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
Overcoming Religious Trauma - David "Katya" Ketchum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
In addition to today's sermon, we will be hosting an online event via Zoom on June 22 discussing "Overcoming Religious Trauma." Despite our growing understanding of religious and spiritual abuse, many people continue to…
The Lost Year or Our Year of Losses - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:47
This Memorial Day weekend we mark the passing of 600,000 Americans in the Covid-19 pandemic and we are similarly aware of the many ways in which millions of lives have been impacted in lost jobs, damaged health, and in t…
Tired of Childhood Poverty Yet? - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
Childhood poverty in many American communities now exceeds 50% of school aged children. A part of the proposed stimulus bill addresses this problem in the most direct way possible, offering a monthly stipend paid to pare…
Religion and Socialism - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
The word "socialism" has been, through media and political manipulation, turned into a term that means little more than "pure evil." That's just crazy. The belief that economic resources should be owned and controlled by…
Some Culture Needs to be Canceled - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:19
We often think of the great moral leaders of history as if they just fell from the sky in our hour of need. The truth is that people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and even Ruby Bridges had courageous mothers w…
A Progressive Colloquy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:20
This live event is taking place on Monday evening, May 10, at 7 p.m. central. It will involve about 30 minutes of conversation between me and Jay Thomlinson (of Best of the Left fame) and then we open the floor for parti…
What have we learned? - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
The death of George Floyd at the hands of the police has finally resulted in a guilty verdict in the murder charges against the responsible officer(s). What have we learned from the highly publicized cases of unarmed bla…
Black, White, and Blue - Dr. Roger Ray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
While many are uncomfortable with calling for defunding the police, there is no way around the need for massive reform of our nation's police force (and military) to root out the systemic racism that makes encounters bet…