Radicalized by Basic Decency

Radicalized by Basic Decency

Author: Dr. Roger Ray June 1, 2025 Duration: 18:15

For centuries the world's religions have constructed a mental prison in which they try to control the conduct of their adherents through threats of eternal torture or, for the very good, promises of eternal reward. However, once you awaken to the reality that these are empty promises and threats, in a world where there is not heaven or hell, then there are no moral absolutes . . . then we are left to discern for ourselves, "how shall we then live?"


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
Mother's Day, the Supreme Court, and the Spectrum of Trust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Pt 1: The leaked Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade is not exactly surprising, but it is terrifying news for millions of people. Yet even as we process the shock, we need to reconnect with our commitme…
"Ain't Scared of Nothing": May Day, Unions, and Economic Justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:48
It's May Day, so let's look at the present status of labor rights and celebrate working class history, as well as the recent successes of union organizers in unfriendly places! But let's also do more - we can all contrib…
Demythologizing Islam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:46
Islam is the youngest of the major world religions and yet its extremist factions are the most wedded to a violent and oppressive form of a religion that Muhammad would not recognize and which none of us should be willin…
Resurrecting Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:09
Beyond the sentimental and supernatural retellings each Easter, the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus continues to resonate with us in very human and hopeful ways. Every year - in the midst of constant wars, i…
Demythologizing Christianity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:06
The Christian religion is the largest in the world and has been a part of the global culture for nearly two millennia. During that time, it has been used to justify wars and even genocides. Christian scriptures have been…
Demythologizing Religion: Hinduism and the Possibility of Pluralism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:43
Rabindranath Tagore once wrote to a friend: "Whatever we understand and enjoy in human products instantly becomes ours, wherever they might have their origin… Let me feel with unalloyed gladness that all the great glorie…
Demythologizing Religion: Buddhism & Nonattachment to Views [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:46
Buddhism has been subject to the same limitations as any other cultural or religious system, including fundamentalist violence. However, various Buddhist traditions also contain important insights and practices for "lear…
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…