Progressive Christian Ethics
Back in 2014, it became clear to me that ethics based on abstract principles (such as equality, rights, justice, and freedom) were no longer sufficient to address the ethical dilemmas of our times, and rule-based lists of dos and don'ts were not much better. Since then, I have been developing a new, sociologically inspired and biblically grounded approach to ethics focused on human flourishing (well-being). In 2024, Pilgrim Press published my book Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing. The book, which includes discussion questions, has since been used by a number of church book study groups and has been the subject of talks, podcast interviews, and sermons around the country.
I also write a column for Progressing Spirit based on and inspired by the book. Posts thus far include “Dumpster Fire Ethics” and “Tidings of Discomfort and Joy.”
A free study and action guide for the book is available for download on the book's Pilgrim Press page (no purchase required).
Book Trailer for Abundant Lives
If your church would benefit from a lecture or workshop based on the book, I would be delighted to tailor one for your specific circumstance.
Potential workshops include:
- “Loving Self, Neighbor, and Enemy: Dumpster Fire Ethics for Messed-Up Times”
- “The Human Trinity: How Ethics Benefits from a Richer Understanding of Personhood”
- “Moral Inclusion as Christian Imperative: What Inequality Has to Do with Ethics”
- “Is There an Ethic of Flourishing in the Bible?”
- “Spiritual Fitness for the Work of Human Well-Being”
- “Making Your Congregation a Laboratory of Flourishing”
Podcasts on which I have been interviewed about Abundant Lives include:
- Everything and Anything and a Bit Gay
- Faith and Feminism
- Faith and Justice Book Group
- Future Christian
- Lean to the Left
- Life (UN)Closeted
- Song of the Soul
- Spirit in Action
- Soul Practice
- This is Not Church
- The What If Project
- Writing for Your Life
Talks and Q&As about the book have included events at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement (Philadelphia, PA; December 6, 2024) and The Fountains United Methodist Church (Fountain Hills, AZ; March 16, 2025). Most recently, I talked about the book during a United Church of Christ “Nurture the Soul” webinar, titled, “Dumpster Fire Ethics: Rethinking How We Follow Jesus.”
Testimonials
Praise for Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing (Pilgrim Press, 2024):
“Beautifully written, deep yet easily accessible, and so comprehensive. One of the best introductions to progressive Christian living I have ever seen.”
— Brian D. McLaren, pastor, speaker, and author of Life after Doom
“In plain language, [Udis-Kessler] sketches out a dazzling, yet practical life ethic for promoting human and planetary flourishing. This slim volume punches way above its weight.”
— Dr. Marvin M. Ellison, author and Willard S. Bass Professor of Christian Ethics, Bangor Theological Seminary