Evangelicalism

You believe in spreading the Christian faith and living according to the teachings of the Bible to achieve personal salvation and a transformed society.

Evangelicalism is a global, trans-denominational movement within Protestant Christianity that maintains the belief that the essence of the Gospel consists of the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ's atonement. It is not a political ideology per se, but its followers often hold specific political views based on their religious beliefs.

The roots of Evangelicalism can be traced back to the Reformation in the 16th century, but the movement as we know it today began in the 18th century with the Great Awakening in the United States and the Evangelical Reviva…  l in Britain. These movements were characterized by widespread revivals led by evangelical Protestant ministers, a sharp increase of interest in religion, a profound sense of conviction and redemption on the part of those affected, an increase in evangelical church membership, and the formation of new religious movements and denominations.

Evangelicals believe in the centrality of the conversion or "born again" experience in receiving salvation, the authority of the Bible as God's revelation to humanity, and the spread of the Christian message. The movement has had a long and significant influence on social and political life, not just in the United States, but around the world.

In the 20th century, Evangelicalism became increasingly organized. In the United States, the National Association of Evangelicals was formed in 1942, representing more than 45 denominations. The World Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1951, a global network of churches in 129 nations that have each formed an evangelical alliance.

In terms of politics, Evangelicals have been involved in a number of social issues throughout history. In the 19th century, Evangelicals in Britain led the way in campaigning for the abolition of slavery. In the United States, Evangelicals have been associated with the right wing of the political spectrum, often supporting conservative candidates and causes. They have been particularly influential in shaping debates over issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom. However, it's important to note that not all Evangelicals share the same political beliefs, and there is a wide range of views within the movement.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement of progressive Evangelicals who advocate for issues such as environmental stewardship, poverty reduction, and immigration reform. This reflects the diversity within Evangelicalism and its ongoing evolution as a religious and social movement.