What Defines an “Evangelical?”
Life lessons of a loving gay Christian
Are you an American Evangelical? If so, how do American Evangelicals describe themselves? What makes evangelicals unique from other Protestants? And what are the primary denominations, consumerism, demographics, and trends within evangelicalism?
Buckle-up.
Definition
The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is the largest affiliation of American Evangelicals. Here are their primary definitions and distinctives of Evangelicals:
· Conversionism: the belief that lives need to be transformed through a “born again” experience and a lifelong process of following Jesus.
· Biblicism: a high regard for and dependence on the Bible as the ultimate authority. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God (a.k.a., “sola scriptura”).
· Activism: the expression and demonstration of the gospel in missionary and social reform.
· Crucicentrism: a stress on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as making possible the redemption of humanity.
In summary, Evangelicals believe humanity is lost and needs to be personally rescued through a born-again experience. It is the responsibility of evangelicals to reform culture in accordance with the commands found in the infallible Bible.
Distinctions within Protestantism
For the past two centuries, American Protestantism has been primarily divided into three camps: Evangelical, Mainline, and Historically Black.
Evangelical Protestants stand separate from Mainliners. Evangelical denominations are considered more traditionalist due to their adherence to sola scriptura. Their form of social activism is aimed toward retaining traditionalist roles of gender (i.e., patriarchal) and elevating the need for masculinity. Additionally, their activism opposes abortion and LGBTQ rights. Evangelicals generally are committed to converting individuals, resent government involvement in their religiosity, and believe America was founded upon Christian ideals — and must retain them. Evangelicals generally support military intervention against evil empires, border control, gun ownership, and law and order.
Mainline Protestants stand separate from evangelicalism. Mainline denominations are considered more progressive in comparison to Evangelicals. For example, while they believe the Bible is valuable, they would not believe it is the only infallible, authoritative Word of God (i.e., opposed to sola scriptura). Mainline Protestants pursue cultural activism, but primarily in egalitarian gender roles (i.e., equal rights and pay for women, plus support for abortion). Other areas of differentiation involve lifting the poor and marginalized and equal rights for the sexual and gender identity minorities. Mainliners are generally for gun control and limitation of military support.
Historically Black Protestants are not a racist designation. Rather, it describes almost exclusively Black denominations and attendees (often started by segregation). Black Protestants are generally traditionalist in Bible interpretation while progressive in social reform. For example, Black Protestants strongly embrace racial reconciliation and assistance for the economically marginalized. And yet, Black Protestants stand opposed to the equality of LGBTQ individuals. Black Protestants are unique enough not to be pigeon-holed into either the Evangelical or Mainline Protestant camps.
Comparisons Within Protestants
The Religious Landscape Study “surveys more than 35,000 Americans from all 50 states about their religious affiliations, beliefs and practices, and social and political views.” As such, it provides Americans with a specific examination of evangelicalism. Furthermore, it provides trends from 2007 to 2014 and beyond. The survey leaves it to the participant to self-define one’s religious group. Some examples of such categorization include: “Evangelical Protestant,” “Mainline Protestant,” “Historically Black Protestant,” “Catholic,” “Mormon,” “Non-Christian Faiths,” “Unaffiliated,” “None in Particular,” and more.
Here are some of the more interesting discoveries of the most recent (2014) Landscape study regarding American Evangelical Protestants.
· Certain states hold a significantly large population of Evangelical Protestants, specifically West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
· Fifty percent of Evangelical Protestants are younger than age 50 (and 50% are 50 or older)
· 45% are men; 55% women
· 76% are White; 11% Latino; 6% Black; 2% Asian
· Evangelical Protestants have significantly higher household income than Historically Black Protestants, but less than Mainline Protestants
· 33% of Mainline Protestants graduated from a college or possess a post-graduate degree, compared to 21% of Evangelicals and 15% of Historically Black
· 55% of both Evangelical and Mainline Protestants are married, compared to 31% of Historically Black
· Approximately 90% of Evangelical and Historically Black Protestants are “absolutely certain in their belief in God,” compared to only two-thirds of Mainline Protestants
· 58% of Evangelicals and 53% of Black Protestants attend church “at least once a week,” compared to only 33% of Mainliners
Evangelical Identity
Denominations. The largest American Evangelical denominations are Baptist (specifically the Southern Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention), Assemblies of God, and non-denomination mega-churches.
