The Phoenix Affirmations -- A Series

Having read Eric Elnes' book Asphalt Jesus, part of which is a reflection on the Phoenix Affirmations, I decided I would do a series of reflections on each of the 12 statements. Being a Disciple, which means I'm non-creedal, I must say that I treat these affirmations not in a creedal way, but as the foundation for a conversation.

The point of this statement, which was written by a group of clergy -- led by Elnes -- living in Phoenix (thus the name), was to make a statement about the nature of progressive Christian faith. As I read them, I found some statements drawing a hearty AMEN, while others forced me to think -- am I sure about this?

While I'll post my first reflection -- on Affirmation 1 tomorrow, today I offer a few introductory thoughts.

The point of the affirmations, according to the opening lines of the statement is to declare that they have chosen no longer to be silent. That they have chosen to make a claim on their faith and therefore share it in a way that is compassionate, loving, gracious, and not dogmatic.

The statement makes a clear acknowledgment of Christian faith:

As people who are joyfully and unapologetically Christian, we pledge ourselves completely to the way of Love. We work to express our love, as Jesus teaches us, in three ways: by loving God, neighbor, and self.

There it is -- the foundation -- love of God, neighbor, and self.

I hope you'll join me in this exploration of 12 statements of Christian faith.