Baylor University recently made headlines by returning a $1.65 million grant designated for LGBTQ+ initiatives that aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This decision stirred discussions within the Christian community.
At first glance, it seems like a win. A religious institution seemingly pulling back due to discontent among its constituents. However, commentators like Ally Beth Stucky have noted that this retreat isn’t a true victory rooted in faith but more of a strategic withdrawal that reveals deeper issues beyond just the grant.
There’s an unsettling trend here in progressive Christianity. It’s not merely about shifting theological views. It’s a form of what I’d call mental deception. They use Christian terminology but effectively swap biblical authority for societal acceptance, which, in my view, poses a greater risk than outright atheism. Atheists are at least upfront about their beliefs, while progressive Christians can mislead from within, promoting a façade of faith yet denying its true essence (2 Timothy 3:5).
In essence, this shift can cost them their spiritual salvation.
So, what is progressive Christianity?
Progressive Christianity isn’t simply a more “open-minded” interpretation of faith; it’s a fundamental redefinition of it.
At its core, such theology tends to:
- Dismiss the Bible’s authority and its inerrancies.
- Reframe sin through personal experiences.
- Highlight love and inclusion over holiness and repentance.
- Underplay Christ’s exclusivity in salvation.
It often prioritizes cultural relevance over eternal truths. In this perspective, truth becomes relative, God’s commands are seen as negotiable, and Jesus is viewed more as a moral guide than a Savior calling for self-denial and discipleship (Luke 9:23).
This isn’t Christianity—it’s misleading.
If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, there are resources available that outline how progressive Christianity diverges from the true gospel.
Why does progressive Christianity pose a greater threat than atheism?
This might sound harsh, but I genuinely believe progressive Christianity is a significant threat to the gospel compared to atheism.
This is why: Atheists are transparent in their disbelief. You know where they stand. Conversely, progressive Christians often use biblical language and good intentions to promote ideas that contradict the Bible. They reshape the concept of sin to validate lifestyles that Scripture calls for repentance, reducing salvation to a vague notion of self-indulgence.
In this manner, they may lead people toward spirituality, but ultimately, they distance them from Christ.
Jesus warned about such deception: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Progressive Christians may appear righteous, but they think they’re guiding lost souls while endorsing a powerless gospel.
The Baylor situation is just a symptom, not the problem
The Baylor Grant controversy illustrates a broader trend: the Christian community in America is increasingly succumbing to cultural pressures while attempting to maintain a façade of faith.
Many churches and educational institutions desire to retain a Christian identity without the responsibilities that come with actual obedience.
This trend manifests in various issues—be it sexual ethics, gender identity, marriage, abortion, or gospel exclusivity—with progressive Christianity adapting to societal norms rather than challenging them in light of Christ.
A personal note on compassion and belief
I want to share something personal. I have friends who identify as Christians and gay. Some are politically conservative and genuinely love Jesus—or at least I like to believe they do. However, they seem to rely on the notion that God endorses their relationships as long as they’re “loving” and “monogamous.”
I empathize with the struggle to align faith with personal desires. I’ve been there, trying to convince myself that honesty in faith appeases God.
But honesty alone doesn’t save; only Jesus does. He meets us where we are, yes, but also calls us to transformation and repentance. This isn’t harsh—it’s genuinely good news.
God preserves a remnant, but that comes through a realization of truth.
I feel for those wrestling with these ideas, but I can’t endorse a distorted Christianity that misleads rather than points to the cross.
That’s the crux of the danger in progressive Christianity.
What the Bible really asks of us
True Christianity has never been about comfort.
Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction.”
The path of progressive Christianity is wide and appealing but doesn’t offer salvation.
God’s Word is unchanging. His standards won’t bend to culture. The call for repentance, faith, and obedience remains as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago; anything different isn’t the good news—it’s a lie with dire spiritual consequences.
A call for courage
If you’re a believer feeling disheartened by what’s unfolding in the church, know you’re not alone. God does preserve his followers, but realization is key.
We can’t confuse agreement with love or silence with peace. True love speaks truth, and real peace can only be found through Christ—not through cultural acceptance.
The danger of progressive Christianity lies in its superficial notion of peace. It offers comfort without conviction and acceptance without transformation. That’s not the gospel.
It’s crucial to communicate this boldly, clearly, and compassionately.
