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Roger Wayne Wolsey is a free spirit who thinks and feels a lot about God and Jesus. He’s a progressive Christian who identifies with people who consider themselves “spiritual, but not religious.” A trumpeter, Roger grew up during the “Minneapolis Sound” era of the 1980s and ‘90s. These experiences contribute to a musical approach to his theology. Roger studied philosophy and political science, graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, and earned a Master of Divinity degree at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO. Roger is an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. He has taught classes as an adjunct instructor at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA, and at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO. He has served as a pastor for churches in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado. Roger was president of the board of directors of the Boulder International Fringe Festival. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Progressive Christianity.Org. Roger blogs for Patheos (as The Holy Kiss), Sojourners, Elephant Journal, and Huffington Post. Roger is a speaker for numerous festivals and conferences.
A word from the author:
A big part of why many are leaving the Church is because they aren't aware of progressive Christianity or progressive Christian congregations. Granted, this isn't the only reason - yet it's tragic that so many folks aren't aware that there's a form of the faith that many would like a lot.
Whether or not there is a literal heaven, we are Christians not for the sake of some future reward/glory, but rather for the sake of living faithfully to Jesus and his Way here and now -- for the sake of experiencing and partaking in salvation/wholeness and the Kingdom of God here and now. Faith isn't fire insurance to avoid going to "hell." We seek to follow the religion *of* Jesus not the religion *about* him.
Progressive Christians believe that Jesus *is* "the way, the truth, and the life," and we believe that all who follow Jesus' teaching, Way, and example, by whatever name, and even if they've never even heard of Jesus, are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and his Way. That said, we're rather enamored by the uniqueness of the Jesus story and we invite others to join us in sharing that specific journey -- even if we feel no dire need to convert them. It is this non-exclusive approach to our faith that many young adults find compelling. So we're evangelistic even as we're not. ; )
Ultimately, let's just be as faithful as we can and not worry about "the Church dying." We have no fear of death for we follow a savior who gave it all up for the sake of others - and continues to live on today. Indeed, if we do anything to "attract" people out of desperation on our part, it'll be fruitless. It's like dating someone who is insecure and anxious -- not attractive. Let's just boldly be who were are -- and maybe even more so -- yes, more so.
blessings,
Roger Wolsey, author, "Kissing Fish: christianity for people who don't like christianity" & "Discovering Fire: Spiritual Practices That Transform Lives"
https://www.amazon.com/author/rogerwolsey
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