighbors must include supporting policies that prevent wage theft and wealth hoarding. Dr. Carter is a fan of Gary Stevenson  @garyseconomics  and his documentary "How to Get Filthy Rich" helped inspire this episode.   Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro/ Cold Open 4:30 - Sick Kids are WMD's  7:09 - Hoarding Wealth Is A Sin 19:46 - The Prosperity Gospel 22:50 - Gary Stevenson Documentary 32:37 - Why Do Working Class People Defend Billionaires? 41:36 - Jubilee Exists Beyond The Bible 45:08 - Proposed Wealth Taxes in the US & UK 48:41 - Zakat (Muslim Economic Principles) 53:46 - Responses To Common Theological Arguments Against Taxes 1:10:00 - What Can Local Churches Do  1:18:14 - Closing   Show Notes: - Data center moratorium: https://www.reuters.com/world/new-york-becomes-first-state-impose-data-center-moratorium-2026-07-14/ - Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel by Kate Bowler: https://garyseconomics.org/ - This link is to Gary's YouTube page and his four-part (~1h45min) "Understand The Economy" course: ​​https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXuOBKrmFYbKytq9mkcd62sJPb6w12vpU&si=cAzbGDHpOuSF5-Go - Gabriele Zucman, French economist whose most recent book, We Need To Tax Billionaires," was released in May: https://gabriel-zucman.eu/ - Our previous episode on the book Poverty, by America: https://youtu.be/W5o8x1OzATM - What is a jubilee?: https://www.yesmagazine.org/issue/living-economies/opinion/2002/10/01/it-shall-be-a-jubilee-unto-you   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 #BillionaireTax #WealthTax #garystevenson #CaliforniaBillionaireTax #TaxTheRich #ChristianSocialJustice #ProgressiveChurch

  2. Jul 10 ·  Video

    97: God Has A Bias For The Poor: What The DSA Wave Means For The Church

    If you've been involved in political discourse at all over the last month, you've doubtless heard the panicked predictions or joyous celebrations (depending on who you're listening to) about the Democratic Socialists of America. But who are these Socialists? What do they stand for, why is it surprisingly Biblical - and what does this mean for the future of the Church? We actually have a few DSA members here at the pod, so enjoy this deep dive and let us know what you think in the comments. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Cold Open 5:00 - What Is The DSA? 23:00 - When Did The Church Forget About Socialism? 35:00 - Break 36:00 - The Theology Of Solidarity 40:00 - Christianity And Capitalism 45:00 - Christian Socialism 55:00 - Prophetic Imagination 1:02:00 - Good News! Show Notes: - Democratic Socialists keep winning primaries: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/01/mamdani-new-york-democratic-socialist - Mamdani and The DSA: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nyc-primary-results-analysis-mamdani-dsa/ - Mayor sleeps at a homeless shelter: https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/first-person-mayor-coffman-sleeps-at-aurora-homeless-shelter-to-gain-insight/  - Democratic socialists ride wave of momentum in primaries from New York to Colorado: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/01/mamdani-new-york-democratic-socialist - Mamdani and the DSA Just Sent a Seismic Message: The Revolution Is Here to Stay: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nyc-primary-results-analysis-mamdani-dsa/ - Democratic Socialists of America: https://www.dsausa.org/  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

  3. Jun 26 ·  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.

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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