Where did evangelicalism come from: Tracing the roots of a powerful American movement

Evangelicalism is a term you hear a lot in American politics and culture. But what exactly is it, and where did this influential movement originate? To understand modern evangelicalism, we need to travel back in time, across continents, and through several centuries of religious and social upheaval.

At its core, evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement characterized by a strong emphasis on four key tenets:

Conversionism: The belief that individuals must have a personal experience of conversion or being "born again."
Activism: The expression of the gospel in effort, including missionary work and social reform.
Biblicism: A high regard for the Bible as the ultimate religious authority.
Crucicentrism: An emphasis on Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross.

These tenets weren't born overnight. They emerged and coalesced through various historical periods and revivals.

The Seeds of Revival: Early Protestantism and Pietism

While the term "evangelical" itself has older roots, the direct lineage of modern evangelicalism can be traced to several key movements within Protestantism.

The Protestant Reformation (16th Century)

The foundational principles of Protestantism, such as sola scriptura (scripture alone) and sola fide (faith alone), laid the groundwork for later evangelical thought. Figures like Martin Luther emphasized the importance of individual faith and direct access to God through scripture, challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pietism (17th and 18th Centuries in Germany)

Emerging in Germany, Pietism was a reaction against what its adherents saw as the cold, intellectual nature of Lutheranism. Pietists stressed the importance of personal piety, inner spiritual experience, and the devout study of the Bible. They formed small groups for prayer and Bible study, emphasizing a heartfelt and practical faith. Key figures include Philipp Jakob Spener, who advocated for "ecclesiola in ecclesia" – churches within the church – to foster spiritual renewal.

The Great Awakenings: Birth of American Evangelicalism

The 18th century saw the rise of powerful religious revivals in the American colonies, often referred to as the Great Awakenings. These events were crucial in shaping American evangelical identity.

The First Great Awakening (c. 1730s-1740s)

This revival swept through the colonies, characterized by fervent preaching, emotional religious experiences, and a renewed emphasis on personal conversion. Key figures include:

Jonathan Edwards: A theologian and pastor in Massachusetts, known for his powerful sermons, including "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Edwards emphasized God's sovereignty and the need for individuals to experience a profound spiritual transformation.
George Whitefield: An English Anglican preacher who became a leading figure in the Great Awakening. Whitefield's impassioned, open-air preaching drew massive crowds across the colonies and even in England. He traveled extensively, igniting religious fervor wherever he went.

The First Great Awakening challenged established religious norms, encouraged individual religious expression, and fostered a sense of inter-colonial religious identity. It laid the groundwork for a more democratic and accessible form of Christianity.

The Second Great Awakening (c. 1790s-1840s)

Following the American Revolution, the Second Great Awakening brought another wave of intense religious revivalism. This revival was particularly influential in the western frontier and among ordinary people.

Charles Finney: A prominent preacher of the Second Great Awakening, Finney employed innovative revivalistic methods, including the "anxious bench" (an area for those seeking to make decisions for Christ) and highly emotional preaching. He advocated for social reform, linking spiritual salvation with earthly betterment.
Camp Meetings: These large, multi-day religious gatherings became a hallmark of the Second Great Awakening, especially in frontier regions. They offered intense spiritual experiences and fostered a sense of community.

This period saw the growth of new denominations, such as Methodists and Baptists, who were often at the forefront of evangelical efforts. The emphasis on individual choice and the possibility of salvation for all were prominent themes. The Second Great Awakening also fueled a surge in missionary societies and reform movements, including abolitionism and temperance.

19th and 20th Century Developments: Solidifying the Movement

In the centuries that followed, evangelicalism continued to evolve, solidifying its distinct identity and expanding its influence.

The Holiness Movement (Mid-19th Century onwards)

Emerging from Methodism, the Holiness movement emphasized the doctrine of "Christian perfection" or entire sanctification – the belief that believers can achieve a state of complete love for God and others while still on earth. This movement further deepened the focus on personal spiritual experience and holiness of life.

The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy (Early 20th Century)

As American society modernized, a debate arose within Protestantism between those who held to traditional "fundamental" doctrines of Christianity (like the virgin birth of Jesus, his atonement, and his bodily resurrection) and those who embraced modern theological and scientific ideas. "Fundamentalists" sought to defend biblical inerrancy and traditional beliefs. While often seen as a conservative backlash, this controversy helped to define and solidify a distinct evangelical identity, separate from mainline Protestantism.

The Rise of Modern Evangelicalism (Mid-20th Century onwards)

The term "evangelical" gained new prominence in the mid-20th century, often used to describe a broad coalition of Protestant Christians who held to the core tenets mentioned earlier. This era saw the emergence of influential figures and institutions:

Billy Graham: Perhaps the most well-known evangelical leader of the 20th century, Graham's massive evangelistic crusades and media presence brought evangelical Christianity to a global audience. He was instrumental in uniting various evangelical factions.
Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: These organizations played a significant role in evangelizing college campuses and training young leaders.
Theological Seminaries and Publishing Houses: Institutions like Fuller Theological Seminary and publishing houses such as Zondervan helped to train leaders and disseminate evangelical theology.

This period also saw a significant shift in the political engagement of evangelicals, particularly the rise of the Religious Right in the late 1970s, which aimed to influence public policy based on their religious convictions.

From the fervent preaching of George Whitefield to the global ministry of Billy Graham, evangelicalism has a rich and complex history. It's a movement that has consistently emphasized personal transformation, biblical authority, and active faith, shaping American religious and cultural landscapes for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Great Awakenings influence American society?

The Great Awakenings fostered a spirit of religious individualism and challenged established church hierarchies. They encouraged personal decision-making in matters of faith, led to the growth of new denominations, and spurred social reform movements, impacting everything from education to abolitionism.

Why is the Bible so important to evangelicals?

Evangelicals view the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, serving as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This belief, often termed "Biblicism," means that scripture guides their understanding of God, salvation, and how they should live their lives. It's seen as the primary source for knowing God's will.

What is the significance of being "born again" in evangelicalism?

The concept of being "born again" refers to a profound personal conversion experience, a spiritual rebirth initiated by God. It signifies a new life in Christ, marked by repentance from sin and a personal commitment to following Jesus. Evangelicals believe this transformation is essential for salvation and a fundamental aspect of a Christian life.