Center for Progressive Christianity Releases Heretical Curriculum for Children
I know some people would prefer simply to imagine these things are not happening, or pretend as if they are of no importance, and something we would do well simply to ignore and not talk about. But that is not how to handle the appearance of materials like this. They must be called what they are: heresy and rejected and condemned as false and damning. You can visit the curriculum web site and download samples. Here’s an excerpt from the curriculum description.
The curriculum is free from dogma and creed and does not make reference to the atonement/sacrifice issue that is in classical Christianity. It treats Jesus as a teacher of a way to live a fulfilling and spiritual life. It respects and celebrates the many wisdom teachings that exist and focuses on a joyful path and finding God within all.
Here’s the press release on the project.
Spiritual Lessons for Children — New Curriculum Changes How We Think About God
The Center for Progressive Christianity and ProgressiveChristianity.org, is changing the face of progressive Christianity with new groundbreaking children’s [sic] curriculum, A Joyful Path. Created for use in congregations, small groups, or individual families, it is ideal for those who are looking for spiritual lessons that are free from dogma and creed. The language is inclusive, inter-spiritual, and intelligent. Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, this curriculum focuses on behavior before belief, creating and practicing a spiritual path, and knowing one’s true self. It celebrates children’s [sic] naturally joy-filled life, and draws upon their compassion, as well as their own innate wisdom.
First released at the Common Dreams Conference, in Melbourne, Australia, this set of lesson plans is generating a great deal of excitement among progressive Christians all over the world, as well as others who are looking for a fresh perspective on spiritual lessons. It offers a way of life that centers on the teachings of Jesus, but also celebrates and respects the teachings of other wisdom paths. The curriculum encourages children to listen and respect all people, to think of the all the world as our family, to celebrate and care for the earth, and to see God within each person.
It differs from traditional church curriculum in many ways. The curriculum avoids speaking at children, telling them what to believe or how to behave. Rather, it creates a space for children to learn on their own. It is fun and interactive, full of activities, games, and ideas to use children’s [sic] own experiences to help them discover each truth for themselves. While it uses the Bible as inspiration, it is not bible centered, nor does it refer to God as something outside of us or as a powerful deity with human like qualities. Based upon our most current understanding of the universe and science, and drawing upon a plethora of wisdom teachings, each lesson or affirmation encourages children to use their energy in positive ways and to see themselves as interconnected to all.
Parents, educators, churches, and communities can all benefit from a children’s [sic] curriculum that is both spiritually progressive and relevant in today’s world. For more information, contact Deshna at Deshna@tcpc.org or go to ProgressiveChristianity.org.
Is this the same type of thing as [so-called] “Godly Play,” or something different?
I went to the web site for the Center for Progressive Christianity. Everything on the site was a gross distortion of Christianity and Christian dogma. While various denominations may have veered from the truth of Scripture to one degree or another, this so called progressive movement is a secular philosophy, or theosophy, intentionally corrupting who Christ is and what He taught to justify heretical thought and more. I would like to say that no one in their right mind could fall for this, but I have lived too long and have already seen the seeds sown of such thought within Christianity itself over the decades (let alone from a longer historical perspective). That is why we must stay ever vigilant and continue to be discerning in study in order to continue to be able to be apologists in defending against secular non-christianity.
“Progressive Christianity” is an oxymoron. Their very statements contradict that Christianity is. What, I forgot, we’re a “post-modern” age so they can make words mean whatever they want it to be and since there is no absolute truth, they make Jesus be whom ever they want.
Ah yes, the never ending assault of liberalism.
“The language is inclusive, inter-spiritual, and intelligent.” As if the theology of Concord is not intelligent?
This whole thing drips of fanaticism, especially the fact that the organization themselves admits that this is not biblically centered, but rather, “based upon our most current understanding of the universe and science.”
Thanks for warning us of the wolf trying to penetrate the sheep herd to get to even the littlest lambs. This post fits nicely with the Treasury of Daily Prayer reading for today, June 2nd.
I’m getting a “nothing found” when I click on the link to that site.
This sounds quite similar to a “lectionary based” curriculum that was sent to my congregation by a mainline publisher several years ago. Dogma, doctrine and atonement where conspicuous by their absence. Tolerance, spiritual growth and social justice were the main focus. We switched to CPH.
Pr Schlund,
That’s ironically appropriate, don’t you think?
Rev.Allen Yount
-+-Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio Faciunt Theologum-+-
The curriculum samples I saw are a disgrace. What a contrast it is with the excellent Christ-centered curriculum that CPH produces. It’s ironic that they have chosen to name their curriculum “A Joyful Path” when they state flat out that they make no mention of “the atonement/sacrifice issue”, which is our true source of joy. If feel sick to think of the little ones who will be driven to despair by lessons that encourage them to work out their own hope, joy and salvation. ““Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
@Rev Allen Yount
Pr. Yount,
I hadn’t thought of it, but you are right: it IS ironic. Now the link is working for me and, after looking it over, it makes me consider how blessed I was when the link was not working.