Which is stronger, the effect of the Culture on Evangelicalism or the influence of evangelicalism on the culture.
Christianity has had a great influence on the culture of nations in a profound way. From when Jesus started ministry with recruitment and training of His disciples in Israel to the spread of Christianity to every nation on earth, its influence has been profound. It’s therefore interesting that author David Bebbington[1] looks at the history of Evangelicalism movement from two dimensions, on how changes in the culture of Great Britain have affected evangelicalism; and how evangelicalism has influenced the same culture over time. As Edward Gibbons[2] asserted about religion, it has never existed in the pure form in which it descended from heaven but it has always been affected by the surroundings at the same time as influencing those surroundings. For purposes of understanding, evangelicalism also referred to evangelical Christianity or evangelical Protestantism are essentially protestant churches that particularly stress the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, personal conversion experiences, scripture as the sole basis for faith, and active evangelism (the winning of personal commitments to Christ)[3]. The term Evangelical essentially meaning “good news” and eventually evolved into the word Gospel has long been in use and was associated with the 16th century Martin Luther protestant movement and his followers, who stressed justification by faith in Jesus Christ and based their faith on scripture alone. The 18th century religious revival that occurred in continental Europe (the pietist movement), in Great Britain (the Methodist revival), and in North America (the great awakening) was referred to as the Evangelical revival. This revival emphasized conversion experiences (conversionism), reliance on scripture (Biblicism), missionary work (activism) rather than the sacraments and traditions of the established churches, and also atonement by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross (crucicentrism)[4]. These fundamental believes characterize evangelicalism and they have not changed despite changes in culture and the spread of the Gospel to other regions by the evangelical movement. As David Bebbinton states, “The germ of truth in that claim is that evangelical religion has been consistently marked by four characteristics, conversionism, activism, Biblicism and crucicentrism have been transmitted down the generations.”[5] These have formed a permanent deposit of faith.
The changes however have been in the way these four characteristics have been expressed in different times over the period of this research that spanned over the period of two and half centuries. These changes have been as a result of changes in culture, even as culture has been immensely influenced by evangelicalism. In the words of Bebbington, “Evangelicalism has been reproached and an easy target of cheap satire but it has shaped the thought world of a large portion of the population of Great Britain. It has exerted an immense influence both on individuals and on the course of social and political development, especially in the latter 19th century[6]. Despite of its influence on society, its also trues that evangelicalism has been affected by cultural changes over time. Intellectual changes in society, the industrial revolution, western civilization and other patterns in life have affected the movement in the it expresses itself to respond to these changes. Evangelicalism formed its own backwaters but overall, it was no stagnant pool[7].
As I assess the dynamism of culture and its effect on evangelicalism in the way it expresses itself to the changing culture, my study on financial literacy is put into focus. In the same dynamism of culture, there has been a wave of teachings on prosperity which has popularly been referred to as prosperity Gospel which is very popular with the masses. The proponents of this popular gospel find audience among the poor and other adherents, that are gullible and unfortunately has affected many negatively in their attitudes towards life and finaces. The Gospel is powerful and when the truth is presented in the right way by godly men like Paul says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God”[8]. I believe that the ministers of the Gospel should be well studied in the Word of god and so trained as to present the Gospel in the right way. This will lead to liberation of many, especially from ignorance and lead them to financial freedom. The bible is full of truth about finances that if it’s presented to the laity by well equipped and trained clergy, will help many to overcome their financial problems like heavy indebtedness and poverty and resource the church to carry out the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. As I read Bebbington’s book, I was persuaded that just as the four fundamental characteristics of evangelicalism have remained constant and have been passed on through generations, only changing in the way they are expressed in response to cultural changes, I should find a way of expressing the truth about financial literacy in the bible to believers in my context and by extension, in other contexts in the body of Christ.
[1] Bebbington, David W (1989). Evangelicalism In Modern Britain: A History From The 1730s to 1980s. Routledge, UK, 1989.
[2] Edward Gibbon (1993). The decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (Volume 1 – 6). Everyman’s Library. October 26, 1993.
[3] Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Evangelical-church-protestantism
[4] Bebbington, David W (1989). Evangelicalism In Modern Britain: A History From The 1730s to 1980s. Routledge, UK, 1989. Pg 269.
[5] Ibid….
[6] Ibid….pg 274
[7] Ibid….pg 274
[8] Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15.
About the Author
Wallace Kamau
Wallace is a believer in Christ, Married to Mary Kamau (Founder and Executive Director of Missions of Hope International) and father to 3 Wonderful children, Imani Kamau (Graduate student at London School of Economics, UK), Victory Kamau (Undergraduate student at Portland state University, Oregon, USA) and David Kamau ( Grade student at Rosslyn Academy). Founder and Director, Missions of Hope International (www.mohiafrica.org), CPA, BAchelor of Commerce (Accounting) from University of Nairobi, Masters of Arts (Leadership) from Pan African Christian University.4 responses to “Which is stronger, the effect of the Culture on Evangelicalism or the influence of evangelicalism on the culture.”
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Wallace, it would be interesting to see how you use the gospel to help others understand financial literacy in lieu of the prosperity gospel. Teaching the truth of what the Bible teaches about money and finances is certainly contrary to today’s culture. Part of sharing the gospel with others means self-sacrifice and responsibility. I know you are on the right track and what you create will be useful for the Body of Christ.
Interesting connection from Bebbington to the Prosperity Gospel. I, too, was surprised how commercialized Evanglicalism was in the nineteenth century! I do think Bebbington makes some good points that you seem to have expanded on here, as it relates to how the poor were marginalized and continue to be so, but are preyed on by the touters of the Prosperity Gospel. I’d definitely be interested to hear more!
Wallace, I am interested in the focus of your study. This topic does not seem to be talked about enough in the church and your are taking a comprehensive approach, especially in light of the prosperity gospel, that will help many. Culture’s effect on consumers in the West has been significant and influences the church as well. I look forward to reading your work.
Great post, Wallace. I think your focus on financial literacy as described in the Bible is a positive truth to be told. I like your statement that “the Gospel is powerful and when the truth is presented in the right way by godly men like Paul, then we can find the answers were are seeking.” Your follow-up truth where you quoted Paul is enlightening: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God.” Nice post, Wallace. Thanks for sharing!