Navigating the Crisis: Reclaiming the True Meaning of Evangelicalism

American evangelicals are facing a crisis. In the aftermath of the 2016 election, where a majority of white evangelicals supported Donald Trump, the movement has been heavily criticized and associated with racism, misogyny, and power-seeking. This has led to a debate among scholars about whether this association with Trumpism is a departure from the core values of evangelicalism or a natural extension of its history. As an evangelical myself, I believe it is important to understand the roots of this crisis and how it has been shaped by politicization, racial tensions, and the evolving meaning of the term "evangelical."

The term "evangelical" has its roots in the Greek word euangelion, which means "good news" in the Bible. During the Reformation, the German word evangelisch was used to describe Protestants. However, it was not until the founding of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in 1942 that "evangelical" was used as a noun. The founders of the NAE chose this term to set themselves apart from the more inward-focused "fundamentalists" of the time.

Throughout the 20th century, evangelicalism became increasingly connected to politics, particularly through the influence of figures like Billy Graham. Graham's success as an evangelist brought him into contact with political leaders, such as Dwight Eisenhower, who sought to incorporate spiritual themes into their speeches. This connection between evangelicalism and politics continued to grow, culminating in the strong support of white evangelicals for Ronald Reagan in 1980.

This politicization of evangelicalism created a divide between white and black evangelicals. While white evangelicals aligned themselves with the Republican Party, black evangelicals tended to support Democrats, a pattern that dates back to the New Deal. The Civil Rights era further deepened this divide, as white evangelical leaders were slow to support racial integration and other Civil Rights concerns. As a result, African American evangelicals distanced themselves from the term "evangelical" and its association with the Republican Party.

Another factor contributing to the crisis within evangelicalism is the confusion surrounding the term itself. Polls that ask people if they identify as evangelical often yield inconsistent results, as people who do not attend church or are not Protestant may still identify as evangelical. This has led to a perception that evangelicalism is more about politics and ethnicity than a genuine faith in Christ.

In this time of crisis, it is crucial for pastors and lay evangelicals to reflect on their political commitments and the potential idolatry of placing too much value on the American nation and a particular political party. As Christians, our ultimate allegiance is to our heavenly citizenship and the global church. We should seek to build bridges with believers of different ethnicities and nationalities, recognizing that our unity is found in Christ, not in politics.

So, how can we navigate this crisis and reclaim the term "evangelical" for its true meaning? It may require a shift in how we use the term and a recognition that its popular connotations may not accurately reflect the values and beliefs of true evangelicals. We should be judicious in our use of the term and emphasize the core message of the gospel, rather than aligning ourselves with a particular political party.

Ultimately, the crisis within evangelicalism presents a challenge for American Christians. We must not mistake our political affiliations for our heavenly citizenship. We must remain focused on the gospel message and seek to live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and grace of Christ. By doing so, we can reclaim the term "evangelical" and demonstrate to the world the true meaning of our faith.