The Bible Reconsidered: A Journey from Fundamentalism to Progressive Christianity

The Bible has been used to justify wars as well as promote peace; to endorse slavery as well as reject it; and to condemn homosexuality as well as encourage civil unions and marriage for gays. For some, the Bible promises personal prosperity and wealth, health and healing, and protection against any harm coming to ones family and home. For 30 percent of the American population, the Bible is the literal written word of God to be followed absolutely and totally. For others the Bible is primarily a metaphor, a very human book written for and by humans. This book describes the journey of Paul Brynteson, a self-described former fundamentalist and Oral Roberts University faculty member, department chair, and dean, who accepted the Bible as the literal word of God and finally at the age of 45 gained the courage to begin critically examining his deeply held beliefs. It describes his 20 years of study, contemplation, and many painful internal conflicts between long held beliefs and challenges to those beliefs. He provides an explanation and rationale of his letting go of his former belief system and accepting a more progressive Christianity. The most critical part of this journey required a reconsideration of the Bible as the literal, inerrant, written word of God. This book is dedicated to those who might gain courage from his journey to begin or continue one of their own.