[Apologetics] Definition of Evangelical?

[Stuart D. Gathman]

On Mon, 6 Feb 2006, Art Kelly wrote:

> What is the exact definition of "evangelical," as in
> those who call themselves as evangelicals?
> 
> Is there a fixed definition or does it mean different
> things to different people?

There is no universal official source like with the Catholic Church.
However, the central idea is that an Evangelical emphasizes the Gospel.

A typical Evangelical sermon will often include something like this,
"We should of course continue to work for justice and alleviate
suffering, but the only lasting solution to these problems is for lives to be
transformed by the power of the Gospel."

So "Marching for Life" to protest abortion is seen as a stop-gap measure -
the long term remedy is revival, repentance, and a return to God by
individuals.

Sometimes this is taken to an extreme, where self-proclaimed Evangelicals
will refuse to discuss politics, or even vote.  However, the mainstream
regards politics as a necessary but temporary measure - accompanied
by sermons warning against letting political goals supercede
the ultimate goal of preaching the Gospel.

For a very balanced example of an Evangelical group, look at
Pacific Garden Mission.

http://unshackled.org/

They use their outreach to the poor as the means to preach the Gospel.
Note that the "Gospel" doesn't mean "walk the aisle and get out of
Hell free".  It means transformed lives.  For example, PGM produces a
drama called "Unshackled!  the award-winning radio drama from Pacific
Garden Mission in Chicago, grips the heart with compelling and
relevant stories of transformed lives." 

Notice that the Gospel seed is considered to have taken root when
lives are transformed - not when people "go forward".

-- 
	      Stuart D. Gathman <stuart at bmsi.com>
    Business Management Systems Inc.  Phone: 703 591-0911 Fax: 703 591-6154
"Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis" - background song for
a Microsoft sponsored "Where do you want to go from here?" commercial.