Evangelicalism

The word evangelicalism usually refers to a traditional tendency in diverse branches of Protestantism, typified by an emphasis on evangelism, a personal experience of conversion, biblically-oriented faith, and a belief in the relevance of Christian faith to cultural issues. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, Protestant people, churches and social movements were often called evangelical in contrast to Protestant liberalism.

Doctrine

The Bible is accepted as reliable and the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. The Protestant Reformation doctrines of sola scriptura and sola fide are primary. The historicity of the miracles of Jesus and the virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and Second Coming are asserted, although there are a variety of understandings of the end times and eschatology.

Related Topics:
Protestant Reformation - Doctrine - Sola scriptura - Sola fide - Miracles - Virgin birth - Crucifixion - Resurrection - Second Coming - End times - Eschatology

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Commentators and historians describe four characteristics of evangelicals:

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• emphasis on the conversion experience, also called being saved, new birth or born again after John 3:3. Thus evangelicals, at times, refer to themselves as born again Christians.
• the Bible is the primary source of religious authority, as God's revelation to humankind. Bible prophecy is often affirmed.
• encouragement of evangelism (the act of sharing one's beliefs) -- in organized missionary work or by personal evangelism.
• a central focus on Christ's redeeming work on the cross as the means for salvation and the forgiveness of sins.

These characteristics are similar to the Bebbington quadrilateral identified in his study of British evangelicalism.

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John C. Green, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron in Ohio, found in the 2004 American Religious Landscape Reporthttp://pewforum.org/publications/surveys/green-full.pdf that despite many variations, evangelicals in the United States generally adhere to four core beliefs:

Related Topics:
Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics - University of Akron - Ohio - 2004 American Religious Landscape Report

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• Biblical inerrancy
• Salvation comes through faith in Jesus and not good works
• Individuals (above an age of accountability) must personally trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
• All Christians are commissioned to evangelize

In regards to "Biblical inerrancy", a notable summit on Bible inerrancy was held in Chicago in 1978. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy was signed by nearly 300 noted evangelical scholars (see main article). There is no consensus among evangelicals, however, regarding Biblical inerrancy.

Related Topics:
Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy - Main article

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