Religion, Spirituality, and Worldview

Evangelical Christian refers to a diverse group of Protestant Christians who share theological views and often conservative political views as well as a subculture. It’s important to keep in mind that diversity exists within evangelical Christianity in many aspects of identity, and that someone’s religion cannot be assumed to be the sole or main motivating factor for ideological stances or decisions such as voting behaviors. Taking into account individual self-identification while also being appropriately descriptive may help acknowledge these nuances. It’s also important for clarity to use precise language (e.g., “white evangelical Christian”) when describing particular evangelical groups. Using specific terminology that matches relevant polls and sources when distinguishing between evangelicals and related groups (for instance, conservatives, the religious right, fundamentalists) ensures that these distinct terms are not mistaken as interchangeable.

Indigenous religions is an umbrella term for the spiritual traditions and practices of Indigenous peoples across the world. Indigenous religions tend to emphasize relationships with land and human and non-human beings and don’t usually articulate or reinforce doctrines and systems of theology. Using the term “Indigenous religion” as a broad category might give the false impression that all Indigenous religions are essentially the same. Using the general term may make sense when referring to trends across various Indigenous cultures (like oral tradition, non-proselytizing, and relationships with land as the center of spirituality). Naming these similarities while also pointing to diversity helps avoid stereotyping all Indigenous peoples and religions. In cases where specific groups of people are the subject of reporting, understanding and naming the particular religious traditions of that group (e.g., the Seven Sacred Rites of the Lakota) ensures clarity and accuracy.

Interfaith refers to people from different religious and spiritual backgrounds who join together to engage in dialogue, community action, education, and cooperation. It can also refer to people of different religions who choose to marry and/or build families. Variants of interfaith include interreligious, multifaith, and multireligious. These words are sometimes used interchangeably depending on the context, while some individuals and organizations use certain variants for specific purposes. Some interfaith/interreligious groups are inclusive of religious “nones” and people who articulate spiritual and ethical beliefs outside of organized religion. Taking into account how someone self-identifies whenever possible ensures coverage aligns with their lived experience. Being specific about the faiths or beliefs in question when possible also helps add clarity.

Judeo-Christian is a term that has been used in political rhetoric since the mid-20th century to promote the idea that what is shared between Jews and Christians (some religious texts, customs, and values) is the basis of Western civilization and a core element of American political identity. It’s important to keep in mind that the term has become loaded and often serves to “other” religious minority groups. Also take into account critiques that the term inaccurately portrays Christian and Jewish interests as unified, ignores the history of antisemitism within the Christian Church, and alienates other religious groups from an assumed political consensus. When quoting or critiquing the term Judeo-Christian, an explanation of how the phrase is used to further a particular political narrative might help contextualize the reasons for moving away from it.

Pagan and New Age are umbrella terms for a diverse body of contemporary spiritual traditions and eclectic practices. The term “pagan” has been used historically as a slur for Indigenous peoples and non-Christians (“heathen” is similarly outdated). Taking care to use the term pagan in its contemporary usage (to describe modern practices inspired by pre-Christian traditions and not to describe Indigenous religions) can help mitigate any archaic connotations of the term. Elaborating on the particular spiritual practices of individuals beyond the labels pagan or New Age and deferring to how people identify themselves helps to ensure that people’s spiritualities are represented fairly and not conflated with other related traditions.