Mariann Edgar Budde

Mariann Edgar Budde is the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C., known for her leadership in the Episcopal Church and her progressive theological and social positions. Budde frequently speaks on issues related to social justice, inclusivity, and interfaith dialogue, aligning her views with liberal Protestant theology. Her teachings and actions often reflect a modern reinterpretation of Scripture and Christian doctrine, emphasizing inclusivity and activism over traditional theological concerns. Budde’s views significantly diverge from confessional Christianity in key areas, including her understanding of Scripture, the nature of salvation, and the mission of the church.

Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity

1. Views on Scripture and Authority:

  • Mariann Edgar Budde's View: Budde often treats Scripture as a dynamic, evolving text that must be interpreted in light of contemporary values and social contexts. She emphasizes that the Bible contains wisdom and moral guidance but does not see it as the inerrant or final authority on matters of faith and practice. Budde frequently advocates for reinterpreting biblical teachings to align with modern understandings of human dignity, equality, and justice.
  • Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, providing the ultimate standard for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7). The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms that Scripture is sufficient and unchanging, offering timeless truth that transcends cultural and historical shifts. Reformed theology rejects the idea that Scripture needs to be reinterpreted to fit contemporary values, insisting that God’s Word is authoritative and binding.

2. Beliefs about Salvation and the Gospel:

  • Mariann Edgar Budde's View: Budde tends to emphasize a universalist perspective on salvation, focusing on God’s love and inclusivity rather than the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Her sermons and public statements often highlight the idea that God’s grace extends to all people, regardless of their religious background or personal beliefs. This perspective aligns with liberal Protestant tendencies to downplay the necessity of personal faith in Christ for salvation.
  • Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms that Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity and that salvation requires repentance and faith in His atoning work. Reformed theology insists that the gospel is exclusive in its claims but inclusive in its offer, calling all people to repent and believe in Christ for salvation.

3. Social Justice and Activism:

  • Mariann Edgar Budde's View: Budde is a strong advocate for social justice, frequently addressing issues such as racial inequality, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform. She views the mission of the church as engaging with societal issues and working for systemic change to promote equality and justice. Budde often frames these efforts as expressions of the gospel, seeing activism as central to Christian faith.
  • Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity affirms the importance of caring for the marginalized and pursuing justice (Micah 6:8; James 1:27) but maintains that the church’s central mission is the proclamation of the gospel and the making of disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches that social justice efforts must flow out of a commitment to biblical truth and the gospel’s transformative power. Reformed theology cautions against replacing the gospel with social activism, emphasizing that the primary role of the church is spiritual, not political.

4. Views on Human Sexuality and Marriage:

  • Mariann Edgar Budde's View: Budde is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and supports same-sex marriage, aligning with the Episcopal Church’s broader acceptance of these practices. She argues that traditional teachings on sexuality and marriage are outdated and inconsistent with modern understandings of human dignity and equality.
  • Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that God’s design for human sexuality is expressed within the covenantal marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). The Westminster Confession of Faith upholds that sexual relations are to be enjoyed within the bounds of biblical marriage, and any sexual activity outside of this covenant is considered sinful. Reformed theology affirms that God’s moral law is unchanging and that believers are called to live according to His design for sexuality and relationships.

5. Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Pluralism:

  • Mariann Edgar Budde's View: Budde is a proponent of interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism, often emphasizing the value of learning from other faith traditions and collaborating on shared social goals. She frequently participates in interfaith initiatives and promotes the idea that all religions contain truths that can contribute to the common good.
  • Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that while Christians are called to love their neighbors and engage respectfully with people of other faiths, salvation is found exclusively through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The Westminster Confession of Faith asserts that the church’s primary mission is to proclaim the uniqueness of Christ and the gospel message. Reformed theology warns against compromising the exclusivity of the gospel in the pursuit of interfaith harmony or social cooperation.

Summary of Differences

Mariann Edgar Budde’s liberal Protestant theology is characterized by inclusivity, social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the reinterpretation of Scripture in light of modern cultural values. Her approach often prioritizes political activism and contemporary social concerns over traditional doctrinal clarity and the centrality of the gospel.

In contrast, confessional Christianity upholds the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ for salvation, and the church’s primary mission of proclaiming the gospel. It teaches that social justice efforts should flow from a biblical foundation and that the church’s ultimate focus must remain on glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. 

By Topic

Joy

By Scripture

Old Testament

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

New Testament

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Revelation

By Author

Latest Links