Theolitics.blog

These days, the term “evangelical” is sometimes wielded as an insult. Some Americans make assumptions about who evangelicals are and how their faith and politics intersect.

I view ordinary evangelicals as likely my brothers and sisters in Christ. Having lived in the evangelical subculture for decades, I have met lovely, devoted, caring people worshipping in evangelical churches. Some chose careers caring for “the least of these.” Many dedicated time and money, freely giving to benefit others. Some were my chosen family over the years.

The National Association of Evangelicals has offered a helpful explanation of the term (What is an Evangelical? | National Association of Evangelicals). But not every historian, theologian, or everyday Christian would describe the word the same way.

My understanding is that some Americans today identify as evangelical without attending church very much. Some, for instance, claim the label without affirming historic Christian beliefs, like the sinless life of Jesus Christ (Survey Explores Who Qualifies As an Evangelical – Barna Group).

In any case, if you consider yourself an evangelical, a Bible-believing Christian, a “mere Christian” in the language of C.S. Lewis, a non-denominational Christian, or “just a Christian” – you are welcome here as we consider theology and politics in light of one another.