Benjamin L. Corey
Benjamin L. Corey is an American political activist, theologian, author, blogger, and speaker. He is a prominent figure within the emerging church Movement, Progressive Christianity, and radical Christianity while self-identifying as an Anabaptist. He is the author of the books, , and Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear Based Faith.
Biography
Corey is an alumnus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA, holding graduate degrees in both theology and intercultural studies, and received an earned doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in the field of Intercultural Studies. His academic interests include Christian Nonviolence, Syncretism, and the applications of a theology of shalom in Human Trafficking aftercare, which is the subject of his doctoral dissertation.Corey is a medically retired while getting injured off duty Professional Military Education Instructor from the United States Air Force, and has written extensively about his transition from a Christian fundamentalist in the military, to a prominent Anabaptist. After his conversion to Christian Nonviolence Corey became a notable peace activist in the areas of war, gun violence, and the abolition of capital punishment.
Beliefs
Challenges to Christian fundamentalism
Corey has frequently challenged Christian fundamentalism. In 2014, the book Distortion: How the Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel & Damaging the Faith, promised to name the names of the new "Christian Left," in America and Corey was among those referenced. This was largely because of Corey opposing what he calls "Pro-Life Hypocrisy" on the part of conservative Christians. Corey has also been a key figure in the progressive political movement, Vote Common Good, and has toured the United States since 2018 holding political rallies in an attempt to sway religious voters away from the Republican Party under Donald Trump.In addition to speaking out against Pro-Life Hypocrisy while advocating for a more holistic, nonviolent Christian ethic, Corey has frequently challenged other key aspects of Christian fundamentalism such as the modern end times movement, which Corey states is a 19th-century invention and outside the realm of historic Christianity. Corey is also one of a growing number of prominent Christians who are disputing Christianity's traditional teachings on hell, arguing in Time that the traditional view of "eternal conscious torment" is inconsistent with both the Scriptures and the character of a loving God. Corey has also been a frequent voice against American nationalism within the Christian community, holding the position that Christians should pledge their loyalty only to God, and never to a nation state. In addition, Corey has publicly challenged fundamentalism's treatment of the LGBTQ community.