Obama got around to endorsing gay marriage a few years ago, but I’m hesitant to call him a progressive, even by American standards. He would be a centrist.
John Lennon stands as a progressive leader of influence.
I have some deeply Catholic neighbours in my hometown in very conservative rural Alberta. The pope has absolutely absolutely affected their views on a lot of contemporary social/moral/political issues, and talking about him leads to some great and interesting conversations. I think the way the pope discusses these issues from the perspective of compassion, integrity, humility and common sense goes a long long way. I’m completely with Warren on this one– a lot of people may not see it, and may not understand his reach, influence and nuance, but he’s definitely the most important progressive leader.
Now if we could just get him to be A Christian leader as well. Unfortunately I see in Francis an “effect” preacher not a “cause” preacher and to my mind that is indicative of someone who fails to understand Cause. To the words of Isaiah to describe those focused on the effect not the cause, “For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”
Being “ahead of so many anti-LGBT lawmakers and extremists in [the United States]” is a long way from being progressive.
Well, until you and I have have as much authority and influence as the Pope has, I will stick with my view.
Obama got around to endorsing gay marriage a few years ago, but I’m hesitant to call him a progressive, even by American standards. He would be a centrist.
John Lennon stands as a progressive leader of influence.
I have some deeply Catholic neighbours in my hometown in very conservative rural Alberta. The pope has absolutely absolutely affected their views on a lot of contemporary social/moral/political issues, and talking about him leads to some great and interesting conversations. I think the way the pope discusses these issues from the perspective of compassion, integrity, humility and common sense goes a long long way. I’m completely with Warren on this one– a lot of people may not see it, and may not understand his reach, influence and nuance, but he’s definitely the most important progressive leader.
Now if we could just get him to be A Christian leader as well. Unfortunately I see in Francis an “effect” preacher not a “cause” preacher and to my mind that is indicative of someone who fails to understand Cause. To the words of Isaiah to describe those focused on the effect not the cause, “For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”