David Gushee, a distinguished Christian ethicist and author, delves into the pressing challenges facing democracy and marginalized communities. He highlights how fear-based politics threaten core biblical values of love and justice. Gushee passionately advocates for LGBTQ dignity and the importance of civil liberties in an increasingly authoritarian landscape. He emphasizes the need for Christians to thoughtfully engage with societal issues while maintaining compassion and integrity, urging a move away from divisive ideologies.
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Democracy Under Threat by Autocracy
Democracy means rule of law with accountability and protections for everyone.
Autocracy replaces this with arbitrary rule by leaders above the law, threatening freedoms and rights.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Wesleyan Quadrilateral Ethical Framework
Use scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to form ethical judgments.
Evaluate all issues through the lenses of love, justice, dignity, and truth.
insights INSIGHT
Be Generous in Judging Others
Jesus teaches to avoid judging others and to evaluate ourselves rigorously.
We should be generous in judging others, reflecting humility and empathy.
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David Gushee's "Changing Our Minds" chronicles his journey from a traditional evangelical perspective on homosexuality to a position of full affirmation. The book details his intellectual and emotional process, engaging with scripture, theology, and personal experiences. Gushee's work is significant for its honest and thoughtful exploration of the complexities of the issue, demonstrating a willingness to reconsider deeply held beliefs in light of new evidence and perspectives. The book is a valuable resource for those grappling with similar questions and offers a compelling case for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Christianity. It is a powerful example of intellectual humility and the importance of engaging with difficult topics with empathy and open-mindedness.
The Moral Teachings of Jesus
The Moral Teachings of Jesus
David Gushee
Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies
Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies
David Gushee
God and the gay Christian
Matthew Vines
In 'God and the Gay Christian,' Matthew Vines presents a compelling argument that the Bible does not condemn loving, monogamous same-sex relationships. He explores key biblical texts and challenges traditional interpretations, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of Christianity. The book combines personal narrative with scholarly analysis, offering a nuanced exploration of faith and sexuality.
In the wake of rising authoritarianism and social unrest, Christian ethicist David P. Gushee returns to discuss how Christians should respond to the erosion of democracy and the assault on marginalized groups in America. With record-low approval ratings from outside the Republican base, Donald Trump’s return to power has raised alarm bells across university campuses, LGBTQ advocacy circles, and immigrant communities. In this episode, Gushee—one of the most respected voices in Christian moral theology—joins hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram to unpack how Christian ethics should inform public life. From LGBTQ dignity to democratic values, Gushee urges Christians to reject fear-based politics and embrace foundational biblical norms: love, justice, dignity, and truth. He also explains how Christians can ethically engage without sacrificing their values—or their compassion.
👤 Guest Bio: David P. Gushee is a Christian ethicist and Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University. He’s the author of over 25 books, including Changing Our Mind, After Evangelicalism, and The Moral Teachings of Jesus. He is known for his work on democracy, LGBTQ inclusion, and moral leadership in the public square.
Faithful Politics 
