Your New Reading List
recommendations for the best Progressive Christians on Substack
“What sort of Christian are you?” a schoolmate recently asked my kid. How would you answer that question? How would you differentiate the practice of your faith from the death cult of Christian Nationalism?
This winter, I crowdsourced a list of Progressive Christians writers so writers and readers could connect, collaborate, and work with one another to share hope, while clarifying purpose and direction, amid the rapidly shifting landscape of an authoritarian take-over. We need one another. Likewise, the American public, and the world, needs an amplified Progressive Christian voice to stand over and against everything Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy stand for. Followers of Jesus can, and must, differentiate themselves from followers of those ideologies by amplifying the values of Christian love which are repeated time and again in scripture: just peace-making, mercy, extravagant welcome, generosity, as well as care for the poor, the marginalized, and the stranger.
When I put out the call for recommendations, the response was massive. I compiled those recs for you, all 140+ of them.
A word about the term “Progressive Christian” — it’s fraught. Some of these writers may not use that term itself. In fact, they might use a different term altogether since there are folks on this list who have theological identifiers like “orthodox” and “radical” in their bios. What is more important than the term “Progressive Christian” are our shared values, none of which are in service of empire.
Some of these writers have tens of thousands of subscribers while some only have a few. Regardless, they all resonate with someone — that’s why they got a nod. Read through the whole list. Note that this is not comprehensive so there’s no need to get your hackles up asking why I left out this person or that one. Make more recommendations in the comments — let’s make this a working document that grows.
Let’s use this list in two ways:
Read, Subscribe, Share. If we know whose voices amplify Progressive Christian values, we can share their work more widely. Pick a few new writers to follow. Subscribe! Read their work. Get inspired! Whose work speaks to you? Whose writing could be offered as a gift to your friends and family struggling to stay afloat and find direction these days? Share it.
Collaborate. We can also seek ways to work with one another for the common good. Who could you write with, partner with, connect with? Invite someone to preach at your church, be on your podcast, lead a workshop at your conference, speak at your virtual gig or at the demonstration you are planning. Are you a publisher? I bet people on this list have a book you could publish. If someone’s writing helps you to take heart and have courage, reach out. Our silos won’t save us, especially now.
Here’s your new reading list — an alphabetical list of writers and their bios. If you would like your name removed from this list, just DM. Add new writer in the comments.
— Lifelong left-coaster. Inclusive Christian. Fearless knitter. Quietly kickass poet. (Modest, too.)The Abbey of Misrule aka Paul Kingsnorth — Writer, Orthodox Christian, reactionary radical, aspiring beekeeper. www.paulkingsnorth.net
— David Alexander is a life long student of metaphysics and spiritual living, a pastor, father and social activist. Based in New Thought Spirituality, social justice and expanded consciousness: www.revdavidalexander.com — Seminarian and entranced ELCA candidate. Writer. Trans-queer theologian. Published in "When We Become Weavers: Queer Female Poets on the Midwestern Experience". She/They — Full of words and seeking quiet. — Break trauma cycles, make art, express love! — Here to write on healing, hope, history, and holistic spiritual formation practices. Cheers! — Faith thinker, storyteller, and theological communicator. Exploring spirituality, transformation, and the kingdom of God as a present reality. — I am a queer, transgender woman, former United Methodist pastor, current Episcopal lay person, theologian, and Ph.D. candidate in Theology and Ethics, with a focus on disability theology and queer theology. She/Her. — Doomsday Dance Party! Co-senior pastor of @FirstBerkeley UCC, author, cancer survivor, Doomsday Pollyanna. New 📖 Out NOW! “How to Begin When Your World is Ending" — Writing faith for heart and head. Author of eleven books, numerous bylines, multiple awards. — Matthias Beier illuminates harm or health of current events in religion and society. A psychoanalyst, sociologist, professor, writer, and speaker, he has published three books and numerous articles on religion, mental health, and cultural discourse. — Books: Author x 5 including Field Notes for the Wilderness & NYT bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer | Newsletter: Field Notes | Evolving Faith | Canadian | Wife & Mum x 4 — Bram in both English and Dutch, on all kinds of random subjects. — I am an educator with a doctorate of theology and ministry at Northwind Theological Seminary. — Coach, poet, transformation and healing consultant, with so much more to learn, seek, and create. — Writer. Episcopal priest. Retired from childrearing, but proud of the big people I reared. Love the lakes, the woods, and everything beautiful about Michigan and the Upper Midwest. — writer, ordained minister, and writer living at the edge of Appalachia. I studied theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity and religious studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. — Pro-Oxford comma. Uses adverbs too much. Writes about motherhood, life after law school, religious deconstruction, and whatever else I feel like that day. First novel in the works. — Leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs often feel isolated and disconnected. Good Company provides a space to integrate spiritual health, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection into their work. — Writer and tenderfoot poet. A thirty-something, doubtful-yet-hopeful Jesus person. Making my bed in the wilderness and writing my way through despair towards a better way. — mother, child of grief, writer, @unitedchurch pastor, #milspouse and hopeful wanderer who is usually known to be cooking up trouble in the kitchen. — Lindsey is a loud talker, obsessive coffee drinker, and lover of the written word who lives in Indianapolis with her family. She is the Managing Editor of Englewood Press and a Senior Writer at Indianapolis Moms. — Welcome to The Crux: Following Jesus at the Intersection of Politics, Education and Faith. This weekly newsletter exists to inform and empower followers of Jesus at the intersection of politics, education and faith. — Writer, Speaker, Leadership Coach, Pastor. Author of Hope: A User's Manual. — she/her Pastor, fierce defender of trans kids, bringer of snacks — Hospital Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Presbyterian Minister & Frazzled Mom. Writes about spirituality, grief, suffering, resiliency, self-care & empathy. — she/her, sapphic aro ace, Side A queer Methodist, SoCal, editor, playlist maker, resource curator, occasional podcast guest, even more — Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas. — Historian of gender, faith, politics. Author of NYT-bestselling JESUS AND JOHN WAYNE, and A NEW GOSPEL FOR WOMEN. Next up: LIVE LAUGH LOVE. — Shepherd. Truth seeker. Recovering knowledge hoarder. Creation explorer. Vigorous participant in Life. — I write on two publications—chess, as an adult and a father teaching his daughter the game and how it blends into education and life skills, and faith, exploring Christianity and other spiritual traditions in search of deeper understanding. — A mildly pretentious history student sharing his thoughts on whatever passes through his mind, mostly history, theology and art. — Former conservative Christian apologist and pastor engaged in an ongoing quest regarding faith lost and found. I am learning to live with uncertainty and agnosticism. — Nonprofit leader in the faith based sector in Oklahoma. On the front lines of confronting Christian Nationalism in the nation’s reddest state. Executive Director, Oklahoma Faith Network — We are working to shrink the narrative gap by identifying core issues and building community capacity so they might work toward common solutions for a just world. — Healing through Food and Faith: plant-based; host of "Fight Pain with Food" (PBNSG); author of "In the Garden: 40 Days of Hope and Healing" — Culture Columnist: Sojourners Bylines: TOR.com | Think Christian Podcasts: Fascinating Pod | Don't Split Up! BBQ lover | Roller Derby Widow He/him — I studied philosophy in Louisiana, then worked in Silicon Valley and Hollywood. But more importantly, I cook a mean gumbo. — partner of 1, father of 3, founder of lovehaiti.org, podcaster, award-winning author w/some degrees in theology and experience in grief — Host of Homebrewed Christianity Podcast since 2008. Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion & Post-Doc in Religion & Science. I have a deep love of Tolkien, the Lakers, & Dodger Baseball. https://trippfuller.com — Pastor. Theologian. Author. Seeker of the good, beautiful, and true. Practitioner of Sacred Resistance. Living. Learning. Loving. Trying. Failing. Trying again. Grateful. www.FoundryUMC.org — This is the Substack for the upcoming podcast A God We Could Believe In. For now posts are written by podcast contributor Simon Hall — Imago Scriptura — Award-winning nonfiction writer, speaker and progressive Christian. I've always been too earnest to be cool. I'm a believer in empathy and curiosity, and I'm a never ever Trump-er. — Chris, a pediatrician in Memphis, TN, spends his time thinking about open and relational theology while working on a ThD centering on ORT concerning parenting. — English teacher. Theatre enthusiast. Catholic-in-Exile currently seeking refuge in the ELCA. Funnier than you think, but not that funny. — President and founder of FreedomRoad.us, Lisa is a writer, podcaster and public theologian. Her most recent book is the critically acclaimed Fortune: How Race Broke My Family And The World—And How To Repair It All. — Retired, active in the Poor People's Campaign — Trying to perfect my craft in a peaceful world. Old enough to know but, still young enough to hope. — Billie is a trans woman, teacher, author, and something of an Anabaptist radical. She holds an MA in liberal arts from St. John’s College & she — Sy (he/him) is a partner at KTF Press and a host of the podcast Shake the Dust. He writes on Christianity, politics, and disability. A former lawyer, he worked as a Staff Attorney for a federal court and as a public defender in family court. — Journalist and author writing on earth, body, and spirit. — Trans woman and Christian. Writing about trans issues and occasionally other stuff. — Writer and playwright. Doing my best to follow the Gospel into No Man's Land. — Writer, preacher, former college campus minister. Author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism. Pacific Northwestern-er, swimmer, casual vegetable gardener, avid tea drinker. — wife, mom x 6, teacher, former missionary * seeker of the Way of Jesus * scribbling my thoughts as I wrestle with my faith & beliefs — Chiropractor | Person of Faith | Seeking holistic healing & compassionate ways to explore theology, psychology, & politics. Questioning Christianity, and moving beyond toxic traditions. — Counselor, Enneagram Coach, Speaker, Author of “Being Brave,” Activist and Volunteer Leader Moms Demand Action — Someone trying to make a difference. — I strive to grow each day. Laughter is one of God's greatest gifts. Reading is another. Kindness, or being kind - of one kin - with others brings me joy. — Christian media centering and elevating marginalized voices -- podcasts, books, articles, and newsletters — Bible Nerd, Genderqueer, Lesbian, Disabled. What more is there to say. — Priest, poet and preacher. Neurodivergent and exhausted by this interaction. — Lawyer, Diplomat, Priest, Retired. Traveler, Reader, Listener, Thinker. Or something like that. — born and raised in Austin. former mediocre athlete. pastor at Restore Austin. cofounder Post-Evangelical Collective. doctoral student at Duke. author of Better Ways to Read the Bible (preorder now!). — A writer at the intersection of faith and justice. — I’m Candace Laughinghouse, Ph.D., a writer and thinker. I explore various topics like environmental justice, race, gender, politics, animals, music, etc. Join me for insights and discussions that inspire curiosity! — Reader. Thinker. Creative. Absolutes are only helpful in twitter bios. Created by love, of love, and for love. Seminarian (almost). Unapologetically queer. — Retired educator, full time grandpa, Ed.D. from Rutgers in Curriculum Theory and Practice, lover of poetry and trees and sky, walking the Jesus and Zen contemplative paths of love, organic farm helper, and aspiring guitar player. — Writer, Artist, Pastor, Creator — Researching the intersection of revivalism, conservative politics, and white supremacy. And I knit.Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis — Fierce Love
— You have big questions—about God, life, and meaning. Here, we wrestle with truth, embrace mystery, and uncover wisdom together. As a theologian, philosopher, and artist, I make complex ideas clear and accessible—so your story can find deeper… — On being late to the party: My newsletter to readers of Tiny Tin House—and my first post on Substack. — Radical Queer Theologian advocating for alternative sexualities and relationship styles within mainline Christian Traditions. My research focuses on Radical Queer Liberation Theology, Christian Social Ethics, and American Religious History. — Political Correspondent @NPR. Author of “The Exvangelicals": https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals — The Emergent Methodist: Faith defines my life. Writing helps me articulate the ways in which my experiences are shaped by my relationship with Christ. — "Into what is Christianity evolving?" That's the question that haunts me. I come at it as an armchair "radical theologian", but I appreciate and use other theologies as well. Spiritually, I take a more mystical approach to faith and life. — Presbyterian Church (USA) Pastor, A/V Producer, Franciscan — Farmgirl (regenerative, small-scale, holistic, family farm); former teacher; artist; writer; animal-friend; goat midwife; believer in justice and democracy; Christ-follower (NOT Christo-fascist.) Oceans, woods, and wilds give me life. — Word slayer, question asker, rabble rouser by day. Author of Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation (April 2025) and The Color of Life (2019). Recovering evangelical. West Coast, best coast! — A writer in the middle of the United States, who loves to read, loves cats, and pondering life. Lifelong follower of Jesus, former pastor in the UMC, seeking always to reconstruct my faith. Progressive. — I'm a pastor + parent who helps adults talk about God, faith + the Bible with kids. I wrote Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From, + create the Great Big Bible Story Walkthrough now! — My destiny seems to be taking notes on this particular crazy time. Most writers here have a focused topic and a set schedule. I write about anything and post whenever the spirit leads. My "beat" seems to be the ridiculous in plain sight... — Ruminations of AG, Observations from the death care side of the world, Bible stories told by AG, and other stuff. — Writing about trauma, but like kind of in a fun way. Willing to overshare in order to help others see that going toward what hurts is actually the path toward healing. In recovery from conservative Christianity but still Jesus-y. — Spiritual director, justice seeker, poet, & contemplative who loves books, naps, & the Oxford comma. Companioning others pursuing wholeness in relation to God, self, & others. — I'm a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. I've written more than a dozen books that address love in some way. I direct a doctoral program in open and relational theology. Website: thomasjayoord.com — I’m a bishop, a philosopher, and a university chancellor. I write about navigating life's complexities with faith, hope, and love. — Founder of Center for Non-Religious Spirituality. Best-Selling Author. Spiritual Director. Public Intellectual. Existential Health Counselor. Philosophical Theology. — Bob is is a progressive pastor, writer, and community organizer passionate about justice, reformation, and the future of the church. He explores faith on the margins, challenging systems of power and reimagining what it means to follow Jesus. — I've logged 50 years of spiritual journey as pastor, chaplain, counselor, podcaster, husband, Dad, runner, farmer, human. Find more on my website, tracksforthejourney.com — Priest, fisherman, teacher, founder of Water and Wilderness Church. Writing on God and nature, water and soul, and why life is still beautiful. — Music & Words about the dissident Christ-centered life. Tampa, FL. — Professor of Pediatrics, University of Utah; DThM, Northwind Theological Seminary. I'm very interested in research evaluating the intersection of science and religion. Blog: Phi-The-Sci: Equilateral Musings (https://johnfpohlmd.blog/) — Loving father and doting husband. Author. Church planter. Social entrepreneur. Reformed theologian. Short attention span. — Language strategist. Writer. Opinion holder. Idea wrangler. Tea drinker. Your most assertive friend. — Amy Pringle is an Episcopal priest, hack poet, First Testament scholar and armchair theologian. Looking to do hivemind work on Christianity for the 21st century. — I am a social impact leader with over a decade of experience in community engagement, refugee support, and building inclusive programs. I am passionate about bringing people together, empowering communities, and creating spaces of… — Formed in the 209 & 916, raised a family in the 415, and now living in the 408. Full-time author, speaker, and coachsultant. An occasional pastor, a convener of people, and mediocre at a great many things. Welcome! — Just your average tattooed lady pastor of a little church with big love to share. It’s not easy. It’s not always pretty. But it’s real. Sometimes it’ll break your heart. I hope when it does, it breaks you open instead of breaking you apart. — A thoughtful mystic, an accidental activist, and intuitively empathetic. Husband, Dad, Open and relational & Teilhardian thinker, and Kite Flyer. I'm interested in big ideas about love, and thoughtful, love-inspiring stories. — Poet, editor, musician, and wrangler of misbehaving dogs. - Almost named Grace — Open-source pastor. Gamer dad. Social gospel Lutheran. Refugee resettlement organizer. Queer camp founder. — Pastor / Author / Heretic — From rural Texas to suburban Los Angeles. Following the advice of "write what you know." Theology, inclusive faith, and trying to live a life that makes a difference. — spiritual director, author, speaker, pastor, dream worker. — Dancing with the mystery and the mundane. Wild and woolly. Regenerative farming, progressive