Evangelicals

Definition

Evangelicals are a diverse group of Christians who emphasize the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal faith in Jesus Christ, and the necessity of sharing the Gospel with others. This movement has played a significant role in American religious life, influencing social, political, and cultural dimensions of society, particularly in the context of American exceptionalism, which is the belief that the United States has a unique mission to promote liberty and democracy worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evangelicals often participate in various forms of outreach, including missions and community service, viewing these as essential expressions of their faith.
2. The movement gained significant traction in the United States during the Great Awakening in the 18th century and has continued to evolve since then.
3. Evangelicals have become a powerful political force in American society, particularly since the late 20th century, influencing elections and policy decisions.
4. There is a wide range of beliefs and practices among evangelicals, leading to various denominations and independent churches that reflect different interpretations of Christianity.
5. Evangelicalism is often associated with a commitment to social issues like family values, education reform, and opposition to abortion, positioning itself as a moral voice in public life.

Review Questions

• How do evangelicals' beliefs shape their social and political engagement in American society?
  • Evangelicals' beliefs significantly influence their social and political engagement by promoting values such as personal responsibility, family integrity, and community service. They often view their faith as a call to action, leading them to engage in social issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and opposition to abortion. This active participation is rooted in their understanding of biblical teachings as guiding principles for creating a just society.
• In what ways has evangelicalism contributed to the idea of American exceptionalism throughout history?
  • Evangelicalism has contributed to American exceptionalism by promoting the belief that the U.S. has a unique role in spreading Christianity and democratic values globally. This perspective often aligns with historical moments like Manifest Destiny and various missionary movements that sought to expand both territorial and spiritual frontiers. Evangelicals have argued that America's founding principles are divinely inspired, further reinforcing their perception of the nation's special purpose on the world stage.
• Evaluate how the evolution of evangelicalism reflects broader cultural changes within American society from the 18th century to today.
  • The evolution of evangelicalism mirrors broader cultural changes within American society by adapting to shifts in social norms, technology, and demographics. From its roots in the Great Awakening, where emotional preaching was central, evangelicals have continually redefined their practices to engage new generations. The rise of megachurches and media outreach reflects contemporary cultural trends while maintaining core beliefs about personal faith and biblical authority. Additionally, evangelical responses to issues like civil rights, feminism, and globalization reveal how they negotiate their identity amidst societal transformations.

Related terms

Fundamentalism: A movement within Protestant Christianity that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing strict adherence to traditional beliefs and the literal interpretation of the Bible.

Revivalism: A religious movement characterized by spontaneous and emotional worship services aimed at revitalizing faith and encouraging conversions among individuals.

Christian Nationalism: A political ideology that seeks to define the United States as fundamentally a Christian nation and promotes policies that align with evangelical values.