Homebrewed Christianity

Aaron Stauffer: The Future of Faith & Justice

Jul 7, 2025
Dr. Aaron Stauffer, an ethicist and organizer at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, discusses the urgent need for progressive Christianity to create meaningful social change. He explores the decline of mainline Protestant public witness and critiques charity-driven approaches. Stauffer highlights initiatives like Solidarity Circles that empower faith leaders to engage with their communities. The conversation delves into the historical roots of progressive Protestantism, the importance of relational dynamics, and how faith can drive justice in an increasingly complex world.
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INSIGHT

Mainline Protestantism's Struggle

  • Mainline Protestantism has struggled to articulate a clear religious basis for progressive politics.
  • The decline of strong, community-grounded institutions weakens progressive public witness.
ADVICE

Reframe Institutions as Committed Communities

  • Think of institutions as communities of people bound by relationships and accountability.
  • Strengthen communities by nurturing shared practices, rituals, and trust.
ANECDOTE

Trust and Agency in Youth Ministry

  • Tripp experienced the difference between youth and adult ministry in cultivating trust and agency.
  • Adults often come expecting what they want, while youth ministries allow more experimental and trusting community.
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