It's Time to Reconceive What "Evangelical" Means

 Global theologian and my friend, Dr. Karen Bloomquist recently wrote this, before the Insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, January 6, 2021. I find it particularly relevant since Epiphany is a time of being "born anew" with the "self- and world-changing power of belief" that cannot be limited.  At the core of beliefs of the insurrectionists is bigotry and white-privilege. To be evangelical is not to wrap the cross in the flag, but to be grounded in grace which calls us to love the neighbor.  NCE

It’s time to reconceive what “evangelical” means

by Rev. Dr. Karen L. Bloomquist

I am tired of how the word “evangelical” is repeatedly attached to and distorts what is at the core of Christianity. It is being used instead as a political weapon that polarizes (which it has often tragically done throughout history). The heart of the Christian message is the Gospel that liberates not only persons for also systems that discriminate from bondage. The political agenda of so-called “evangelical” Christianity often is used to excuse or reinforce this bondage, resulting in various forms of bigotry. When this occurs what is “Christian” is being prostrated: it is reinforcing patterns of sexism, racism, and “othering” that are contrary to the core of the Gospels, as known through what Jesus said and what he did, especially in how he related to those who were being marginalized. 

Throughout the centuries, “evangelical” has been quite contextual, and has varied greatly throughout history. When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 30 years ago, many wondered what “evangelical” meant; I was contacted by media folks who assumed it must have very conservative social positions. At the turn of the 20^th century in America, many whom could hardly been thought of as “evangelical” today (such as Unitarian/Universalists) were often labeled with this word. At the time of the 16^th century Protestant Reformation those distinguished from Catholics were identified as “evangelical”, which continues throughout many places in the world today. In some places, “Christians” (i.e., “evangelicals”) are still distinguished from Catholics. Yet in recent years this is disputed, especially since the 1999 signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between Lutheran and Catholic churches. Catholics also affirm salvation by grace alone.

Being “born anew” is hardly what makes one “evangelical” today. Being “born anew” with the revolutionary, self- and world-changing power of belief cannot be limited, as Mary’s revolutionary song proclaims (in Canticle of the Turning): God is turning the world around. What is key is challenging and changing systems of discrimination, not only personal attitudes.. Instead, “evangelical” – which often claims to be “spiritual but not political” – has become what is supportive of bigoted political agendas that are in opposition to those who are white, heterosexual, well-off and usually male. This betrays what we read in the Gospels of how Jesus actually related to those who were different sexually, racially, status-wise or by other forms of “otherness.” He was continually crossing boundaries of what was appropriate – and therein is the Good News for all today.

Abandoning the designation “evangelical” may not be appropriate or possible today – it is too widely and popularly used. But those who see it at the heart of what the Gospel means, which must be lived out because of what Jesus said and did, can provide a counter-witness to what evangelical means. It is the Good News of not fearing the future but embracing those who are different, of crossing boundaries and liberating from bondage. Many are yearning to hear and experience this Good News, especially in 2021, so let’s be bolder in doing so.