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
Waging Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
At the end of World War I, there was a hope that this had been the "war to end all wars." Armistice Day was established to celebrate the agreements that they hoped would lead to an eternity of peace on the planet earth.…
When the Voting Ends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Despite Tuesday's election results, Donald Trump received widespread support across the USA, signaling a tolerance for, and, in many cases, a celebration of, Trump's performative fascism and a growing normalization of Wh…
Let Us Not Be Petty when Our Cause is so Great [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:14
President Kennedy's speech he was set to deliver on the very day when he was tragically assassinated included this plea to the nation, "let us not be petty when our cause is so great. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves…
When the NRA is Too Liberal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:08
The directors of the FBI and DHS have warned Congress that white supremacist, anarchist, and other armed militias pose a significant threat to American security. Our nation, unlike our peers in western democracies, has b…
Power begets Power (the killing of Breonna Taylor) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
Power begets power and institutions that are rife with power will increasingly resist change, reform, or moral responsibility. An excellent example of this is the perception that protesting police killings and violence a…
We're Not Dead Yet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:59
We're not dead yet, but we need your help. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to sell our church building, but we are still online and plan to return to an in-person presence once it is safe to do so. Making that happen…
In Search of a Better American Myth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:19
A civilization's shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege. Ancient Hebrew scriptures claim that God gave t…
Faith and Probability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:26
Faith is typically based on "belief" and science is based on objective research and analysis. In this address, written for the Malvern (United Kingdom) Science and Faith conference, Dr. Ray discusses the concept of "evid…
Ordinary people with Extraordinary Vision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:45
The late Congressman John Lewis wrote what could be his own eulogy in the essay he wrote to be published posthumously in the New York Times. He called on "ordinary people" to be willing to get into "good trouble." Of cou…
The Politics of Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:47
Politics and profit have tremendous influence over which foods we eat, especially the poor because almost all government agricultural subsidies go to beef, dairy, and grain production and less than 1% supports growing gr…