Spectrum

A few excerpts of Michael Patton's From Fundamentalism to Liberal: Spectrum of Thought in the Western Church (Updated)

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You can click on each chart to get a larger version.

The Evangelicalism of the 1940s was a progressive movement. It was progressive in two ways 1) It was a movement of cultural engagement. 2) It was a movement that recognized the need for and valued theological diversity (at least to some degree). The Emerging church is progressive in the same way.

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Movement toward the left represents a diminishing capacity to relate the Gospel in a world in need. To the right represents a loss of any definite message.

The only note I will add here is to draw attention to the two extremes. Liberalism integrated with the culture which results in compromised living. Fundamentalists separated from the culture with results in compromised mission.

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The middle represents a place where doctrine is important, but not all doctrine is equal.

I think we are beginning to recognize the need to balance our works and words. What good is the Gospel message without a proclamation of truth? What good is the proclamation of truth without a life of mercy and concern?

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OK, here is where I get in trouble. Not only do I still have names, but I have added more! Notice the change in the “historic orthodoxy” delineation. The fading line shows how one can begin to step outside of historic Christianity on certain issues, yet still remain orthodox in others. I believe that many in the Emergent church, for example, are stepping outside the bounds of orthodoxy with regards to the doctrine of Hell, but they would still remain orthodox with regards to the resurrection and Lordship of Christ. Therefore, being outside of orthodoxy is not a black and white issue. Even Dwight Pentecost of Dallas Theological Seminary used to say that everyone is allow at least on pet heresy!

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