Evangelicalism Definition and Overview

Introduction

Evangelicalism is a progressive form of Christianity, which emerged in the Age of Atonement and is characterized by the belief in the Bible’s literal truth. The movement’s members identify with the need to be ‘born again’, live a holy life, and have a personal relationship with Christ. From the humble origins in the Lutheran Evangelische church, evangelicals are present in five continents, having overcome three centuries of persecution. The movement is founded on the spiritual awakening precept that is a fusion of the Anglican traditions, Puritanism and Pietism that were practiced in the Anglosphere region of the present United Kingdom. The experiences by people such as George Whitefield and John Wesley showed that they began to teach conversion and holiness, and by the third century, evangelicalism based on the principle of personal conversion took hold. Today, however, evangelicalism extends beyond personal conviction to include churches, schools, universities and non-profit organizations – and in some places, political parties. Despite its considerable growth and triumph over the last 250 years, evangelicalism appears frail, reserved to race supremacy wars, and appears unprepared for the future in a world turning agnostic.

The Future of Evangelicalism

Despite predictions that the end of evangelicalism can be expected, evidence suggests the contrary. The future of the movement can be “deduced by looking closely at its roots.” ¹ Fortunately, evangelicalism has a strong foundation based on God, Jesus, discipleship, salvation, faith, the Bible, evangelism, and many other spiritual themes. However, recently, evangelicalism has taken on the political label, which has strengthened it and equally caused the rise of division and partisanship within its ranks. Consequently, the awakening of the evangelicals predicted by Wesley in the 1700s has occurred, and evangelicalism has gained social prominence. To survive and grow, the form of faith must evolve into a political outfit, which it has begun, which explains its growth in Asia and regions that are predominantly Catholic.² Undoubtedly, evangelicalism is not ending; rather, it is experiencing a social and political transformation as its leaders illuminate words and deeds in the form of a virile wide spectrum of faith.

Evangelicals have to end partisanship and tone down political rhetoric and class wars to secure a prosperous future. Concern over the dominance of white supremacy among the group has been growing – a factor that could see the return of the “white church” which thrived through racial segregation.³ Unfortunately, the American evangelical movement failed to transform into a catalyst of racial equality and justice. For instance, on social media, Ryan Burge found search results for the term ‘evangelical’ appeared alongside ‘white’ or ‘white evangelical’, thus, suggesting and affirming racial bias even among Christ-followers.⁴ Indeed, the country is changing rapidly as minority groups increase in population. The failure by the current evangelical church leadership to stop partisanship could thus have severe consequences on the future church should some groups begin to revolt. One cannot ignore the prejudice experienced in the last election, where the church leadership publicly endorsed their preferred candidate without regard for the deep political divisions among congregants.

Evangelicalism has evolved through the centuries and against difficult odds to dominate Christianity. However, the movement is under threat from its history of white supremacy amid growing diversity and partisanship. These threats are likely to influence the demise of the faith; however, evangelicals appear to hinge on politics for survival. The failure to change and adopt some form of socialist ideals could challenge the future of one of the most successful religions and movements.

References

Hesselgnrave, David, and Ed Stetzer, Mission Shift: Global Mission Issues in the Third Millennium. Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group, 2010.

Michael, Luo. “American Christianity’s White-Supremacy Problem History, Theology, and Culture All Contribute to The Racist Attitudes Embedded in The White Church,” The New Yorker, 2020. Web.

Ryan, Burdge. “Race, Religion, and the Future of American Evangelicalism,” Christianity Today, 2019. Web.

Footnotes

1. David Hesselgrave and Ed Stetzer, Mission Shift: Global Mission Issues in the Third Millennium (Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group, 2010), 164.
2. Hesselgrave and Stetzer, Mission Shift, 328.
3. Luo Michael, “American Christianity’s White-Supremacy Problem History, Theology, and Culture All Contribute to The Racist Attitudes Embedded in The White Church,” The New Yorker, 2020. Web.
4. Burdge Ryan. “Race, Religion, and the Future of American Evangelicalism,” Christianity Today, 2019. Web.