The term "Evangelical" has been used frequently over the past century. Often, it isn't defined very well and there's a great deal of misunderstanding as to what the term actually means.
Who is an Evangelical?
Some would argue that the definition of "Evangelical" has changed citing the observation that evangelicals now have more of an "ecumenical spirit" and lower view on the authority of scripture,
In North America, "Evangelical" does not have a unique meaning that is acceptable to all. Various individuals define it in as a specific conservative Christian system of beliefs, or a religious experience, or a commitment to a proselytizing activity, or as a style of religious service, or as a "walk with God," or as a group of denominations. [Source]
Others say the term hasn't lost it's meaning but that some of it's adherents have drifted away from it's core meaning and now misrepresent the term.
Larry Eskridge of Wheaton College suggests that "Evangelical" can be defined in three ways. The first way is as a group of people united by certain key doctrines. The second, as a "style" or religious tradition that includes a broader outreach to non-Christian individuals and institutions. The third way, is as an historical movement only, in association with men like DL Moody and Billy Graham, opposed to the anti-intellectualism of the Fundamentalist movement.
I believe the best way to define this term is by a group of people, denominations, and organizations united by a key doctrinal statements. The National Association of Evangelicals is one widely recognized group of evangelicals. Their Statement of Faith is consistent with many other evangelical organizatons and says:
The Barna Research Group defines "Evangelicals" in the following way:
All Barna Research studies define "evangelicals" as individuals who meet the born again criteria; say their faith is very important in their life today; believe they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; acknowledge the existence of Satan; contend that eternal salvation is possible only through God's grace, not through good deeds; believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and describe God as the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today. In this approach, being classified as an evangelical has no relationship to church affiliation or attendance, nor does it rely upon people describing themselves as "evangelical."[Source]
Often denominations have the term in their name, but lack any of the characteristics that have been used doctrinally to define evangelicals. These are evangelicals in name only.
The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals' cites The Cambridge Declaration as well as other Catechisms as an embodiement of their beliefs including; The Heidelberg Catechism, The Westminster Confession of Faith, The Belgic Confession, and The Book of Concord.
The Cambridge Declaration explains the importance of regaining adherence to the five "solas" of the Reformation--sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) and soli Deo gloria (to God alone be glory).
It goes on to explain:
Evangelical churches today are increasingly dominated by the spirit of this age rather than by the Spirit of Christ. As evangelicals, we call ourselves to repent of this sin and to recover the historic Christian faith.
In the course of history words change. In our day this has happened to the word "evangelical." In the past it served as a bond of unity between Christians from a wide diversity of church traditions. Historic evangelicalism was confessional. It embraced the essential truths of Christianity as those were defined by the great ecumenical councils of the church. In addition, evangelicals also shared a common heritage in the "solas" of the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation.
Today the light of the Reformation has been significantly dimmed. The consequence is that the word "evangelical" has become so inclusive as to have lost its meaning. We face the peril of losing the unity it has taken centuries to achieve. Because of this crisis and because of our love of Christ, his gospel and his church, we endeavor to assert anew our commitment to the central truths of the Reformation and of historic evangelicalism. These truths we affirm not because of their role in our traditions, but because we believe that they are central to the Bible.
Members of The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals are Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptists, Lutherans, and others. I believe that this best represents the true meaning of the word, "Evangelical". When viewed in this way, virtually anyone from any denomination can be described as an evangelical as long as they hold to a relatively short list of doctrinal statments. I believe this is the best way to answer the question,
Who is an Evangelical?
Help please. I find this discussion interesting and want to learn more, however, I can't get some of the links at the bottom of this AOO piece to work. I am referring specifically to numbers 1 (first definition for "Evangelical", 4 (Marty article), and 5 (Mohler commentary).
Thanks.
Posted by: Sarah at March 9, 2004 12:42 AMYour prayers have been answered. The links now actually work.
-Jim.