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Evangelicalism Unveiled

A comprehensive academic exploration of the global movement, its theological foundations, historical trajectory, and diverse expressions.

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The Essence of Evangelicalism

Defining the Movement

Evangelicalism, also known as evangelical Christianity or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide, interdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity. It places a significant emphasis on evangelism—the preaching and dissemination of the Christian gospel. The term originates from the Koine Greek word euangelion, meaning "good news," referring to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.[1]

Core Emphases

Central to evangelical belief is the emphasis on personal conversion, often described as being "born again." Evangelicals typically regard the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. This movement is characterized by a deep commitment to the gospel message and a drive to share it globally.[1]

Global Reach and Diversity

Evangelicalism transcends denominational boundaries, encompassing diverse traditions and global contexts. While its roots are in the Protestant Reformation, the modern movement gained momentum through Pietism, Puritanism, and the Great Awakenings, significantly shaping religious landscapes in the Anglosphere and beyond.[2]

Foundational Tenets

Conversionism

A cornerstone of evangelical faith is the belief in the necessity of personal conversion, often termed being "born again." This signifies a transformative experience, marked by repentance from sin and a personal commitment to faith in Christ, leading to a life of holiness.[17]

Biblicism

Evangelicals hold a profound reverence for the Bible, emphasizing its authority and divine inspiration. While interpretations vary, there is a strong commitment to Scripture as the ultimate guide for faith and life.[23]

Crucicentrism

The movement places central importance on the Atonement—specifically, the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is often understood through the lens of substitutionary atonement, where Christ's sacrifice is seen as taking the place of sinful humanity.[24]

Activism

Evangelicalism is characterized by a propensity for active engagement, both in sharing the gospel through preaching and in pursuing social action. This commitment manifests in various voluntary religious groups and parachurch organizations.[25]

Historical Trajectory

Early Roots

The theological foundations of modern evangelicalism trace back to the Protestant Reformation, particularly the emphasis on Scripture and the gospel by figures like Martin Luther. Influences from Pietism, Puritanism, Quakerism, and Moravianism in the 17th and 18th centuries were pivotal.[2]

The Great Awakenings

The 18th century saw the emergence of distinct evangelical revivals, notably the First Great Awakening in Britain and North America. Figures like John Wesley, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards played key roles, fostering a more personal and experiential approach to faith.[196]

The Awakenings emphasized personal salvation, piety, and the assurance of faith, leading to significant growth in Methodist and Baptist churches. This era saw a shift towards a more intimate and conviction-driven Christian experience.

Global Expansion

The 19th century witnessed a surge in missionary work and the establishment of numerous missionary societies. The Second Great Awakening in America further fueled the growth of evangelical denominations, while movements like the Wesleyan-Holiness and Keswickian traditions emerged, influencing Calvinistic circles.[221][223]

20th Century Developments

The 20th century saw the rise of Fundamentalism, Pentecostalism (spurred by the Azusa Street Revival), and Televangelism. The establishment of organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and publications like Christianity Today marked efforts to define and promote a more culturally relevant, yet theologically conservative, evangelicalism.[235]

A Spectrum of Belief

Confessional vs. Revivalist

Evangelicalism is broadly divided between confessionalism, which emphasizes adherence to historical creeds and confessions, and revivalism, which prioritizes religious experience and spontaneity. These streams sometimes critique each other for being overly intellectual or lacking spiritual depth, respectively.[174]

Mainstream and Progressive

Contemporary evangelicalism includes a "generic evangelical" trend that de-emphasizes denominational ties, often maintaining conservative theological and social stances. Additionally, progressive or postconservative evangelicals seek dialogue with other traditions, advocating for social justice and inclusivity.[175]

Defining Challenges

The broadness of the term "evangelical" has led some scholars to question its coherence. The movement encompasses a wide range of theological interpretations and practices, making a singular definition challenging.[164]

Organizational Framework

The Church

The term "church" among evangelicals refers to the universal body of Christ, the visible congregation, and the local community responsible for sacraments like baptism and the Lord's Supper. Many adhere to the doctrine of the "believers' church," emphasizing membership through personal conversion.[26]

