Evangelicalism: contending for the faith which was once given to the saints
Focusing on major developments and key players of a significant religious movement within a leading world nation, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain is an excellent historical analysis of the growth of Evangelicalism in Britain from the early 18th century to the late 20th century. Bebbington wisely begins by discussing conversionism, activism, Biblicism, and crucicentrism as the four defining traits of the Evangelical movement[1]. With due regard to the beliefs of other streams within the faith, I cannot imagine Christianity without these four underpinning elements. For example, the irrefutable nature of conversion is highlighted throughout scripture. Even in the Old Testament era, when the Jews thought salvation belonged to them alone, the repentance of Nineveh at Jonah’s preaching; the sparing of Rahab and her family from the destruction of Jericho; Ruth’s acceptance and settlement in Israel; and several other incidents all highlight this important element of a turning away from sin as a critical part of one’s relationship with the living God. Therefore, Bebbington does the world a great service by highlighting conversionism with very arresting accounts of the conversion of leading figures like John and Charles Wesley[2]. Bebbington also discusses the delicate subject of the timing of conversion, whether this is instantaneous or gradual. Given the New Testament comments on the subject, I tend towards the belief that this is not a matter of either instantaneous or gradual[3], but of both[4]. We are told that we are saved[5] (suggesting an instantaneous event), being saved[6] (suggesting a gradual process), and will be saved[7] (from the wrath to come). Arguably, what is most important today is that people experience genuine conversion.
As it was in the 1730s to the 1980s, genuine conversion has significant implications for contemporary leadership. For instance, if people today experience Christ as in the period under review, then we would expect “great awakenings” and far reaching “revival” as in the case of the Welsh Revival, the Hebrides Revival, and the revivals in the days of Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney and many others. Genuine conversion, among other factors, would also catalyze a return to an emphasis on preaching “the Word[8]” and to a Biblical worldview across our congregations. This will also, ultimately, give rise to leaders like Wilberforce, who, energized by a conviction deeply rooted in scripture, fought inhumane practices in his generation. Within low-income communities today, perhaps this Biblicism would yield a critical mass of god-fearing leaders that will, following the model of Wilberforce, boldly, wisely and lovingly resist self-pity, spiritual emptiness, illiteracy, laziness, corruption and fight for a community that demonstrates shalom and glorifies God. I imagine this would bring great joy to the Lord, for he declared in His manifesto that He is anointed [first and foremost] to bring the gospel to the poor[9]. Needless to say, embracing Evangelicalism (the brand Bebbington advocates for) at the bottom of the pyramid, as is the case within any strata of the economic pyramid, will bring the kind of transformation we all want to see.
The question now is what brand of Evangelicalism exists today; and does it align with the conversionism, Biblicism, activism and crucicentrism of the British heroes of faith within the 1730s to the 1980s?
[1] Bebbington, D. W. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s. (London: Routledge, 1989), 269.
[2] Bebbington, Evangelicalism, 20.
[3] Ibid, 169.
[4] Graham, Ron. https://simplybible.com
[5] Ephesians 2:8.9
[6] 2 Corinthains 2:15
[7] Romans 5:9-10
[8] 2 Timothy 4:2
[9] Luke 4:18. Isaiah 61:1
About the Author
Henry Gwani
Follower of Jesus, husband, father, community development practitioner and student of leadership working among marginalized communities in South Africa11 responses to “Evangelicalism: contending for the faith which was once given to the saints”
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Henry, wonderful and succinct post. What connections, or what ways do you see the Evangelical characteristic of biblicism informing conversionism and activism? In other words, how do you observe the bible giving shape and legitimacy to Evangelical’s pursuit and value of conversion?
Thanks Michael. I see Biblicism as the source of messages and initiatives that should result in conversion or seeds that could lead to it. For example, Jesus was so Biblical that his engagement with the Woman of Samaria (John 4) resulted in transforming her life. He brought a Biblical theology to their conversation and the rest is history. I acknowledge that not everyone He spoke with was converted but I think His Biblicism definitely made a big difference
Henry, that is interesting reflection. I think biblicism may be in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. I doubt the pharisees and religious elite saw Jesus as “biblical”. In fact, it could be argued that it was the perceived heresy of Christ that led to his crucifixion. Perhaps one man’s biblicism is another man’s heresy? What ways do you imagine a renewed hermeneutic is needed with Evangelical biblicism?
Henry, thanks for this Biblically rich post. With your experience working in poor communities, do you find it difficult to balance the aspects of ministry that define Evangelicalism? It would make sense that the physical needs are ever present and urgent. Also, how have you seen conversion help to transform people or communities in connection with your ministry?
Great question Roy. Very delicate balance, indeed! I find that if I put Biblicism first (though study, meditation etc), its easier to balance the rest of the quadrilateral in an organic, almost unconscious way. Often its easy to be moved by the physical needs and thus be driven into activism, but after experiencing burn-out a couple times, I find myself trying to be a bit more lead by the Spirit and not be the need, since needs will never end, and I’m called to be used by God to only meet a few.
Henry, great post. This must be an interesting read given where you live and the lens by which you have come to know and understand Scripture and Jesus. In your context, and from your faith tradition, are there similar eras and movements that you can draw from to further inform and direct your walk with Christ and understanding of Scripture?
Eric, much thanks for your kind words and important question. Unfortunately, I am not very informed about the the history of Christianity in Africa. The little I know (Monica, Pepetua and Augustine in North Africa) and the less-known, more contemporary South African (Zulu) missionary, Nicholas Bhengu have inspired me greatly. Some of the lessons learnt from these biographies include the need for patience, sacrifice, conviction and Biblicism. Bhengu, for example, worked among the Xhosa people of the eastern cape of South Africa and worked very hard to convince them to turn away from ancestral worship to Christ. I’m privileged to also work among the Xhosas today and feel very grateful that I can learn form the experiences of Bhengu as I seek to serve God here.
Henry: Great post and I agree with the questions you ask at the end. We have to keep the essentials of the faith front and center and fight for them. The form and shape of the church can change but the tenants of the faith remain the same. I got a lot out of this book and it sounds like you did too. History can ground us during times of cultural upheaval, much like the world is experiencing now. Is the city where you minister right now also going through changes?
Troy, much much thanks. One significant change in my city is one that’s come about due to Covid: low church attendance after the lockdown. One pastor lost his entire congregation and is having to start all over again. So we’re finding a new need to pray for and re-evangelize our city. Hopefully we will see good levels of conversion and discipleship
Henry: Wonderful post. As you embrace Evangelicalism at the bottom of the pyramid, what type of transformations have you seen that have encouraged you in the work you do?
Much thanks Kayli. The transformations I’ve seen have been fourfold: spiritual, emotional, vocational and economic. Spiritually, we’ve seen a few people come to faith and be transformed from a life of drug abuse to following Jesus. In the mental health area, we’ve seen people with low self-esteem grow in confidence and reach for and achieve goals they had not attained before. Vocationally, we’ve seen folks gain skills they didn’t have before and with that earn incomes they didn’t have. We’re very grateful for these and pray we can see more of these at a greater scale.