I definitely don’t use the term Evangelical for myself. Though I grew up evangelical and am still a Christian, it almost feels like I practice an entirely new religion than what I was raised with. I honestly don’t think I really heard the gospel until I was 40.. and that was after growing up in evangelical churches and schools my entire …
I definitely don’t use the term Evangelical for myself. Though I grew up evangelical and am still a Christian, it almost feels like I practice an entirely new religion than what I was raised with. I honestly don’t think I really heard the gospel until I was 40.. and that was after growing up in evangelical churches and schools my entire life. As Dr. Stephen Backhouse (I think you were on his podcast a few years ago?? :) ) quotes Kierkegaard, there is a big difference between Christendom and The Way of Jesus quite often. And as I’ve studied more theology, I find I’m not only no longer a subscriber to evangelical culture, but also much of its theology as well. I even struggle to say I’m a Christian sometimes because of what that can mean to folks.. so just say a follower of Jesus. I appreciate people who still call themselves Evangelicals though and practice the Beattitudes and work for shalom. Not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Like you, Lisa Sharon Harper, NEME (Network of Evangelicals for Middle East Peace), Munther Isaac, etc. -there’s a few evangelical hold outs that I find refreshing and admire. The term Evangelical has become far too easy to judge and scapegoat. Those who keep it nuanced are people I respect, and a good reminder that no tradition, ideology, or term is a monolith.
I definitely don’t use the term Evangelical for myself. Though I grew up evangelical and am still a Christian, it almost feels like I practice an entirely new religion than what I was raised with. I honestly don’t think I really heard the gospel until I was 40.. and that was after growing up in evangelical churches and schools my entire life. As Dr. Stephen Backhouse (I think you were on his podcast a few years ago?? :) ) quotes Kierkegaard, there is a big difference between Christendom and The Way of Jesus quite often. And as I’ve studied more theology, I find I’m not only no longer a subscriber to evangelical culture, but also much of its theology as well. I even struggle to say I’m a Christian sometimes because of what that can mean to folks.. so just say a follower of Jesus. I appreciate people who still call themselves Evangelicals though and practice the Beattitudes and work for shalom. Not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Like you, Lisa Sharon Harper, NEME (Network of Evangelicals for Middle East Peace), Munther Isaac, etc. -there’s a few evangelical hold outs that I find refreshing and admire. The term Evangelical has become far too easy to judge and scapegoat. Those who keep it nuanced are people I respect, and a good reminder that no tradition, ideology, or term is a monolith.