Each week, Progressive Faith Sermons-Dr. Roger Ray offers a thoughtful exploration of modern spirituality and ethics, rooted in the inclusive community of the Community Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri. Hosted by Dr. Roger Ray, this podcast presents recorded sermons that bridge traditional Christian faith with urgent contemporary questions. The discussions move beyond doctrine to engage deeply with philosophy, culture, and the practical work of social justice, reflecting a commitment to accepting all people without judgment. Listeners will hear a unique blend of theological insight, cultural commentary, and ethical challenge, all aimed at fostering a more compassionate and equitable society. This isn't about simple answers; it's about wrestling with complex ideas on how to live a meaningful, faithful life in a complicated world. Tune in for a perspective that is both intellectually rigorous and grounded in a tangible desire for community and change. You can find this podcast wherever you listen, inviting you into a ongoing conversation about what it means to believe, belong, and act justly today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 350

Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray
Podcast Episodes
Demythologizing Judaism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
We too easily think of modern Judaism as being an ancient religion that hails from Abraham and Moses. The truth is that Judaism began as a polytheistic faith rooted in a priestly cult that practiced animal sacrifice. A r…
Demythologizing Religion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
The world's major religions have roots in antiquity when historical literacy was not highly valued and when it was common to "personify" aspects of nature, turning the world into a place full of gods and spirits. In the…
Black History Month: Less About and More Through [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
If we want to understand the world, to be able to read current events with insight, we need to take the time to understand the history. This sounds so obvious, but it is a necessary reminder in a society that has struggl…
Reflections on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine by David Ketchum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:08
As a pastor, I have worked with veterans who were still struggling with the cost of war decades after they were discharged. As a peace worker in Cambodia, I saw the trauma of war still living in people's hearts, influenc…
Love Your Enemies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
Growing up, the way I learned Jesus' teaching on loving my enemies was confusing and even harmful. Especially where abuse and oppression were concerned, rolling over and looking the other way could not be options. But I…
A Wonderful Life Should Not Be Exceptional [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
Most of us have spent our lives in communities that made it more difficult for us to thrive and flourish as human beings. And it is very likely that we have picked up on those very habits, mistreating ourselves, others,…
War Is Inconceivable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:19
As the world waits to see if a ground war is about to start between Russia and Ukraine, it seems good to give some thought to how we got to this deadly threatening point. How has the spread of nuclear weapons and NATO ba…
A Snake Doesn't Have to Bite You to be a Snake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:39
Jung suggests that the dragon, a mythological beast common to virtually all cultures, is unconsciously an archetype that reflects human potential. After all, a dragon is a snake that can fly! Spiritual people need to ris…
"Until Everyone is Safe": Reimagining Social and Community Well-Being [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
The world as we know it has been shaped by an approach to development and success that has fueled terrible inequality, catastrophic climate change, and now, vaccine inequity. Thankfully, other approaches have been offere…