Section 2 Why Evangelical?
Many people, including Evangelicals, dislike labels, and would want to
describe themselves simply and humbly as "Christian". Yet that
word has been so variously interpreted that some further description is
necessary. Evangelicalism is not a separate faith - Evangelicals believe
that God saves us by grace, and not by correct doctrine! Perhaps we should
think rather of 5 distinctive emphases:
A. The Bible
B. Mission and Evangelism
C. A Faith which involves Conversion, Commitment and Holiness
D. Generally simple and culturally relevant forms of spirituality and
worship
E. An emphasis on Relationships (with God, other people and self) rather
than System.
A The Bible
2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12, John 1:1, Mt 4:4, Mk 7:13
Evangelicals take scripture very seriously, because God speaks through
the written word. They encourage careful and academic study of scripture,
not accepting negative presuppositions, nor attempts to force the re-interpretation
of scripture in terms of some fashionable contemporary philosophy. They
insist that scripture should shape the tradition of the Church (not vice
versa), and that secular culture should be reformed in the light of Biblical
teaching.
The application of scripture will vary, but both Old and New Testaments
will be used to understand the person and nature of God, his dealings
with humankind, and his purposes. The "Cross", as shorthand
for the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, occupies
a central place in their theological thinking.
B Mission and Evangelism.
Mk 3:14, Mt 25:14ff, Lk 10:36f, Mt 28:18-20,
Evangelicals are not content to cherish personal faith; God sets us free
for Mission as His agents. It will vary from time to time and place to
place, but will show God's love in practical ways. Evangelism is one part
of mission, as we find appropriate ways to share with others the faith,
forgiveness, salvation, and new life we have been given. Since that is
our greatest gift, evangelism is of great importance.
C A Faith which involves Conversion, Commitment and Holiness
1 Cor 15:2, Lk 1:75
Evangelicals see the living of Christian faith as something different
to the "normal" course of life. By God's help we are turned
from selfishness and error to a life focussed on God and his will. This
may happen suddenly, (as with St Paul Acts 9), or more slowly. Evangelical
faith involves a steady commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and
so to obedience to revealed truth, and to standards of personal (and corporate)
conduct. Holiness describes a quality of life "set apart" for
God, driven by a desire for his will and his ways of achieving it. 2Cor
7:1
D Simple Spirituality and Worship
Ps 29:2, Mt 6:5ff, Lk 18:10ff
Evangelical spirituality and worship will take many forms, and often borrow
from other traditions, but is marked by simplicity, use of scripture,
and the concerns above. Traditional or contemporary; language, music,
and presentational style may come from local culture. The explanation
of scripture through traditional preaching or in other ways is also central.
E An emphasis on Relationships
Jn 17:3, Is 53:6 Lk 5:8, Rom 8:28, 1Cor 3:16.
Evangelicals stress relationships (more than, for example, tradition or
reason). At the heart of faith is a restored relationship with God - a
relationship which is expected to be two way and developing. This will
affect relationships with other people, both among believers, and in the
wider (unbelieving) world. It will also, at best, have profound implications
for the person's self image, neither allowing delusions of goodness (the
church is a community of those who fail to keep God's standards), nor
letting them feel worthless, unloved, or unable to serve effectively.
None of these emphases is unique to Evangelicals, but the combination of them describes their understanding and practice of Christian faith.
Questions (for group discussion or individual consideration; use the scripture
references)
1. In what ways do you use the Bible personally, and in
worship in your Church? Does this reflect what you believe about scripture?
Has your use changed over time? What new ways of hearing / using / responding
to scripture do you find helpful?
2 Which of the following have a part in Mission: concern for the poor,
for peace, for fair trade, for ecology, for right use of technology, for
education, for ethical standards in society, all the above? How many of
your friends are not Christian? What would you most wish for them? Why?
3. Give a simple account of the role faith has played in your life (it
may help to divide your age by 6 and look at 6 points from birth to the
present). What does "holiness" mean to you?
4 What do you find helps you to pray for yourself? Have you tried other
ways of prayer? What sort of service brings you close to God? Do other
people all find this helpful?
5. How would you explain to a child what it means to "know God"?
How would your relationships with other people change if you were not
a Christian? How would your view of yourself change if you were not a
Christian? (or, if you were a Christian?)