Jayson Bradley

1. I will not confuse discernment and judgment. I will not assume that my choices must be inflicted upon others. I refuse to devalue anyone based on my convictions or preferences.

2. I will not shy away from being the dissenting voice in order to keep the peace—especially when it protects others. The majority opinion is not necessarily the right opinion, and I won’t be shamed into silence.

3. I will not meddle in the lives of others where there is no relationship or invitation.

4. I will not focus on outward behavior over inward transformation—in myself or others.

5. I will not make conformity, theological or otherwise, a prerequisite for community.

6. I will not treat people as stereotypes.

7. I will not confuse forgiveness and trust. Safe boundaries are critical and healthy.

8. I will not shy away from my difficult questions or apologize for my doubts.

9. I will not cultivate a theology or philosophy that ignores the experience of outliers, outsiders, and the marginalized.

10. I will not get embroiled in arguments that reduce complexities into simple black and white issues.

11. I will not serve or do good for recognition. Whenever possible, I will practice spiritual and benevolent behavior in secret.

12. I will not demand that Scripture conforms to the theological framework I’ve already accepted.

13. I will not succumb to a treadmill of perfectionism or expect others to do so.

14. I will not demand that the culture around me conforms to my ideals.

15. I will not idealize the past or fear the future.

16. I will not behave as if the truth only exists in my philosophical or denominational cul-de-sac.

17. I will not penalize or punish others for being honest or transparent.

18. I will not promote the idea that Christian community exists for the civilized and dignified.

19. I will not confuse Christianity and nationalism.

20. I will not exalt any theological principle or duty above love.