Here's a Venn diagram I created to try to depict the differences and overlaps in various Christian identifications. We sometimes confuse terms or assume one identity excludes someone from another. A few extra notes that aren’t in the slides: 1 - I did this in part because some people get justifiably frustrated when people assume their identification with one group excludes them from, or equates them with, another. We should listen more carefully and ask more questions before assuming someone's identification with x means they are (or aren’t) y. 2 - I make no claims to having drawn these in perfect proportion. That's beyond what I can accomplish here. Only trying to identify the potential overlaps. 3 - I don't know that we have a unanimous agreement about the definition of any of these groups. I think those I have supplied at least reach a level of consensus in theology world.

1. CONSERVATIVE
CHRISTIAN
NATIONALIST
PROGRESSIVE
LIBERAL FUNDAMENTALIST
ORTHODOX
EVANGELICAL
When we talk about various
religious identities, there’s a lot of
confusion about what, exactly, we
mean.

2. CONSERVATIVE
PROGRESSIVE EVANGELICAL
We’re inclined to believe that some
positions are absolutely opposed.
and that others are absolutely
connected…
FUNDAMENTALIST

3. PROGRESSIVE
Reality is much more complicated.
Each of these groups has priorities.
EVANGELICAL
Sometimes those priorities overlap.
Begins with a
posture of
inclusiveness &
acceptance.
Willing to
question the
historic Christian
tradition where
these may be
threatened. Emphasis on
personal conversion,
the Bible, the cross
of Christ, and active
Christian service

4. Sometimes they help distinguish
groups you thought were the same
but only have some overlaps.
CONSERVATIVE
FUNDAMENTALIST
Begins with
foundational
assumption that
scripture is authoritative
and inerrant in its literal
interpretation.
Rejects methodologies
of Enlightenment
science and reasoning
for interpretation of
scripture.
Begins with foundational assumption
that God is transcendent and reveals
Himself by supernatural intervention
into our world. Scripture is
authoritative and the primary means
for knowing and understanding God’s
revelation.

5. LIBERAL
ORTHODOX
Sometimes they represent truly
incompatible Christian positions.
Begins with foundational authorities of
human experience and reason (e.g.
historical- critical approaches). Uncommitted
to the authority of scripture or the
correctness of Church dogma.
Begins with a posture of
submission to the historic Christian
tradition.

6. An identity popular in our national
politics is often called “evangelical”
or “conservative” but is its own
strain.
CONSERVATIVE
CHRISTIAN
NATIONALIST
EVANGELICAL
Begins with a commitment to American
prosperity. Belief that America is uniquely
blessed and exceptional in God’s sight.

7. CONSERVATIVE
ORTHODOX
FUNDAMENTALIST
CHRISTIAN
NATIONALIST
LIBERAL
PROGRESSIVE
EVANGELICAL
Put them all together and it’s quite
a mess.
But this is part of its need. We often
assume too much with a single label.

8. ORTHODOX
PROGRESSIVE
The definitions deal with primary
commitments. That's why you see
"Begins with ..." in the definitions.
You can only have one primary commitment.
So the overlaps are, in some ways, false. One
leads and the other is secondary.
Begins with a posture of
submission to the historic
Christian tradition.
Begins with a
posture of
inclusiveness and
acceptance.

9. PROGRESSIVE
ORTHODOX PROGRESSIVE
For example, you may have a posture of inclusiveness &
acceptance because of your submission to the historic Christian
tradition.
In that case, orthodoxy is your primary identity, which has
influenced the rest.
Or perhaps you accept orthodox Christianity because you
believe it fits your progressive postures.
ORTHODOX
In that case, the progressive posture is the real identity.
Orthodoxy is a convenient fit. (We could do the same with
nationalism & fundamentalism, etc.)

10. It helps to know the distinctions.
Primary commitments:
Liberal - Begins with foundational authorities of human experience and
reason (e.g. historical-critical approaches). Uncommitted to the authority of
scripture or the correctness of Church dogma.
Progressive - Begins with a posture of inclusiveness and acceptance. Willing
to question the historic Christian tradition where these may be threatened.
Orthodox - Begins with a posture of submission to the historic Christian
tradition.
Conservative - Begins with foundational assumption that God is transcendent
and reveals Himself by supernatural intervention into our world. Scripture is
authoritative and the primary means for knowing and understanding God’s
revelation.
Fundamentalist - Begins with foundational assumption that scripture is
authoritative and inerrant in its literal interpretation. Rejects methodologies
of Enlightenment science and reasoning for interpretation of scripture.
Evangelical - Emphasis on personal conversion, the Bible, the cross of Christ,
and active Christian service (using Bebbington).
Christian Nationalist - Begins with a commitment to American prosperity.
Belief that America is uniquely blessed and exceptional in God’s sight.