FAQ

What is Take Back Christianity?

Christians want to make informed choices that align with our values and preserve the security of our families, freedoms, faith, and our futures. But it doesn’t mean we walk in lockstep. Take Back Christianity has sought out what mainline and mainstream Christian theology has to say about eight key issues in this consequential election: climate change, immigration, reproductive health, Christian nationalism, race, economy, guns, LGBT.

Why focus on Christian values?

There are plenty of places to get information, but as Christians, our values can offer us unique insight at times when we all could use guidance. Like now. Take Back Christianity invites all Christians, right, left, center and apolitical, to seek out greater clarity.

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 reframe Christianity are not only undercutting Christian values, Christians are being manipulated with propaganda that goes against Christian teaching. This isn’t liberal or conservative ideology, it’s extremism and it is dangerous for Christianity and our country. Unlike these extremist efforts, Take Back Christianity wants all Christians to be free to make our own informed choices. 

Is Take Back Christianity 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.

Are you just progressives in sheep’s clothing? 

If we were pushing the progressive agenda, it would not look like this.

Is Take Back Christianity anti-Trump? 

Take Back Christianity does not take a position on the presidential candidates, or any candidates. We have taken a strong position on Christianity. 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: Who is reaching the wide 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 are 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 ProgressiveChristianity.org. Take Back Christianity’s content is neither conservative nor progressive. It is drawn from across the Christian spectrum, based on intellectually honest theology and modern Biblical scholarship.

How can I help?