Evangelicalism

Definition

Evangelicalism is a Christian movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the importance of sharing the Christian faith with others. This movement has been a driving force in American religious life, particularly during periods of revival, where enthusiastic preaching and emotional experiences often led to significant growth in church attendance and conversions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evangelicalism gained significant traction during the First Great Awakening in the 18th century, leading to an increase in church membership and new denominations.
2. Prominent figures in the evangelical movement include George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, who were known for their passionate preaching styles that stirred emotional responses from their audiences.
3. The movement often emphasized social reform issues, such as abolitionism and temperance, as evangelicals believed that personal conversion should lead to societal change.
4. Evangelical churches typically emphasize the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as central to one's faith journey.
5. By the 19th century, evangelicalism played a key role in shaping American identity and was deeply intertwined with various reform movements, including missions and education.

Review Questions

• How did evangelicalism influence social reform movements in America during the 19th century?
  • Evangelicalism significantly impacted social reform movements by promoting values of personal morality and social responsibility. Many evangelicals believed that genuine conversion should lead to action against societal issues such as slavery and alcohol consumption. This moral imperative inspired many to join movements like abolitionism and temperance, showing how evangelical beliefs translated into active efforts for social change.
• In what ways did the preaching styles of figures like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards contribute to the growth of evangelicalism during the Great Awakening?
  • The passionate and emotive preaching styles of figures like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards played a crucial role in the growth of evangelicalism during the Great Awakening. Their ability to engage audiences through vivid storytelling and emotional appeals created powerful spiritual experiences. These dynamic sermons drew large crowds and inspired many individuals to seek personal conversion, leading to a significant increase in church attendance and a rise in new congregations.
• Analyze how evangelicalism's focus on individual conversion has shaped its role in American culture and identity over time.
  • Evangelicalism's emphasis on individual conversion has had a profound impact on American culture and identity by fostering a sense of personal agency in spiritual matters. This focus encourages believers to actively engage in their faith, leading to a culture of outreach and evangelism that has permeated various aspects of American life. Over time, this has manifested in the establishment of numerous denominations, influential revival meetings, and involvement in social issues, ultimately shaping America's religious landscape into one that values personal experience alongside communal worship.

Related terms

Revivalism: A movement within evangelicalism that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal through intense public preaching and emotional worship experiences.

Pietism: A reform movement within Lutheranism that emphasized personal faith, piety, and the need for a heartfelt relationship with God.

Fundamentalism: A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in reaction to modernist theology, often associated with a literal interpretation of the Bible.