Beyond the Fall: Unveiling God's Original Blessing

Traditional Christianity often casts a long shadow, painting humanity as inherently flawed, forever burdened by a single misstep in Eden. But what if there's a brighter light? Progressive Christianity offers a revolutionary perspective, shattering these entrenched beliefs and inviting us to embrace God's radical love – a love that transcends limitations.

Progressive theologians, like F. D. Maurice, challenge us to see the story of Adam and Eve as a metaphorical tapestry, woven with threads of humanity's evolving conscience. It's not a narrative of punishment, but a testament to humanity's growth, the complexities of free will, and the ever-present dance between choice and consequence.

Contrast this with the traditional view, as prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer's 9th Article, which brands humanity as inherently corrupt due to Adam's disobedience. Progressive theology offers a powerful counterpoint: God's love is unwavering, a constant beacon guiding us towards a transformative relationship. We are not condemned to eternal suffering, but invited into a journey of redemption. 

For me, the concept of God’s "original blessing" is beautifully depicted in the creation account of Genesis. According to scripture, God saw that what She created was good. (note that I am using female pronouns to refer to God.) From God’s perspective, the light, land and ocean, various vegetation, and all living creatures were deemed "good." Finally, God created humans in Her image and saw that all of Her creation was "very good!" God recognised goodness in every aspect of Her creation. Furthermore, God not only recognised this goodness but also bestowed Her blessing upon it. Especially after creating humans in Her image, God blessed them. From the beginning, what we inherit from God, our creator, is an "original blessing." This blessing is irreversible, unalterable, and untaintable, for it is from God. Despite any corruption in our nature, the original divine blessing remains within us.

The concept of the Fall, humanity's expulsion from Eden, has been a cornerstone of Christian theology for centuries. Some interpret it literally, signifying a moment of disobedience that severed our connection with God. Others view it metaphorically, representing humanity's ongoing struggle with sin and imperfection. Progressive Christianity offers a different perspective. We acknowledge the human tendency to make mistakes, but we don't see the Fall as an original sin dooming us all.  Instead, we focus on God's enduring love and humanity's inherent capacity for good, as evidenced by the original blessing. 

This transformative vision echoes in the words of Wisdom 11:26: "You spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord, you who love the living." Progressive theology embraces this message, arguing that God's love extends to all, regardless of background, sexuality, gender or actions. It shatters the narrow lens of traditional atonement, which focuses solely on humanity's sin, and reveals the vastness of God's grace.

While I resonate with the concept of original blessing, Dr. Peter Lewis offers a compelling perspective on the intertwining complexities of human free will and the inclination towards self, commonly recognised as original sin. According to Dr. Lewis, Jesus' sacrificial act on the cross stands as a profound testament to God's love and our redemption. Through his crucifixion, Jesus provided humanity with a pathway to reconciliation with God, demonstrating divine grace in accepting us as we turn to Him with faith and love. As Isaiah prophesied and Matthew reaffirmed (Is 53:12. Cf Mt 26:28), Jesus bore the burden of sin for many, thereby overcoming all barriers that separate us from God, including the ultimate barrier – death itself. This portrayal underscores the voluntary nature of divine love, inviting humanity into a relationship characterised by mutual choice and profound grace.


In Jesus, we witness God's redemptive purpose actively at work, dismantling unjust systems and advocating for the marginalised. Progressive Christianity takes a bold step by "queering" Scripture. This isn't about disrespect, but about examining religious texts through a method and lens of diversity, inclusivity, and liberation. It compels us to question traditional interpretations and explore alternative readings that celebrate marginalized identities and lived experiences.

Queering the Fall dismantles rigid ideas about gender, sexuality, and identity that have been imposed on Scripture. It reframes the Genesis story as a complex exploration of human agency, choice, and our ever-evolving relationship with the divine. In doing so, it celebrates the magnificent tapestry of human existence in all its breathtaking variety.

For example, consider, the story of Joseph in Genesis. The Hebrew term for Joseph's coat, "ketonet passim" is unclear in traditional translations but appears elsewhere describing a princess' garment. This, combined with Joseph's favouritism from his father and his dreams, suggests a gender-nonconforming identity.  This interpretation resonates with LGBTQ+ people of faith, who see Joseph's "princess dress" as a symbol of defying traditional gender roles and embracing a more fluid expression.

Joseph wears his princess dress as he tells his brothers about his dreams in an illustration of Genesis Chapter 37 by Sweet Publishing (Source: Qspirit.net)

Inspired by Maurice's vision, progressive Christianity champions God's unconditional love and radical inclusivity. It dismantles hierarchical bias, classic christian theology and interpretations of sin and salvation, recognising the inherent worth and potential for good in every person.

This perfectly aligns with Jesus' teachings on compassion, justice, and reconciliation. Passages like Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instruct us to help the poor, while Leviticus 19:33-34 emphasises welcoming the marginalised. Jesus himself echoed this sentiment in his teachings on loving your neighbour (Matthew 22:39).

Progressive Christianity isn't about discarding tradition; it's about evolving our understanding of God and humanity's place in the world. It's a vision of Christianity actively working towards a world brimming with justice and equity. Progressive Christians are at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting for racial equality, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ rights. They believe that faith compels them to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Some may criticize progressive Christianity as straying too far from tradition. However, progressive Christians see themselves as carrying the torch of Jesus' radical message of love and justice into the modern world. They believe that faith must evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the times.

Progressive theology invites us to transcend traditional ideas of sin, punishment, and atonement. It compels us to see the story of humanity and God's love with fresh eyes.  For years, I felt like an outsider in traditional churches. The messages of sin and condemnation never sat right with me. Then, I discovered progressive viewpoints, and they felt like a breath of fresh air. The emphasis on God's love, social justice, and inclusivity spoke directly to my heart. Progressive Christianity helped me find a faith that was both intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful.

As we embark on this theological exploration, let's draw inspiration from Maurice's vision: a faith that liberates, reconciles, and empowers all. A faith that celebrates diversity and inclusion as the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Curious to see progressive values in action? Find LGBTQ+ welcoming churches in your area or social justice organisations founded in progressive theology.

Editors Note: This story was revised to include Dr. Peter Lewis's perspective after its initial publication on 2nd July 2024.