Why I Migrated my Column from “Progressive Christian” to “New Visions”
In mid-2022 when I auditioned to write a column for Patheos, I pitched myself as a candidate for their Progressive Christian section because I am both of those things—progressive and Christian. Admittedly, I was naïve of what I’d find in that section. Over time what I did find were a fair number of writers with negative, vituperative vibes that made me uncomfortable. Even when I’m writing about things I critique, I try not to be angry. I’d rather explain what I embrace with my heart than demonize things I don’t embrace.
While I didn’t feel quite at home in the Progressive Christian section, I’ve discovered a Patheos section with which I resonate, called “New Visions.” Current and/or past writers at Patheos “New Visions” include some spiritual writers who have been company through pivotal times of my life: Mark Nepo and Rick Hanson; and writers whose ideas have helped shape me, like Ken Wilber and Matthew Fox.
New Visions features writers from various faith/spiritual traditions who appreciate mysticism (direct encounter of the sacred), and spiritual practices that are more unitive than divisive. Some of these writers dwell within Christianity and some within traditions like Buddhism, while others come from spiritualities associated more with new age. Not everyone will enjoy everything in the New Visions section, but the section’s appreciation of diversity and universality are—for me—the point.
It would help me tremendously if you would subscribe to my free newsletter at Patheos “New Visions” HERE! I will still send out teasers to my columns via this Substack newsletter, and you will continue to receive my Substack newsletter no matter what. But subscribing to my newsletter at Patheos gains me more exposure.
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With affection and gratitude,
Tricia