Determine whether you are – Progressive? Moderate? Traditional? Evangelical?

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Christian Profiles

Progressive Christians are gifted with powers of critical thought, a passion for social justice, and a respect for people who hold views that differ from their own. They tend to favor the separation of church and state, support a woman’s right to choose an abortion, and are eager to learn from people of other world religions. Progressive Christians tend to emphasize what people of different religious traditions can do in cooperation with each other to create a better world. Rather than seeing contemporary culture as being hopelessly depraved, progressive Christians seek to reform it on the basic of ethical norms derived from Old Testament prophets and the teachings of Jesus.
Moderate Christians are usually comfortable in denominational churches (i.e. Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran). While embracing Christianity, they also respect those who may be less committed, and tend to be skeptical of religious hype. Moderates are in a good position to mediate between those who hold views that are more extreme than their own, whether liberal or conservative. They can play an important role as peacemakers and mediators where there is conflict in churches. The Second Coming of Christ is not normally emphasized by moderates, most of whom share the progressive’s desire to see progress in the here and now.

Traditional Christians appreciate dignity, familiarity and beauty both in public worship and in their private life of prayer. Comfortable with the venerable language of Scripture, creeds, and the great hymns of the church, they regard those who seek change for change’s sake as being too willing to toss aside the tried and the true for something less substantial. Given their respect for what Christianity has received from those who have gone before, their style of faith can provide a sense of continuity and stability in troubled times. Traditional Christians generally accept the church’s teaching about the coming kingdom of God, but like moderates, this is not a subject frequently talked about or discussed.

Evangelical Christians seek out churches where the gospel is boldly preached and people are not afraid to express their faith with strong emotion. They tend to find the worship of many denominational churches lifeless and the preaching shallow. Evangelical and fundamentalist Christians may have difficulty accepting those whose views seem less settled than their own. With their faith strongly rooted in the Bible, evangelicals have a special calling in helping others stay in touch with the life giving Spirit of a living God. Some evangelical Christians are highly critical of popular culture, to the point of thinking the “end-times” are near and look forward to Christ’s Second Coming, an event they expect to happen very soon. Among evangelicals, biblical prophecy and the rapture are a focal point for conversation and study.