FAQ

THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT was developed to help all Christians make informed choices with the benefit of wisdom found in our tradition. THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT offers thoughtful modern theology and engagement on 12 core and sometimes sticky issues for Christians: climate change, immigration, reproductive health, Christian nationalism, race, economy, guns, LGBTQ+, foreign aid, empathy, patriarchy, leadership. We do not ask or expect everyone to agree. We do hope everyone comes away with greater clarity that aligns with Christian values and bypasses politics, to preserve the security of all families, freedoms, faiths, and futures. 

Why do Christians need clarity?

A lot is being claimed in Jesus’ name that doesn’t sound at all Christian. Slick and convincing extremist propaganda is re-framing Christianity and Jesus’ teachings. It is undercutting Christian values, manipulating Christians, and causing real harm to Christianity,  our country, and our world. 

A word about “modern” Christian values.

At Christianity’s core is the willingness to grow and evolve into a modern expression of faith; rooted in the believe that Christianity is not static and not bound to dogma that does not serve love, justice, and the common good. When paired with the word Christianity, “modern” or “progressive” isn’t about abandoning tradition or faith, or jumping on a trend. Modern Christianity evolves in response to new understandings of science, critical analysis, and social ethics. It reads scripture with eyes open to its ancient context and our contemporary understanding of justice and inclusion. It’s about deepening our lived experience by looking to the teachings of Jesus and asking what they require of us now. 

Recently, the word “progressive” has been politicized and vilified by some as a symbol of cultural decay,
often portrayed as abandoning “truth” and “tradition.” Such criticism fundamentally misunderstands the call to take Jesus seriously enough to refuse to sit still in the face of oppression; to be as active outside the church as in. To follow Jesus’ teachings with a commitment to listen, learn, and lead with love that values the sacredness of all people. It’s a promise to keep moving toward the kind of world fueled by the love and justice Jesus was always talking about.

Is THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT just cherry-picking and manipulating scripture the same way extremists do? 

No, it lays out intellectually honest theology, modern Biblical scholarship, and does not shy away from pointing out extremist theology that runs counter to Jesus’ life and teachings. The content comes from a wide range of sources and is grounded in Biblical text. We invite all Christians—right, left, center and apolitical—to explore the content for themselves.

What’s behind this effort? 

It began as a question during the 2024 presidential election: Who is reaching the Christian middle about key issues? The answer was disturbing. Extremists who do not reflect the teachings of Jesus were dominating this space. We launched Take Back Christianity which centered a wide range of theology on contemporary issues. That project was headed up by Susan Barnett (Cause Communications), Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines (United Church of Christ, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Mark Sandlin (Presbyterian Church USA). Caleb and Mark serve congregations in San Diego, CA and Greensboro, NC respectively, and co-lead The Center for Progressive Christianity. 

Post election, having received a lot of positive feedback about the need for this unique content—and because all elections matter—THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT offers expanded content and resources, and invites partners and content contributions. 

How can I help?