Evangelicalism

Definition

Evangelicalism is a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the importance of sharing the Christian faith with others. It highlights distinct beliefs and practices that set it apart from other denominations, focusing on the transformative experience of faith and active engagement in spreading the Gospel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evangelicalism originated in the 18th century during the revival movements in Britain and America, emphasizing personal faith and emotional experiences.
2. Key figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield were instrumental in spreading evangelical beliefs through powerful preaching and revival meetings.
3. Evangelicals often prioritize mission work, education, and social justice as expressions of their faith, engaging with cultural issues while promoting biblical values.
4. The movement is characterized by a diverse range of denominations, including Baptists, Pentecostals, and non-denominational churches, each with unique expressions of faith.
5. Evangelicalism has significantly influenced contemporary culture, politics, and social issues, particularly in the United States, where it has become a prominent voice in public discourse.

Review Questions

• How does evangelicalism distinguish itself from other Christian denominations through its beliefs and practices?
  • Evangelicalism sets itself apart from other Christian denominations primarily through its strong emphasis on personal conversion, known as being 'born again,' and the authority of Scripture. Evangelicals believe that individual experiences of faith are crucial for salvation and actively promote the need to share their beliefs with others. This focus on personal faith and evangelism creates distinct worship styles, community involvement, and doctrinal priorities that differ from more traditional or liturgical churches.
• Discuss the role of biblical authority in evangelicalism and how it shapes the practices within this movement.
  • Biblical authority is a cornerstone of evangelicalism that shapes nearly all aspects of its practices. Evangelicals hold that the Bible is God's inspired word and serves as the ultimate guide for both personal faith and communal life. This belief leads to a strong emphasis on scriptural teaching in sermons, Bible studies, and personal devotions. As a result, evangelicals are often engaged in interpreting Scripture not just for spiritual growth but also for addressing contemporary social issues through a biblical lens.
• Evaluate how the Great Commission influences the mission activities of evangelical denominations in modern society.
  • The Great Commission profoundly influences the mission activities of evangelical denominations today by serving as both a theological mandate and a practical guide for outreach. Evangelicals interpret Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations as a call to engage actively in evangelism and global missions. This has led to widespread efforts in church planting, humanitarian aid, education initiatives, and addressing social justice issues as part of their commitment to fulfilling this commission. Consequently, many evangelical organizations focus on combining spiritual outreach with tangible community support to reflect their faith in action.

Related terms

Conversion: The process of turning to faith in Jesus Christ, which is central to evangelical belief and often described as being 'born again.'

Biblical Authority: The belief that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth and authority for Christian faith and practice, guiding all aspects of life.

Great Commission: The instruction given by Jesus to his disciples to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, a fundamental aspect of evangelical mission.