Four Kinds of American Christianity

I have noticed four common strains of Christianity in America, each of which are defined by a particular emphasis. Interestingly, these strains cut across confessional and denominational boundaries. In my denomination (the PCA), all except the first are present, though in some corners there are moralizing tendencies due to the broadly Evangelical character of some PCA churches. This is because these four dispositions arise out of a uniquely modern experience (if not a uniquely American experience!) and are not fully addressed by any creedal or confessional statement. All could point to portions of creedal and confessional statements that support their disposition. Hence, it is important to understand that these are not doctrinal  differences but cultural differences.

Moral - This kind of Christianity emphasizes rectitude of living. It views the essence of Christianity as the creation of a people who conform to a certain moral standard, specifically the one given in the Bible.  It is not necessarily moralistic (at least in theory), but it does tend to be intolerant of moral mediocrity. It is morally rigorous - it views things like alcohol, smoking, dancing (except square-dancing), and non-Christian movies and TV as morally questionable if not immoral. High on its agenda is the purity of the Church and national moral renewal. Thus, it is a vocal opponent of things such as homosexuality, abortion, feminism, secularism, pluralism, and public displays of sexuality.

Doctrinal - Doctrinalists emphasize rectitude of doctrine. It views the essence of Christianity as believing and trusting in the right teachings. It is typically less stringent on some moral issues (such as drinking, smoking, and media), but does not tolerate doctrinal impurity. This rigor extends beyond essential , catholic doctrines to debates over egalitarianism vs. complementarianism, infralapsarianism vs. supralapsarianism, transformationalist  vs. two kingdom. The end of the Christian faith is to create a people who have a biblical worldview. Therefore, they tend to emphasize the intellectual and the didactic. Rectitude of doctrine is believed to show rectitude of heart; those who are doctrinally faulty are believed to be rebellious against God's word.

Emotional - Emotional Christianity emphasizes emotional experience. It views the essence of Christianity as the experience of spiritual highs that are therapeutic and calming. These spiritual experiences are gained through worship, prayer, Bible reading, and small groups. They heal a broken person that is suffering from low self-esteem, anxiety, sinful habits, and suffering. It is not rigorous on doctrine or moral behavior, but rather emphasizes sincerity of heart. What matters is whether or not a person is authentic. The end of the Christian faith is to put Christians in a personal relationship with their Friend, Jesus, who heals their woes.

Aesthetic  - Aesthetic Christians emphasize the vision of Christianity. The essence of Christianity is its narrative which gives meaning, hope, and spiritual transformation to the Church and the world. It focuses on the affections of a person. Christianity is about desiring the right thing (God) which is achieved through spiritual discipline and the means of grace. Since they emphasize the aesthetic and the beautiful, they tend have liturgical services and tend to be culturally sophisticated. Aesthetic Christians disavow the kitsch, the sterile, and the superficial. They tend to The end of the Christian faith is to make a people who desire God to participate in his vision for the world.