There are many different opinions on what the term “evangelical” means, although it has become a general term for all Christians.
Experts have weighed in on evangelism and what it is and is not. The term has taken on a complexity that makes it difficult to understand in political and sociological terms.
Here are a few things you need to know about evangelicals.
Image by Reddit
"Evangelical" comes from the Greek word for “gospel."
Image by Reddit
“Evangelion” is the Greek word for good news or gospel. William Tyndale who was a leader in the Protestant Reformation is recorded as the first person to record the word “evangelical” in 1531.
The word was later used to describe Tyndale and his “evangelical” brother Robert Barnes by Catholic Sir Thomas More.
Martin Luther was the first to use the Latinized version of the word Evangelium when describing non-Catholic churches after coming out of the Protestant Reformation.
Sometimes "Evangelical" is used as a blanket term for Christians.
Image by Reddit
Billy Graham, a leader in the rise of evangelicalism said that he wasn’t sure how to properly define an evangelical Christian. Quoted as saying, “Actually, that’s a question I’d like to ask somebody too.”
Churches and organizations describe the term differently. Evangelical has been used more as a general term and during the Great Awakening the word was a synonym for revivalism. The word is used to describe the religious right, conservative masses, and in some cases all Christians.
Evangelicals believe in end times and a rapture.
Image by Reddit
Inspired by the Left Behind Series, evangelicals believe that the return of Christ and the rapture will happen. How he will return differs among evangelicals, but many think the second coming of Christ will be Him coming to “rapture” believers to heaven.
Interpretations have varied among experts and scholars and not all Christians agree on the details of the end times and rapture. There is a belief that non-believers will spend seven years on earth before Christ returns again. He will defeat his enemies and reign over the earth.
