Rise of Evangelicalism

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Lesson Title: The Rise of Evangelicalism: Examination of the Development and Impact of Evangelical Christianity

Level of Education

Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose

To analyze the historical development, key beliefs, and societal impact of Evangelical Christianity from its inception to the present day.

Objectives

To understand the origins, theological distinctives, and cultural influence of the Evangelical movement, and to evaluate its role in contemporary Christianity.

Key Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

• Evangelicalism: A Protestant movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, the importance of evangelism, and active engagement in social issues.
• Great Awakenings: Series of religious revivals in the 18th and 19th centuries that significantly influenced the development of Evangelicalism.
• Fundamentalism: A conservative branch of Evangelicalism that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the inerrancy of Scripture and traditional Christian doctrines.
• Billy Graham: Influential Evangelical preacher known for his large-scale evangelistic campaigns.
• Social Gospel: A movement within Evangelicalism that emphasizes social justice and the application of Christian ethics to social problems.

Lesson Content

1. Historical Development:
   • Origins and Early Influences: The role of the Great Awakenings in shaping Evangelical beliefs and practices.
   • Bible Verses: Acts 2:38-39; John 3:16
     • Acts 2:38-39 emphasizes repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
     • John 3:16 underscores the necessity of personal faith in Jesus for salvation.
2. Key Beliefs and Practices:
   • Authority of Scripture: The centrality of the Bible as the inspired and inerrant word of God.
     • Bible Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12
       • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture.
       • Hebrews 4:12 describes the power of God’s word.
   • Personal Conversion: The necessity of being “born again” through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
     • Bible Verses: John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17
       • John 3:3 speaks of the need to be born again.
       • 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes the transformation in Christ.
   • Evangelism and Mission: The commitment to spreading the gospel and making disciples.
     • Bible Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
       • Matthew 28:19-20 commands making disciples of all nations.
       • Acts 1:8 emphasizes being witnesses to the ends of the earth.
   • Social Engagement: Involvement in addressing social issues and promoting justice.
     • Bible Verses: Micah 6:8; James 1:27
       • Micah 6:8 calls for acting justly and loving mercy.
       • James 1:27 highlights caring for orphans and widows.
3. Influential Figures and Movements:
   • Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield: Early Evangelical leaders during the Great Awakenings.
   • Billy Graham: Modern Evangelical leader known for his global evangelistic campaigns.
     • Bible Verses: Romans 10:14-15; 1 Timothy 2:3-4
       • Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the importance of preaching.
       • 1 Timothy 2:3-4 speaks of God’s desire for all to be saved.
4. Impact on Society and Culture:
   • Social Reforms: Evangelical involvement in abolition, temperance, and civil rights movements.
   • Modern Influence: The role of Evangelicals in contemporary political and social issues.
     • Bible Verses: Matthew 5:13-16; Galatians 6:9-10
       • Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers to be the salt and light of the world.
       • Galatians 6:9-10 encourages doing good to all people.
5. King Jesus’ Model/Example:
   • Teaching and Healing: Jesus’ ministry of preaching the gospel and caring for the needy.
     • Bible Verses: Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 9:35-36
       • Luke 4:18-19 describes Jesus’ mission to preach and heal.
       • Matthew 9:35-36 highlights Jesus’ compassion for the crowds.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers

1. Question: What are the core beliefs of Evangelical Christianity?
   • Answer: Core beliefs include the authority of Scripture, the necessity of personal conversion, the importance of evangelism, and active social engagement. These beliefs are rooted in biblical teachings such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and John 3:3.
2. Question: How did the Great Awakenings influence the development of Evangelicalism?
   • Answer: The Great Awakenings were pivotal in shaping Evangelicalism by emphasizing personal conversion, revivalist preaching, and a direct, emotional experience of faith, leading to the establishment of Evangelical practices and communities (Acts 2:38-39).
3. Question: Explain the significance of Billy Graham to modern Evangelicalism.
   • Answer: Billy Graham was a key figure in modern Evangelicalism, known for his large-scale evangelistic campaigns that reached millions worldwide. His emphasis on personal conversion and simple gospel preaching had a profound impact on the spread of Evangelical Christianity (Romans 10:14-15).
4. Question: How does Evangelicalism view the authority of Scripture?
   • Answer: Evangelicalism holds the Bible as the inspired and inerrant word of God, central to faith and practice. This view is supported by passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12, which affirm the power and authority of Scripture.
5. Question: Describe the role of personal conversion in Evangelical belief.
   • Answer: Personal conversion, or being “born again,” is essential in Evangelical belief, signifying a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in biblical teachings such as John 3:3 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
6. Question: What impact did Evangelicals have on social reforms in the 19th century?
   • Answer: Evangelicals were instrumental in social reforms such as abolition, temperance, and civil rights. Their faith motivated them to address social injustices and promote moral and ethical standards based on biblical principles (Micah 6:8).
7. Question: How do Evangelicals engage in modern political and social issues?
   • Answer: Evangelicals continue to be active in political and social issues, advocating for policies that align with their moral and ethical values. They engage in debates on issues like abortion, marriage, and religious freedom, seeking to influence society according to their beliefs (Matthew 5:13-16).
8. Question: Explain the concept of the Social Gospel and its relevance to Evangelicalism.
   • Answer: The Social Gospel emphasizes the application of Christian ethics to social problems, advocating for justice and care for the marginalized. This concept aligns with Evangelical beliefs in social engagement and is supported by scriptures like James 1:27.
9. Question: How did Evangelical revivalism shape American religious culture?
   • Answer: Evangelical revivalism, characterized by dynamic preaching and mass conversions, significantly shaped American religious culture by promoting an active, personal faith and leading to the establishment of numerous Evangelical churches and institutions (Acts 1:8).
10. Question: In what ways did Jesus’ ministry serve as a model for Evangelical practices?
    • Answer: Jesus’ ministry of teaching, healing, and caring for the marginalized serves as a model for Evangelical practices. Evangelicals emulate His example by engaging in evangelism, social justice, and compassionate outreach (Luke 4:18-19).

Practical Applications

• Evangelism and Outreach: Encourage active participation in evangelism and outreach, following the example set by Jesus and key Evangelical figures.
• Social Justice: Advocate for social justice and reform, addressing contemporary issues with a biblical perspective.
• Scripture Study: Promote regular and in-depth study of the Bible to reinforce its authority and relevance in personal and communal life.

Research Citations

1. Noll, Mark A. “The Rise of Evangelicalism: The Age of Edwards, Whitefield, and the Wesleys.” InterVarsity Press, 2003. eBook.
2. Marsden, George M. “Fundamentalism and American Culture.” Oxford University Press, 2006. eBook.
3. Balmer, Randall. “Evangelicalism in America.” Baylor University Press, 2016. eBook.
4. Wacker, Grant. “America’s Pastor: Billy Graham and the Shaping of a Nation.” Harvard University Press, 2014. eBook.
5. Smith, Timothy L. “Revivalism and Social Reform: American Protestantism on the Eve of the Civil War.” Johns Hopkins University Press, 1980. eBook.

This lesson provides a comprehensive examination of the rise of Evangelicalism, highlighting its historical development, key beliefs, and significant impact on American Christianity and society.