Evangelical Christianity, or Evangelicalism, has increasingly become a moving target in the 21st century. Though we could trace the roots of it right back through the Reformation, it gained traction as a cohesive stream of thought in American revivalism and is commonly synonymous with conservative cultural movements such as “The Christian Right” and leaders like Pat Robertson, James Dobson, and the late Jerry Falwell. For many, it instantly reeks of fundamentalism — a loaded word that conjures up certain terms: judgmental, narrow-minded, and anti-intellectual. In fact, it’s probably easier for us to recite what we think Evangelicals are against — abortion, evolution, gay marriage — than what they are for.
I find that to be a shame.
“Evangelical” means a lot of things to a lot people. From my observations, it can be used off-the-
cuff for a cultural ideology, a set of theological beliefs, and even a political agenda.
Let me explain, as a Christ-follower and sometimes begrudgingly self-proclaimed Evangelical,
what I believe it means at its core. The common thread that runs throughout the Evangelical
designation is that it is a certain way of handling Christianity. After hundreds of years of church
tradition passed down and around the globe, it’s often hard to know what to aim at, practically
speaking. And, from the beginning, Evangelicalism offered a succinct strategy, for lack of better
terms, about what was central to the Christian faith.
The word “Evangelical” comes from the Greek word used for “Gospel,” or, more
commonly, “Good News.” The good news, as it were, was that Jesus came to declare, live,
and die for God’s loving reign as the only King who truly had power. The good news was that
when all other kingdoms and ways of life came up bankrupt, there was a Creator who loved his
creation and desired to rule them with love, justice and peace. So Evangelicalism’s four elements,
which are about spreading and inviting others into the Jesus-as-true-King story, are rooted here.
The first is what we would call Christocentric. This is a way of life based on the life, teachings, and call of Jesus. The second is that it’s Biblical. If God is King, then the Bible is the story of what it means to live well in his kingdom. Evangelicals believe that the Bible is the story that defines our place in history. The third element is a focus on evangelism, or what some would term proselytizing. If Evangelicals believe that Jesus is King and that his way of life is the best possible way of life, then they are called to invite others into that same way of life. And the fourth, related to the third, is a focus on the “born again” nature of Evangelicals. In fact, “born again” is sometimes a substitute for “Evangelical.” Historically, all this really means is that an invitation into the Kingdom of God takes transformation. Jesus invites all to come as they are, but he invites them to walk further and further out of a bankrupt way of life into his life.
Evangelicals are, first and foremost, about being oriented to the love of Jesus and inviting others
into his love and life. I confess we aren’t always known for that, and you may even say we are
rarely known for that. But know that, when we call ourselves Evangelical, it’s because we
are passionate about the love of God for the world, not about judging everyone not like us.
Photo Credit: dno1967b
The Discussion
But God in the Old Testament is the anti-thesis to this whole article...
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Petey: Thank you for your explanation of the positive things about Evangelism in you life. I admire your call, your study for ministry and thank you for your service.
You wrote, "In fact, it’s probably easier for us to recite what we think Evangelicals are against — abortion, evolution, gay marriage — than what they are for."
Do you assert that Evangelicals aren't against those things?
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I don't think being a fundamentalist is a horrible thing. Fundamentalism is a very indeterminate concept. Aren't those who uphold strict religious Christian doctrine and take literal interpretation of the bible considered fundamentalist? I don't see a problem with upholding ones religious beliefs in a strict manner as long as those beliefs are not forced upon others AND do not impede ones ability to be reasonable in advocating for public good.
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Curious thing about Evangelicals and others who call themselves "Christians". Luke 14:26-27 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.". Do Christians hate their father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters and their own life? If they do, they are Job. Job even means the "hated" in Hebrew: Strongs #347
I don't want to have anything to do with them for they are full of hate or are hypocrites and liars. Why are they so deaf and so blind? They should have listened for the yeast of the Pharisee of Pharisses has travel through the entire loaf. Narrow is the way of truth and few find it. The truth will set you free.
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And as an atheist, I would invite all evangelicals to really examine their scripture, their beliefs, and why they believe them.
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Nice piece. If you haven't already, you should check out some of Michael Spencer's work. He's a strong believer and theologian (I believe he's Baptist) who wrote a book called "The coming evangelical collapse" where he predicts a impending collapse of the church followed by a revival.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html
best points:
1. The movement's focus on political issues distracted it from teaching scripture. Modern evangelicals are less knowledgeable about the contents of the bible than previous generations.
2. Failure to connect with young people effectively.
3. Bad business model. Look for many mega-churches to fold in the coming years.
4. "Protestant work ethic" replaced the "good Samaritan".
