As a theological and cultural movement, Evangelicalism is not a specific denomination but rather a broad and diverse movement within Protestant Christianity. It encompasses a wide range of churches, denominations, and individuals who share a common commitment to the core principles of the evangelical faith. These principles include the belief in the authority of the Bible, the necessity of a personal conversion experience, and the importance of sharing the Christian message, or the "gospel," with others.

Evangelicals are characterized by their emphasis on the "born-again" experience, which is understood as a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that results in a transformation of one's life. This experience is seen as essential for salvation and is often associated with a sinner's prayer or a similar act of repentance and commitment. Evangelicals also place a high value on evangelism, or the act of spreading the Christian message to non-believers, with the goal of leading them to faith in Christ.

The movement is cross-denominational, meaning it cuts across traditional denominational lines. While many evangelicals are part of specific Protestant denominations such as Baptists, Methodists, or Presbyterians, others may be part of non-denominational churches or independent evangelical congregations. The term "evangelical" is more about the shared beliefs and practices rather than a formal affiliation with a particular church structure.

Evangelicalism has its roots in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, particularly in the teachings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. However, the modern evangelical movement as we know it today really took shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Great Awakening in America and the subsequent missionary movements that sought to spread Christianity around the world.

One of the key tenets of evangelical belief is the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This means that salvation is a gift from God, offered freely to all who accept it through faith in Christ's atoning death and resurrection. Evangelicals reject the idea that good works or religious rituals can earn salvation, emphasizing instead the grace of God and the individual's response of faith.

Another distinctive feature of evangelicalism is its commitment to the authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Evangelicals believe that the Scriptures are without error in matters of faith and practice and are the ultimate source of truth for Christian living. This commitment to biblical authority often leads to a focus on Bible study, preaching, and teaching within evangelical churches.

Despite the shared core beliefs, there is considerable diversity within the evangelical movement. Evangelicals can be found across the theological spectrum, from conservative to liberal, and there is a wide range of practices and styles within evangelical worship and community life. Some evangelicals are charismatic, emphasizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, while others are more cessationist, believing that such gifts ceased after the Apostolic age.

In conclusion, evangelicalism is not a denomination but a movement that transcends traditional denominational boundaries. It is defined by a shared commitment to the gospel message, the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal conversion, and the practice of evangelism. While there is diversity within the movement, these core principles provide a unifying framework for evangelical Christians around the world.

read more >>

Evangelicalism (/?i?v?n?d??l?k?l?z?m, ??v?n-/), evangelical Christianity, or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide, crossdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity which maintains the belief that the essence of the Gospel consists of the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ's ...read more >>