pastoring, homeschool mothering, reckless loving. This is the revolution. — Christine writes Bless All Times on Substack after spending the last 18 years providing pastoral care in a homeless shelter and a drug and alcohol recovery program. — Senior Editor, The Englewood Review of Books. Resource Coordinator for The Cultivating Communities project. Author: Slow Church (co-authored with John Pattison), Reading for the Common Good, and How the Body of Christ Talks. — Senior editor at HarperOne, creator of the Slant Letter Substack for writers, and author of Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway, available now. — Full-time faculty at General Theological Seminary, part-time priest-in-charge at Church of the Epiphany in Trumansburg, NY, I am a writer, musician, and Episcopal priest living amongst the finger lakes. — I’m just a lesbian gemini queer fantasy author and academic religious historian who has two separate newsletters about these very different (but weirdly overlapping) things — Sacred Sparks is a progressive theological series for families with children and youth, from Erin Robinson Hall — Author. Ethicist. Theologian. Hope in ruins. Research: political extremisms, information, and theology. Former pastor in New Orleans and DC. Words in TIME, NPR, BBC, NBC, and Christianity Today. — An Enneagram 8 full of creativity, questions, and opinions. Professional wrestler of faith and of doubt. — Writer, activist & exvangelical exploring questions of spirituality and living the good life. — Quiet Midwest girl with a lot to say. In love with the city. Writing about how to live faithfully in the context of our own lives on a publication titled Being Beloved. — Jon Paul Sydnor is author of The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology. He is also Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Emmanuel College and theologian-in-residence at Grace Community Boston. — I am a Progressive Christian (Openly-Queer) Pastor working to Break the Jesus Movement Out of the Box, Dismantle Toxic Theology Along the Way , and Cultivate BraveSpace for those who have suffered harm at the hands of the church. — Nurturing Soulful Revolutionaries | Millennial Episcopal priest cultivating communities resistant to empire — Pastor Joelle Henneman (she/her) serves as pastor of the United Methodist Church for All People. Her passion for ministry extends the circle of God’s love to include all people. This site offers a transgender view on faith, life, and politics. — author | angel investor | serial entrepreneur | business and NGO design consultant | speaker/coach/mentor | pilot | pastor — Spark Some Joy: Lawyer, Strategic Leader, Passionate Advocate | 📸 Willow Fiddler — No Trifling Matter — A newsletter for relentless strivers, hopeful yet stuck doers, and spiritual seekers—discovering deeper meaning through stories, practices, and wisdom. — I wrote Twelve Lies that Hold America Captive, created the Emotionally Healthy Activist Course, and co-host, Shake the Dust. Follow on IG and Threads @jonathanpanwalton and find cohorts at patreon.com/IVED. — psychologist turned philosopher turned writer | mama, seeker, photo taker | contemplative global citizen — Spiritual Director, Theater Artist, Writer, Podcaster. — Pastor, coach and writer in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Keep your soul alive. Have a garden, hike, kayak and sail. Welcome everyone, listen well and show up for every day. — Poet, essayist, and author of Ordinary Time, American Honey, The Family Bible Devotional Vol. 1-2, Between the Heron and the Moss, and Pruning Burning Bushes. — Strands of Silver — Author, preacher, & moral activist. Assistant Director, Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. New book w/ William J Barber, II: WHITE POVERTY — Progressive sacred music writer, liturgist, sociologist, ethicist, author, anti-oppression and anti-racism trainer. I write about inequality, inclusive liturgy, creativity, and more. — I'm Steve Salinda, over 65 and I run over 70 miles per week, competing in ultramarathons, practicing contemplative exercises, searching for thin places. — Sacredise: Your worship defines how you live. I'm here to help you create your most life-giving spiritual journey. Exploring Jesus, the Bible, and Life. Writer, Musician, Theologian, Liturgist. — I am a queer, sex favorable greysexual, grey biromantic, panaesthetic, transfeminine non-binary person. Pronouns are she/they. I write about politics, religion, queerness, and pop culture. I also host two podcasts: Queer PoliFaith & Queerly Popular.You did it. You got through the whole list! Good job. What do you think?
Honored to be in this group alongside such incredible leaders, writers, and human beings 💙
Hi, Leah. What a great resource! Thanks for including me :)