Progressive Christian Resolutions
When Progressive Christians look toward their lineage, few find sympathy with the old Calvinists of 18th century New England. Jonathan Edwards sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is one of the last things we equate with the tenants of Progressive Christianity. And yet Jonathan Edwards, like all of us, is a complicated individual. While going off the rails at times (okay, a lot of the time), at other junctures he sets his wheels on a path worth admiring. Edwards was one who believed in laying down resolutions, and following them diligently. The following resolutions are taken from his famous list of 70, and ones which all Progressive Christians could benefit from:
1) Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
2) To live with all my might, while I do live.
3) To be endeavoring to find fit objects of charity and liberality.
4) That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
5) Never to speak evil of anyone
6) To do, always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace.
7) To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.
8) Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity.
9) To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind.
10) Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.
To read about the renegade progressive Christians at St. Mary’s Brisbane, please go to: Support St. Marys Brisbane & Fr. Peter Kennedy
