Benjamin L. Corey facts for kids

Benjamin L. Corey is an American writer, speaker, and activist. He is known for his ideas about Christianity, especially within movements like Progressive Christianity. He calls himself an Anabaptist, which is a Christian group known for its focus on peace and simple living. Corey has written books such as Undiluted: Rediscovering The Radical Message of Jesus and Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear Based Faith.

About Benjamin L. Corey

Early Life and Education

Benjamin L. Corey studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He earned degrees in both theology (the study of religious faith) and intercultural studies (understanding different cultures). He also received a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in intercultural studies.

Corey served in the United States Air Force as an instructor. After an injury, he retired from the military. He has written a lot about how his beliefs changed from a very strict Christian viewpoint to becoming an Anabaptist.

Beliefs on Peace

After changing his views, Corey became a strong supporter of Christian nonviolence. This means he believes Christians should not use violence. He is a peace activist who speaks out against war, gun violence, and the death penalty.

Challenging Traditional Christian Ideas

Questioning Christian Fundamentalism

Corey often challenges what is known as Christian fundamentalism. This is a very strict and traditional way of interpreting the Bible and Christian faith. In 2014, a book called Distortion mentioned Corey as a leader among "Progressive Christian" thinkers.

Corey has also been involved in political movements. He has traveled around the United States to encourage religious voters to think differently about politics.

Views on Hell and Loyalty

Corey is one of many Christians who question traditional ideas about hell. He wrote in Time magazine that the idea of "eternal conscious torment" (suffering forever) does not fit with the Bible or with a loving God.

He also speaks out against American nationalism within the Christian community. He believes Christians should be loyal only to God, not to any country. Corey has also publicly challenged how some fundamentalist groups treat the LGBTQ community.

Understanding American Christianity

Mixing Faith and Culture

Corey believes that much of American Christianity has mixed with other ideas. He calls this "syncretism." He argues that instead of following the teachings of Jesus, American Christianity has been changed by conservative cultural ideas. These ideas, like supporting war or focusing too much on individuals, might go against Christian values.

He says that adding American ideals to Jesus' message has made Christianity in America develop "cataracts of culture." This means that cultural ideas can make it hard to see the true, radical message of Jesus clearly.

Personal Life

Benjamin L. Corey is a father to two children. He adopted them from Peru. He strongly supports adoption and encourages the Christian community to think carefully about it. He believes it is important to make sure children are adopted ethically and by families who are ready to care for them.

See also

• Emerging church
• Post-Evangelical
• Progressive Christianity
• Radical Christianity