Evangelicalism: A Rich and Complicated History of Faith, Virtue, and Influence
Evangelicalism is a dynamic and diverse movement within Christianity that has had a profound impact on both religious and secular life over several centuries. At its core, it is a faith tradition rooted in a commitment to the Bible, personal conversion, and the active dissemination of the gospel message. However, the story of evangelicalism is far from simple. It is a history marked by waves of revival, reform, missionary zeal, social activism, and cultural engagement, while also grappling with internal tensions and external challenges. This article explores the key virtues of evangelicalism, placing them in a historical context to help readers appreciate the movement’s rich and complicated history. By understanding the who, what, where, and how of evangelicalism, we can gain a fuller picture of its significance.
Evangelicalism’s Historical Roots
Evangelicalism has its roots in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. While it is not synonymous with the broader Protestant movement, evangelicalism shares much of the same theological ground. The Reformation was a period of immense religious upheaval in Europe, as reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and called for a return to the authority of Scripture. It was during this time that many of the foundational principles of evangelicalism were formed, including the emphasis on the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, the importance of individual faith and conversion, and the need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The term “evangelical” itself comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news” or “gospel.” Evangelicalism, therefore, is centered on the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, with a focus on personal conversion and the transformative power of faith. This emphasis on the individual’s relationship with God and the authority of Scripture has remained central to the movement throughout its history, even as it has taken on different forms and expressions.
The Great Awakenings and Revivalism
One of the most distinctive features of evangelicalism is its connection to revivalism. Beginning in the 18th century, evangelicalism experienced a series of religious revivals known as the Great Awakenings. These revivals were characterized by mass conversions, emotional preaching, and a renewed emphasis on personal faith and moral reform. The First Great Awakening, which took place in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s, was led by figures such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Their preaching focused on the need for personal conversion and repentance, and their messages resonated with large numbers of people who felt alienated by the more formal and institutionalized expressions of Christianity.
The First Great Awakening had a profound impact on American religious life, helping to shape the country’s religious landscape and laying the groundwork for future waves of revivalism. It also had significant social and political implications, as it encouraged a sense of individualism and personal responsibility that would later influence the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.
The Second Great Awakening, which occurred in the early 19th century, built on the foundation of the First Great Awakening but was even more widespread and influential. It was marked by camp meetings and outdoor revivals, where thousands of people would gather to hear preachers call for repentance and conversion. One of the key figures of the Second Great Awakening was Charles Finney, whose innovative methods of evangelism, including the “anxious bench” and public invitations to accept Christ, became standard practices in evangelical preaching.
These revival movements were not limited to the United States. In Britain, evangelicalism also flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly within the Methodist and Anglican traditions. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was a key figure in the British evangelical revival. Wesley’s emphasis on personal holiness, social reform, and the need for a transformative relationship with Christ resonated with many people, particularly the working class, who were often marginalized by the established church.
Evangelical Virtue: The Emphasis on Personal Faith and Conversion
At the heart of evangelicalism is the belief in personal conversion. Unlike some other Christian traditions that emphasize the role of sacraments, rituals, or institutional authority in the process of salvation, evangelicalism places the individual’s decision to follow Christ at the center of the faith journey. This emphasis on personal faith can be traced back to the Reformation, where reformers challenged the Catholic Church’s mediation of salvation through the sacraments and called for a return to the authority of Scripture.
For evangelicals, conversion is not just a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong process of sanctification. The individual’s relationship with God is central, and personal faith is understood to be transformative, leading to a changed life marked by moral and spiritual growth. This emphasis on personal faith has made evangelicalism an attractive movement for those seeking a direct and intimate relationship with God, as well as for those who may feel alienated by more hierarchical or ritualistic forms of Christianity.
Biblical Authority: The Foundation of Evangelical Belief
Another key virtue of evangelicalism is its unwavering commitment to the authority of the Bible. Evangelicals believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God and that it serves as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This belief is often summarized by the Reformation principle of sola scriptura, or “Scripture alone,” which asserts that the Bible, rather than church tradition or human reason, is the ultimate guide for the Christian life.
The evangelical commitment to biblical authority has its roots in the Reformation, when reformers like Luther and Calvin sought to challenge the Catholic Church’s reliance on tradition and the authority of the Pope. They called for a return to the Scriptures, arguing that the Bible should be accessible to all people, not just the clergy. This emphasis on the Bible as the foundation of faith has remained a hallmark of evangelicalism throughout its history.
In practice, this commitment to biblical authority means that evangelicals place a high value on personal Bible study and interpretation. The rise of the printing press during the Reformation made the Bible more widely available, and evangelicals have historically emphasized the importance of individuals reading and interpreting the Scriptures for themselves. This has contributed to a sense of individual responsibility in matters of faith, as well as a focus on personal spiritual growth.
Evangelism and Missionary Zeal: The Call to Spread the Gospel
One of the most defining characteristics of evangelicalism is its commitment to evangelism and missionary work. Evangelicals believe in the importance of spreading the gospel message and making disciples of all nations, as commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission. This missionary zeal has been a driving force behind the global expansion of evangelicalism, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The 19th century saw the rise of a powerful evangelical missionary movement, with missionaries traveling to Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands to spread the gospel. Figures like Hudson Taylor, who founded the China Inland Mission, and David Livingstone, who worked in Africa, are just a few examples of the many evangelical missionaries who dedicated their lives to sharing the Christian faith with people around the world.
