Evangelical

Definition

Evangelical refers to a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the importance of spreading the Christian message. This movement is characterized by its focus on the 'good news' of Jesus Christ, advocating for a relationship with God through faith, and often involves active evangelism and outreach efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The evangelical movement emerged in the 18th century during the First Great Awakening, emphasizing personal faith and emotional experiences.
2. Evangelicals often prioritize a literal interpretation of the Bible, believing it to be divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice.
3. Many evangelicals are involved in missions and church planting, seeking to share their faith and expand the reach of Christianity globally.
4. The term 'evangelical' can encompass a wide range of denominations and beliefs but is typically united by a common emphasis on scripture and personal conversion experiences.
5. In contemporary society, evangelicalism has become significant in cultural and political spheres, especially in North America, influencing various social issues and movements.

Review Questions

• How does the evangelical understanding of the Bible influence their views on biblical inspiration and inerrancy?
  • Evangelicals believe in the Bible's divine inspiration, which leads them to assert that it is entirely accurate and without error in its teachings. This belief connects closely with their emphasis on personal faith, as they see scripture as God's authoritative word that guides their lives. Consequently, evangelicals are committed to defending the inerrancy of the Bible against criticisms that may arise from modern interpretations or scholarly critiques.
• Discuss the role of personal conversion within evangelicalism and how it relates to their overall beliefs about faith.
  • Personal conversion is a cornerstone of evangelical faith, as it signifies an individual's conscious decision to accept Jesus Christ as their savior. This transformation is viewed as essential for salvation and is often accompanied by a profound emotional experience. Evangelicals believe that this conversion not only affirms their personal relationship with God but also empowers them to share their faith with others, thereby fulfilling their mission to spread the gospel.
• Evaluate the impact of evangelicalism on contemporary society, especially regarding its approach to social issues and cultural engagement.
  • Evangelicalism has significantly influenced contemporary society by shaping conversations around various social issues such as family values, morality, and justice. Their strong biblical foundations drive evangelicals to advocate for positions based on scripture, often leading to involvement in political movements and community initiatives. As a result, evangelical perspectives can be seen both positively for promoting charitable work and negatively when perceived as divisive or intolerant. This duality illustrates the complexities of how evangelical beliefs intersect with broader societal norms.

Related terms

Inerrancy: The belief that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error or fault in all its teachings.

Conversion: The process of turning to Christianity or changing one's religious beliefs to follow Jesus Christ, often seen as a critical experience in evangelical faith.

Fundamentalism: A movement within Christianity that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a strict adherence to orthodox beliefs and often an opposition to modernist interpretations of scripture.