Finding your place on the theological spectrum

Have you ever tried to explain to a new believer what the difference is between conservative and liberal, evangelical and Pentecostal, Pentecostal and charismatic, liberal and orthodox?

I have. Plenty of times. I fail miserably every time. I figure as long as they never buy Calvinism they’ll be alright. Funnily enough, the most helpful tool to ‘place yourself’ and describe the various spectrums that I’ve come across in years is from Calvinists.

When I say Calvinists I mean Cappuccino Calvinists of course [all froth and no wrath type]. New Millenium Calvinism has been stripped of the austere emphasis on wrath and 3-piece suits and in its place is a new army of chino wearing Calvin-Lite exponents who have reworked the wording of TULIP so that its a bit lighter on the ear. To say “all froth” is a bit unfair, but I mean that in reference more to judgement rather than to theological acumen. These guys are bright [Calvinism aside].

All this is besides the point. The point is that C Michael Patton, the chief collaborator over at Parchment & Pen [Reclaiming the mind Ministries] has provided some unique new ways of trying to work out where the main contending theological positions can be plotted. It may not be the best one you can possibly create but its better than anything I’ve seen before. check it out for yourself at Parchment & Pen and enjoy a good read of a treasure trove of other stuff at the same time.