This missionary movement was not just about spreading the gospel; it was also closely linked to social reform and humanitarian efforts. Many evangelical missionaries established schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the regions where they worked, believing that their faith called them to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of the people they served. This integration of evangelism and social action has remained a key aspect of evangelicalism, with many evangelicals today involved in humanitarian work, development projects, and advocacy for justice and human rights.
Social Reform and Activism: Evangelicalism’s Legacy of Justice
Throughout its history, evangelicalism has been deeply connected to social reform movements. One of the most notable examples of this is the role that evangelicals played in the abolition of slavery. In both Britain and the United States, evangelical Christians were at the forefront of the fight to end the transatlantic slave trade and to abolish slavery altogether.
In Britain, evangelical leaders like William Wilberforce were instrumental in the abolition movement. Wilberforce, a member of Parliament and a devout Christian, worked tirelessly for decades to bring an end to the British slave trade, which was finally abolished in 1807. His efforts were rooted in his evangelical faith, which taught him that all people are created in the image of God and that slavery was a grave injustice.
In the United States, evangelical abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, used their faith as a foundation for their activism. The evangelical emphasis on the equality of all people before God and the importance of moral righteousness inspired many to join the abolitionist cause, despite the strong opposition they faced from pro-slavery advocates.
Evangelical social reform was not limited to the abolition of slavery. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, evangelicals were involved in a wide range of social justice issues, including temperance, women’s suffrage, child labor reform, and education. The evangelical belief in the transformative power of faith, combined with a sense of personal responsibility to live out one’s beliefs, led many evangelicals to become leaders in these movements.
This legacy of social reform continues to influence evangelicalism today. Many evangelical organizations and individuals are involved in efforts to combat poverty, human trafficking, and other forms of injustice, often working alongside secular organizations and governments to promote human rights and social welfare.
The Role of Community and Fellowship
One of the virtues of evangelicalism that has often been overlooked is its emphasis on community and fellowship. While evangelicalism is known for its focus on personal faith and individual responsibility, it has also fostered strong communities where believers can support one another in their spiritual journeys. This sense of fellowship has been a key aspect of evangelical life, particularly in the formation of small groups, Bible studies, and parachurch organizations.
Evangelical churches often place a strong emphasis on the importance of gathering together for worship, prayer, and mutual encouragement. The idea of the “church family” is central to evangelicalism, with believers viewing their fellow church members as brothers and sisters in Christ. This sense of community is particularly important in times of difficulty or crisis, as evangelical churches often provide a support network for those in need.
In addition to local church communities, evangelicals have also formed parachurch organizations, which operate alongside churches to provide specialized ministries. These organizations focus on areas such as youth ministry, missions, social justice, and evangelism. Examples include groups like Campus Crusade for Christ, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and World Vision. These parachurch organizations have played a significant role in the spread of evangelicalism and its influence on society.
Spiritual Renewal and Revival
Evangelicalism has a long history of spiritual renewal and revival, with periods of intense religious fervor followed by times of institutionalization and decline. These cycles of revival and renewal have been a defining feature of the movement, as evangelicals have sought to maintain the vitality of their faith in the face of changing cultural and social conditions.
One of the most significant revival movements in evangelical history was the Pentecostal revival of the early 20th century. Beginning in 1906 with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, the Pentecostal movement emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, particularly through the experience of speaking in tongues, healing, and other spiritual gifts. This revival gave birth to the modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements, which have become some of the fastest-growing segments of evangelicalism worldwide.
The emphasis on spiritual renewal has also led evangelicals to place a high value on moral purity and personal holiness. Throughout history, evangelical preachers and leaders have called for believers to live lives of integrity and righteousness, often encouraging abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and other behaviors considered harmful to spiritual growth. This focus on moral purity has sometimes led to legalism and judgmentalism within evangelical circles, but it has also inspired many to live lives of deep spiritual commitment and service to others.
Cultural Engagement and Influence
One of the challenges that evangelicalism has faced throughout its history is how to engage with the broader culture while maintaining its distinct identity. Evangelicals have often found themselves in tension with secular society, particularly in areas where cultural values conflict with biblical teachings. However, evangelicalism has also been deeply influenced by and engaged with contemporary culture, particularly in the areas of politics, education, and media.
In the United States, evangelicalism became a powerful political force in the 20th century, particularly through the rise of the Religious Right. Evangelical leaders like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson mobilized millions of evangelical voters around issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and religious freedom. This political engagement has shaped American politics in significant ways, with evangelical voters playing a key role in the election of conservative politicians, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.
At the same time, evangelicals have also been active in the fields of education and media. Evangelical colleges and universities, such as Wheaton College and Liberty University, have trained generations of leaders in theology, ministry, and the liberal arts. In the media, evangelical radio stations, television programs, and publishing houses have provided a platform for the spread of evangelical ideas and values.
This cultural engagement has not been without controversy. Some evangelicals have been criticized for becoming too closely aligned with political parties or for adopting secular methods of communication and marketing. However, the evangelical commitment to engaging with culture while remaining faithful to biblical principles continues to be a defining feature of the movement.
Conclusion
The history of evangelicalism is a rich and complicated one, marked by periods of revival and reform, missionary zeal, social activism, and cultural engagement. Its virtues of personal faith, biblical authority, evangelism, social reform, community, spiritual renewal, and cultural influence have shaped not only the lives of individual believers but also the course of history itself.