Defining "Evangelical"

Thursday, July 8. 2021

Frequently Evangelicals are defined by many as, or perceived to be, far right, conservative, white "Trumpers". Some evangelicals might be that, but that is not what being an "evangelical" means.

Historian David Bebbington provides a helpful summary of
evangelical distinctives, identifying four primary characteristics of
evangelicalism:

Conversionism: the belief that lives need to be transformed through a
“born-again” experience and a life long process of following Jesus

Activism: the expression and demonstration of the gospel in missionary and social reform efforts

Biblicism: a high regard for and obedience to the Bible as the ultimate authority

Crucicentrism: a stress on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as making possible the redemption of humanity

True evangelicals, above all else, are people who believe in the Evangel, ie- the Gospel, and the need for all people to experience regeneration by faith in Christ. They expect such "born again" people to live righteous lives. They also are committed to a high view of the inspiration and authority of the Bible.

It will not do to jettison the label "Evangelical" and simply say that we are "followers of Jesus". What exactly does that mean? Jesus did not work for a living- he was supported by a group of women. He owned no property. Paid no bills. Practically speaking he was homeless. He was constantly moving around, town to town. He was a preacher first and foremost. He validated his claims to be the Messiah by works of mercy- healings and exorcisms. Are we following his example in all of this? It seems that for many being a follower of Jesus simply means being a social activist. Really?

None of that defines what an "Evangelical" is or does.

Posted by Cal in Christian Living at 17:37 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

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