Consumerism. American Evangelicals consume stuff. Thus, part of their definition relies upon the choices of how they spend their money, plus to whom they affiliate.
Regarding education, evangelicals are prone to be suspicious of government-controlled education. They, therefore, proliferate in homeschooling and private Christian schooling (e.g., Christian-based private schooling from elementary through university).
Concerning parachurch organizations, such groups generally tend to either concentrate on evangelism (i.e., “leading others to Jesus”), discipleship (i.e., becoming more like Jesus’ character), or service (i.e., lending a helping hand). Just a few of the parachurch organizations include: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (i.e., evangelism); The Navigators (i.e., discipleship); and Compassion International (i.e., service).
Evangelicals also consume entertainment products, such as music through Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and publications (e.g., Zondervan; Christianity Today).
Political Activism. In exit polling, American Evangelicals are determined by people who self-describe as “Born Again or Evangelical.” Admittedly, some people may not know what “born again” means or may assume they are “evangelicals.” However, polling studies seem to indicate that those two definers (i.e., “Born Again” and “Evangelical”) are sufficient in categorizing Evangelicals versus non-Evangelicals.
Below are some of the political positions of the three American Protestant groups.
· Fifty-three percent of Evangelical Protestants “identify or lean toward being Republican.” This amount compares to 44% Mainline Protestants and 10% Historically Black Protestants
· 64% of Evangelicals and 59% of Mainliners want smaller government involvement, compared to 23% of Historically Black Protestants.
· 56% of Evangelicals and 48% of Mainliners believe that “government aid to the poor does more harm than good.” This rate compares to only 27% of the Historically Black Protestants
· 63% of Evangelicals believe abortion “should be illegal in all cases.” This percentage corresponds to 42% of Historically Black and only 26% of Mainline Protestants
· Concerning the issue of “should homosexuality be discouraged,” the majority (55%) of Evangelical Protestants agree, compared to a minority of Mainline Protestants (25%). There are 40% of Historically Black Protestants that agree.
Changes in Christian and Evangelical Affiliation
The Pew Research Center charts the changes in the percentage of Americans who claim to be of a particular religion.
And folks, the facts are not looking good for “Christians.” Those who claim some form of Christian identity are rapidly decreasing in America. They appear to be migrating to the category of “religiously unaffiliated.”
Relatedly, there is predicted to be a 16% decrease in Americans who claim to be Protestant. And of the three Protestant groups (i.e., Evangelical, Mainline, and Historically Black), the sharpest decline is with the Evangelicals. While Historically Black Protestants appear to be stable, there is remarkably a significant increase in Mainline Protestants.
So why are white Evangelical Protestants apparently leaving evangelicalism for the Mainline brand of Protestantism?
Looking at the data, one could arguably believe that the primary differences reside in the political issues of illegalizing abortion and negativity toward homosexuals.
Summary
Evangelical Protestants are a primary player in America’s culture. Such has been true for at least the past century and is expected to still play a major (but rapidly decreasing) role in America’s future.
Evangelicals are very distinct and measurable. In general, they tend to be White while majorly living in the South’s Bible Belt. Most Evangelicals are females (while opposing the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion) who prefer the males to be in all leadership roles. The majority of Evangelicals belong to Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational denominations. They are very politically active and, most specifically, oppose LGBTQ rights. And they appear to be shrinking in number — with their members jumping ship toward either Mainline Protestants or non-affiliated.
Regardless of whether you, the reader, are Evangelical, you would no doubt acknowledge that Evangelicals are a force in which to contend.
Finally, as a promotion, be sure to read my next article: “What Defines an Exvangelical?”
Dr. Mike Rosebush is the founder/author of GAYoda. He has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and is a retired Licensed Professional Counselor with nine years of counseling and mentoring thousands of gay Christian men. A short synopsis of Dr. Rosebush’s life can be found at I Lived the Most Unusual Gay Christian Life Ever. Please read the complete set of his articles here. You may contact Dr. Rosebush at mikerosebush75@gmail.com.
