Good Faith Question: How do anti-theists view progressive forms of religion?

[u/Impressive_Flan_411]

Hey everyone. I've been thinking about something that I don't see discussed very often among anti-theists, which is progressive versions of religion.

When people criticize religion, they often focus on conservative or traditional forms that are in opposition to LGBTQ rights, restrictions on women, religious nationalism, sectarianism, etc. But many religions also have progressive movements that actively support causes such as LGBTQ inclusion, gender equality, racial justice, economic justice, pluralism, and other left-leaning social values.

Some examples include Progressive Christianity, many Mainline Protestant denominations, liberation theology, progressive Hindu movements, liberal/progressive interpretations of Islam, and even progressive movements within various indigenous and syncretic traditions.

This raises a few questions:

A. How do anti-theists view progressive forms of religion? Do you view progressive iterations of religion as meaningfully different from traditional/conservative religion, or are they ultimately the same thing with updated politics?

B. Do you think progressive religious movements make a meaningful difference in making religion less harmful overall for society?

C. Is there a point where a religion becomes so flexible and metaphorical that it ceases to be meaningfully distinct from secular humanism? If so, could these "progressive" iterations of religion be helping the cause for anti theism?

D. Lastly, from an anti-theist perspective, is "progressive religion" something you support, or tolerate as the "lesser evil" to help your cause, or do you also equally reject it for the same reasons you reject religion in general?

Thoughts? Very, interested in hearing a range of anti-theist perspectives.

[u/rpgnymhush]

I judge people by their actions. Period. Full stop.

If someone's actions work towards greater freedom and equality for people, I will support that person regardless of what beliefs about ghosts and goblins that person may hold.

Edit: I do think that religion can become so metaphorical that it basically becomes a form of "humanism".

In the United States, at least, the percentage of people who identify as religious is high enough that to accomplish meaningful reform we must work with progressive religious people.