FAQ

What is THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT?

Christians want to make informed choices that align with our values and preserve the security of all families, freedoms, faiths, and futures and modern Christian theology has plenty to say about key issues facing our nation and world today. That doesn’t mean we walk in lockstep, of course, but we can benefit from the wisdom found in our tradition. That’s why we created THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT, to offer thoughtful theology on 12 issues: climate change, immigration, reproductive health, Christian nationalism, race, economy, guns, LGBTQ+, leadership, patriarchy, beyond our borders, and religious freedom.

Why do Christians need clarity?

A lot is being claimed in Jesus’ name that doesn’t sound at all Christian. Slick and convincing attempts to
re-frame Christianity are not only undercutting Christian values, Christians are being manipulated with propaganda that goes against Jesus’ teaching. It’s causing real harm. It’s extremism and it is dangerous for Christianity,  our country and our world. THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT was created to help all Christians make our own informed choices.

Why focus on progressive Christian values?

The word “progressive” has become a dirty word and that makes no sense when you consider how Jesus led people and his life. And yet, the word “progressive” today often carries political baggage and cultural assumptions, especially when paired with the word “Christianity.” But at its core, the “progressive” in “Progressive Christianity” means a faith willing to grow and evolve into a modern expression of faith, rooted in the belief that Christianity is not static, not bound to dogma that no longer serves justice, love, or truth. This kind of progress isn’t about abandoning tradition but about deepening it by looking back to the teachings of Jesus and asking what they require of us now.

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

No, we are laying out intellectually honest theology, modern Biblical scholarship, and we do not shy away from pointing out extremist fringe theology that causes harm. The content comes from a wide range of sources and is grounded in Biblical text.

Is THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT anti-conservative? 

No. We invite all Christians—right, left, center and apolitical—to explore this website and find greater clarity for themselves. We do not expect everyone to agree. We have taken a strong position on Christianity because we fear how the religion we love is being manipulated and misused to undercut Christianity and do harm to our democracy.

What’s behind this effort? 

It began as a question during the 2024 presidential election: Who is reaching the Christian middle about key issues in general, and specifically in this important election? The answer was disturbing. Far-right extremists who do not reflect the teachings of Jesus were dominating this space. So we launched Take Back Christianity to gather wide input. It’s headed up by Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines (United Church of Christ, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Mark Sandlin (Presbyterian Church USA). They serve congregations in San Diego, CA and Greensboro, NC respectively. Together they host the podcast Moonshine Jesus and lead The Center for Progressive Christianity. Post election, it was time to rethink Take Back Christianity’s content, which we have done with the launch of THE FAITHFUL VOTER PROJECT.

How can I help?