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Evangelicalism

There are many ways to define evangelicalism, whether it’s sociologically, politically, or theologically. The best-known and most widely used definition comes from David Bebbington’s 1989 Evangelicalism in Modern Britain. Known as the Bebbington quadrilateral, it lists four emphases used to identify evangelicalism: the importance of the Bible, Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, the need for conversion, and activism.

Where We Are and How We Got Here

50 years ago, evangelicals were a sideshow of American culture. Since then, it's been a long, strange trip. Here's a look at the influences that shaped the movement.

John Stott on Evangelicalism's Horizons

John Stott reflects on where we've been and where we're going.

Soulwork: On the Lasting Evangelical Survival

What will and will not survive of this movement.

More on Evangelicalism

You Can't Think Your Way to God

Christian formation means shaping our loves, says Jamie Smith, not just educating our minds.

Rob Bell's 'Ginormous' Mirror

To read his book is to read about our fascination with ourselves.

A Wake-up Call for Blasé Believers

Christians, says Richard Stearns, have everything they need to finish Jesus' mission—except the willpower.

The Good Heart of the Adoption Movement

Kathryn Joyce's book, 'The Child Catchers,' misses out on how adoption benefits women.

The Shepherd

Michael Cromartie is guiding media elites into a more accurate view of conservative Christians.

The Beauty of Life in Small Places

City-focused evangelicals have much to learn from Rod Dreher's memoir of small-town life.

Flip That Church

Why construct a new building when you can upcycle an old one?

The Forgotten Woman of Evangelical History

Sarah Osborn's 18th-century life reveals an astonishing amount about the origins of American evangelicalism.

Quitting Time: The Pope Retired. Should Your Pastor?

Benedict's decision shows how to serve well and leave well, experts say.

The Future of Today's Christianity

We have news to offer that is good for us and our children's children.

Catholics on the Evangelical Trail

George Weigel heralds an "Evangelical Catholicism" whose adherents strive to bring Jesus into every area of life.

Serious Catholics Are Evangelical

True Catholicism, says George Weigel, is about boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tebow's Big Fumble

Soon, the ball will be thrown to each of us.

The Man Who Birthed Evangelicalism

Carl Henry's complex legacy, 100 years after his birth.

Why Adoption Became Russell Moore's Personal Cause

And why more evangelicals should be joining him.

Top 10 News Stories of 2012

The events, people, and debates of the past year that have shaped, or will significantly shape, evangelical life, thought, or mission.

The End of Nominal Protestantism

What does the rise of the religiously unaffiliated mean for the future of mainline denominations?

What's Driving Evangelical Enthusiasm?

Data shows growing Catholic-evangelical "intensity gap"—but it doesn't indicate exactly why.

Post-Election Fight over the 'Evangelical' Brand

Jim Daly, other leaders want 'evangelical' to be less about politics.

Does It Matter that Evangelicals Became Prolife Recently?

One pundit says it proves our biblical views are driven by politics. Not quite.

The Second Coming Christ Controversy: More Leaders Speak Out

David Jang's emissaries to Singapore speak for the first time on why they believed he was a new Christ, why they changed their minds, and how his organization operates.

The Evangelical Jesus Prayer

It's not perfect, but the Sinner's Prayer is a work of genius.

Letters to the Editor  Subscriber access only

Readers respond to the June issue.

The Second Coming Christ Controversy

David Jang has become an increasingly influential figure in Asian and now American evangelicalism. He and his followers have founded media outlets and a Christian college and are key influencers in the World Evangelical Alliance. But many say he leads a group that has encouraged the belief that he's the 'Second Coming Christ.' Is there any truth to the allegations?

Why Catholics and Evangelicals Can Be United Against Nihilism

Chuck Colson's vision for Christian unity and full-orbed reform lives on.

Who Are the Copts?

Egypt's embattled Christians find common identity across denominational lines.

By Grace You Are Mature

We don't grow out of spiritual adolescence by trying to grow up.

Ponce de León on Steroids

What does Christian maturity look like in a youth-worshiping culture?

The Rise of Digital Urban Tribes

How we under- and overestimate the power and shape of the next generation.

When Are We Going to Grow Up? The Juvenilization of American Christianity

We're all adolescents now.

Why Denomination Matters to Church Growth

A recent study suggests orthodoxy doesn't draw church crowds on its own.

What Mama Heidi's World Looks Like in Mozambique

A picture of what Heidi Baker sees on a regular basis.

Charles Colson: Defender of the Weak, Hugger of Lepers, Friend of Sinners, Christian Intellectual

The head of Prison Fellowship wore many hats before his April 21 death.

Why Jerry Falwell Sr. Isn't Rolling In His Grave over Romney's Liberty Invitation

And what the university's invitation to the Mormon candidate says about evangelical political engagement.

Chuck Colson and the Conscience of a Hatchet-Man

What's behind the snarky obituaries and media retrospectives infuriating many Christians.

Chuck Colson: Evangelicals Should Be Uniters, Not Dividers

Why evangelicals need to redefine themselves and reform the whole church.

Evangelical Leader Chuck Colson Dead at 80

The infamous convicted Nixon adviser became famous for prison reform, evangelical-Catholic dialogue, and his Christian worldview.

The New Conversion: Why We 'Become Christians' Differently Today

Evangelicals are undergoing a sea change understanding when it comes to this pivotal moment in the believer's life.
News Feed
Brad Wright: What, exactly, is Evangelical Christianity?
How do we measure Evangelical Christianity? That is, how do we know who is one and who isn’t one? (Black White and Grey)
The Decline of Evangelical America
Some evangelical leaders are embarrassed by our movement’s present paralysis. I am not. Weakness is a potent purifier. For me, the deterioration and disarray of the movement is a source of hope: hope that churches will stop angling for human power and start proclaiming the power of Christ. (NYT)
My Journey Toward the “New Evangelicalism”
I know about the consequences of changing one’s thinking. I was fired from my position as vice-president for governmental relations at the National Association of Evangelicals. (Religion & Politics)

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