Governance and Affiliation

While congregational polity is common, especially in nondenominational churches, various governance structures exist. Many churches affiliate with denominations or organizations like the World Evangelical Alliance for cooperative efforts in mission and social outreach.[35]

Ministry Roles

Key ministry roles include pastor, elder, deacon, evangelist, and worship leader. Some denominations officially authorize the ordination of women, citing biblical precedents.[40][45]

Practices of Worship

Diverse Styles

Evangelical worship is characterized by diversity, ranging from liturgical and contemporary styles to charismatic and seeker-sensitive approaches. Services typically include congregational singing, a sermon, and prayer, often with provisions for children's ministry.[53]

Places of Worship

Places of worship are commonly called "churches" or sometimes "campuses" in megachurches. Architectural styles often emphasize sobriety, with the Latin cross being a common symbol. Some traditions avoid religious imagery due to interpretations of the Ten Commandments.[61][73]

Sacraments and Ordinances

Practices like baptism (immersion or infant) and the Lord's Supper are central. Some traditions also recognize foot washing as an ordinance. The presence of a baptistery, often for immersion baptism, is common.[27][75]

Educational Endeavors

Institutions of Learning

Evangelical churches have historically supported the establishment of elementary and secondary schools, as well as numerous Bible colleges, colleges, and universities worldwide. Organizations like the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) foster these networks.[86][90]

Global Networks

The International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICECE) connects hundreds of member schools across numerous countries, promoting theological education within the evangelical tradition.[96]

Views on Sexuality and Morality

Sexual Ethics

Evangelical perspectives on sexuality tend to be conservative and prescriptive. Many churches promote virginity pledges and purity rings, emphasizing sexual abstinence until Christian marriage. Some encourage early marriage to align with perceived biblical principles.[98]

Contemporary Issues

Views on issues like abortion (generally opposed) and homosexuality vary significantly, ranging from condemnation to more inclusive or neutral stances. Discussions around masturbation and the role of sexuality within marriage also present a spectrum of evangelical thought.[104][119]

Conservative Expressions

Christian Fundamentalism

Christian fundamentalism is often viewed as a subset of evangelicalism, characterized by strict adherence to biblical literalism and core doctrines like the virgin birth and resurrection of Christ. It emerged in the 1920s as a reaction against liberal theology.[166]

Mainstream vs. Separatist

While fundamentalists historically emphasized separatism from non-fundamentalist churches and culture, mainstream evangelicalism developed a consensus in the mid-20th century, seeking cultural relevance and academic rigor while maintaining theological conservatism.[235]

Theological Influences

The Princeton theologians, known for their defense of biblical inerrancy and Reformed theology, significantly influenced conservative evangelical thought. Dispensationalism, popularized by figures like John Nelson Darby and Cyrus Scofield, also became a notable aspect of evangelical theology.[230][225]

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References

References

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  2.  Erich Geldbach: Evangelikale Bewegung. In: Evangelisches Kirchenlexikon. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen 1986, Bd. 1, Sp. 1186.
  3.  Donald F. Durnbaugh, The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism, Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2003, p. 65, 73
  4.  William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 7, 173–174
  5.  Henrik Enroth, Douglas Brommesson, Global Community?: Transnational and Transdisciplinary Exchanges, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, USA, 2015, p. 125
  6.  Timothy J. Demy PhD, Paul R. Shockley PhD, Evangelical America: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Religious Culture, ABC-CLIO, USA, 2017, p. 105
  7.  Brad Christerson, Richard Flory, The Rise of Network Christianity, Oxford University Press, USA, 2017, p. 58
  8.  John H. Y. Briggs, A Dictionary of European Baptist Life and Thought, Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2009, p. 53
  9.  Brian Stiller, Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century, Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 210
  10.  Brian Stiller, Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century, Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 117
  11.  Mark Husbands, Timothy Larsen, Women, Ministry and the Gospel: Exploring New Paradigms, InterVarsity Press, USA, 2007, p. 230
  12.  Rosemary Skinner Keller, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Marie Cantlon, Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America, Volume 1, Indiana University Press, USA, 2006, p. 294
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  14.  Lisa Stephenson, Dismantling the Dualisms for American Pentecostal Women in Ministry, BRILL, Leyde, 2011, p. 46
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A full list of references for this article are available at the Evangelicalism Wikipedia page

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