Into the Grey: The Left, Progressivism, and Christian Rock in Uptown Chicago

Abstract

Founded in 1972, Jesus People USA (JPUSA) is an evangelical “intentional community” located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Living out of a common purse arrangement, this inner-city commune strives to counter much of what the Right stands for. An expression of the Evangelical Left, the commune’s various expressions of social justice are popularized through the music produced by the community and their annual festival.

Keywords

• evangelicalism
• progressivism
• progressive Christianity
• Christian rock
• Jesus Movement
• communes
• evangelical left