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.

Roots

The contemporary evangelical movement has its origins in the 18th century. In that period, the First Great Awakening was deeply influencing American religious life, while at the same time John Wesley and the Methodist movement were renewing British Christianity. Much of this religious fervor was a reaction to Enlightenment thinking and the deistic writings of many of the western philosophical elites.

Related Topics:
First Great Awakening - John Wesley - Methodist movement - Enlightenment - Deistic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The chief emphases of the fledgling Methodist movement as well as the Awakening were individual conversion, personal piety and Bible study, public morality often including Temperance and family values, and Abolitionism, a broadened role for lay people and women in worship, evangelism and teaching, and cooperation in evangelism across denominational lines (that is, interdenominationally).

Related Topics:
Temperance - Family values - Abolitionism - Lay people - Interdenominational

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In its early years, what was to become known as evangelicalism was largely a hybrid of the Reformed emphasis on doctrinal orthodoxy, and the pietist emphasis on the heart and a "personal relationship" with God. The movement saw a variety of liturgical styles and ministry approaches, though strong preaching, personal conversion (similar to Wesley's Aldersgate experience), and evangelism were common features.

Related Topics:
Reformed - Pietist - Aldersgate

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Other key figures include: Jonathan Edwards, American Puritan preacher/theologian; George Whitefield, British Methodist preacher; Robert Raikes, who established the first Sunday School to prevent children in the slums entering a life of crime; Charles Wesley, popular hymn writer; and Francis Asbury, American Methodist bishop.

Related Topics:
Jonathan Edwards - George Whitefield - Robert Raikes - Sunday School - Charles Wesley - Francis Asbury

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~