What is evangelicalism in simple terms?
Evangelicals take the Bible seriously and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “the good news” or the “gospel.” Thus, the evangelical faith focuses on the “good news” of salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ.
What are the beliefs of evangelicals?
According to David Bebbington, a British historian, an evangelical Christian believes in four essential doctrines: to be saved a person must have a “born again” conversion experience—hence evangelicals are also known as “born-again Christians”; Jesus’s death on the cross atones for mankind’s sins; the Bible is the …
What is meant by the word evangelical?
1 : of, relating to, or being in agreement with the Christian gospel especially as it is presented in the four Gospels. 2 : protestant. 3 : emphasizing salvation by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of preaching as contrasted with …
Who founded evangelicalism?
In the 16th century Martin Luther and his followers, who stressed justification by faith in Jesus Christ and based their faith on Scripture alone, were known as Evangelicals.
Why is evangelism so important?
Evangelization is bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those around us. Jesus himself commanded us to evangelize. The Church exists to give witness to the Gospel. All around us are people who have never heard that God loves them and desires abundant life for them.
What is the evangelical movement?
In the United States, evangelicalism is a movement among Protestant Christians who believe in the necessity of being born again, emphasize the importance of evangelism, and affirm traditional Protestant teachings on the authority as well as the historicity of the Bible.
How do evangelicals interpret the Bible?
The vast majority of evangelical and fundamentalist Christians regard the Biblical text as clear, and believe that the average person may understand the basic meaning and teachings of the Bible. Such Christians often refer to the teachings of the Bible rather than to the process of interpretation itself.
Are Baptists evangelical?
Most Baptists are evangelical in doctrine, but their beliefs may vary due to the congregational governance system that gives autonomy to individual local Baptist churches. Historically, Baptists have played a key role in encouraging religious freedom and separation of church and state.
What is the history of evangelicalism?
In the 16th century Martin Luther and his followers, who stressed justification by faith in Jesus Christ and based their faith on Scripture alone, were known as Evangelicals. During the Reformation, the term distinguished the followers of Luther from those of John Calvin, who were known as Reformed.
Who is the founder of evangelicalism?
The single most important figure in the history of Evangelicalism was John Wesley, the founder of the Methodists (which between the Civil War and World War II was the largest Protestant denomination in the United States). John Wesley (1703- 91) was the evangelical movement’s most effective spokesman and organizer.
What percent of the US is evangelical?
Wheaton College’s Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals estimates that about 30 to 35 percent (90 to 100 million people) of the US population is evangelical. These figures include white and black “cultural evangelicals” (Americans who do not regularly attend church but identify as evangelicals).