The Bible Reconsidered: A Journey from Fundamentalism to Progressive Christianity - Paperback

by Paul Brynteson (Author)

The Bible has been used to justify wars as well as promote peace; to endorse slavery as well as reject it; and to condemn homosexuality as well as encourage civil unions and marriage for gays. For some, the Bible promises personal prosperity and wealth, health and healing, and protection against any harm coming to one's family and home. For 30 percent of the American population, the Bible is the literal written word of God to be followed absolutely and totally. For others the Bible is primarily a metaphor, a very human book written for and by humans. This book describes the journey of Paul Brynteson, a self-described former fundamentalist and Oral Roberts University faculty member, department chair, and dean, who accepted the Bible as the literal word of God and finally at the age of 45 gained the courage to begin critically examining his deeply held beliefs. It describes his 20 years of study, contemplation, and many painful internal conflicts between long held beliefs and challenges to those beliefs. He provides an explanation and rationale of his "letting go" of his former belief system and accepting a more progressive Christianity. The most critical part of this journey required a reconsideration of the Bible as the literal, inerrant, written word of God. This book is dedicated to those who might gain courage from his journey to begin or continue one of their own.

Author Biography

Paul Brynteson was born and raised in the home of an evangelical/Pentecostal pastor. After completing a doctoral degree, he began a 40-year career (1968-2008) teaching at four universities in South Dakota, Arkansas, Arizona, and Oklahoma, including Oral Roberts University where he was a faculty member, department chair, and dean of a college. At age 45, after 14 years at ORU, he left discouraged and disappointed by what he had seen and experienced in evangelical/fundamentalist settings. Over the next 20 years he engaged in a serious theological journey, which eventually involved leaving his Christian fundamentalism behind and adopting a more progressive, tolerant, and inclusive view of Christianity. This book is the result of that journey. He resides in Colorado with his wife of over 55 years.