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Interesting article. If you say evangelicals are all about God's love, can you please explain why Calvinist evangelicals advocate that humans are nothing in order to glorify God? Why do Christians dislike unique people if the very foundation of God's love is unconditional and accepting? Shouldn't Christians understand how God loves in order to desire it?
Yes, good article. There's too much disinformation out there about Christianity. Having said that, I'm not crazy about labeling myself an evangelical. Since so many people have distorted the term over time, it has effectively lost its meaning. And we're not helping our cause in that regard.
Also, it looks like Mr. Robertson has lemon juice in his eyes in your picture. Come to think of it, I wish CBN would hire somebody to squirt citrus in the man's face when he says that Jesus causes floods because of legalized abortion.
Nice article, Petey. Thank you. As a PK & former seminary student, I'm familiar with what you speak of.
For me, the experience is always, or primarily, metaphorical - although no less meaningful than that of those who choose literalist approaches to scripture. That threshold, however, between the two approaches can be quite significant; I remember being unable to reconcile them, many years ago, & being very confused by (& uncomfortable with) the newly emerging Campus Crusade for Christ, etc..
I regret - very much - the dissipation of belief, & consequent lack of civility, in our culture. But I also submit that what has disturbed many has been the literalist foray into politics; it doesn't belong there, at least not as a litmus test.
People forget that even Hitler used the bible for his own ends. Evangelicals have held this country back in a number of ways in my opinion. Religion and Governance do not mix. Frankly it frightens me to think some people would govern according to their religion. You cannot legislate morality but you can legislate morally.
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Religion is a very personal matter. It is between that person and their god. It is up to each person to seek out truth in all matters. Religion has no place in government. Government has no place in dictating to religion any aspect of their lives if it is against their view as long as their view doesn't harm others. It is wrong for the government to force someone to take medication if that is against their beliefs (of course they may die but that is their choice). It is wrong for the government to force LGBT on others just as DOMA is forcing marriage which is and has always been a religious institution on others. All one has to do is look at Saudi Arabia and how police enforce servitude to religious law to see the folly of religion & state
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Petey,
This is the first article I,ve seen that attempts to explain the evangelical philosophy. I appreciate your doing it. My first concern is that evangelicals appear to not respect the beliefs of others who do not see Christ as they do nor the "Judeo" part of Judeo-Christian framework of our country; there is no true belief in freedom of religion. My second concern is that evangelicals are trying to insert their beliefs into laws, essentially instituting a state religion - forbidden by the constitution. I know this isn't universal among the followers; I once attended a prayer breakfast where the Baptist minister did not mention Jesus once-recognized his multi-denominational audience. I welcome your response as dialog helps understanding.
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John 3:18 "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "
Although I'm not a Christian, I'm not arguing that "judging" someone is wrong. Just asking for honest introspection.
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The fact remains that evangelicals must explain the teaching within their Bible regarding ETERNAL judgment of people who are different in matters of religious faith. Consider the writings of the Apostle John which suggest those who are "different" -- don't believe Jesus -- are eternally lost.
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Thank you for your insightful article. Evangelicals, in our fast media culture have gotten a decidely bad rap and shallow treatment for their beliefs. I do have to agree with Sal below though, that the political stances taken by many evangelicals seem to be at odds with the teachings of Christ. Our King sat with sinners and preached the good news to them, rather than publicly condeming them and advocating for violence and war as many modern evangelicals are potrayed as doing. Although I don't identify as evangelical, I am Christian, and the public opinions of many of these groups appall me.
Mr. Crowder- Thank you for providing some insight into the true meaning of Evangelicalism. I found it very interesting.
Fighting evil, turning the other cheek and living a life that mirrors our Creator are all good things. Most important is the fact that all Americans are free to worship any way they choose.
Sometimes evangelicals run into some trouble when they proselytize, an important part of evangelical doctrine (you indicated this is the case in your essay). Occasionally, this means telling another person that their religion is inferior to evangelicalism. This can offend some people.
A second area of concern is that it appears that evangelicals often mix religion and government, which goes against our nation's tradition to separate church and state. This can come in many forms. For instance, one may say that our federal government is not following the teachings of Christ regarding one issue or another. That may be true, but not every American is a follower of Christ. And then there are the issues of abortion and gay rights. Evangelicals use their teachings to justify their positions regarding these very controversial debates. This often creates hard feelings because, once again, not every American is a proponent of evangelical teachings.
I think the Evangelical movement in the America would be served by encouraging its members to be more tolerant of others regarding controversial social issues. The ideal is that all religions in this country respect each other and work towards the common good, which is the cornerstone of our nation.