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Definition:
The word evangelical stems from the Greek term euaggelion, which simply means
"gospel" or "good news." Thus, anything which pertains to the gospel
can be described as "evangelical."
During the Reformation, the term was used to describe the Protestant movement in order to distinguish it from the Roman Catholic Church, because the Protestants regarded themselves are returning Christian belief to the gospel and eliminating later, non-gospel additions. Evangelicals believed that the essence of the Gospel message could be found not in Church tradition but rather in the doctrine of salvation by faith in the death of Christ which atoned for the sins of humanity. Evangelicals stressed the "total depravity" of humanity and the necessity for developing a personal relationship with God.
Today in the United States, the term is generally used to refer to any Christian movement which focuses primarily on certain bible-centered doctrines, like the sole authority and inerrancy of the Bible, salvation only through repentance and Christian belief, and in a spiritually transformed life. In Germany and Switzerland, it still refers simply to Protestant churches.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
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