Evangelicalism in Modern Britain by D.W. Bebbington was an interesting read for me because it gave me a broader perspective as to the origins of evangelicalism and it shed some light on the evangelical movement in America.  Bebbington pointed out, early in his book, that he notes four characteristics that branded evangelicalism.  They were conversion (life change), activism (expression of the gospel), biblicism (particular regard for the bible), and crucicentrism (stressing the sacrifice of Christ on the cross).  Over the course of the book he relates the development of the evangelical movement to these four characteristics.  He has accomplished detail historical work in recorgnizing the various social dynamics that pushed and pulled on the movement.  In Wesley’s days, preaching of the gospel was regarded as very important to evangelicalism.  The Bible also took a place of prominance since in those early days “all Protestants held the scriptures in high esteem.”  pg 3.  Activism then became a priority as social issues came to the forefront, like slavery, for instance.  However, by the end of the 19th century it seems that the Bible was often regarded as a primary defining issue for evangelicals.  This is the focus of my post.

Having been born into a Roman Catholic family, we regarded the Bible with high esteem though we did not have a Bible in the home and I cannot remember any encouragement at Sunday mass or Saturday catechism that we should have one, let alone read it.  To me, it was a mystical book that was to be regarded as a holy thing but not touched by those unable to unlock its mystery.  When my brother began to engage me for the cause of the gospel he used the Bible.  He knew that I enjoyed reading and bought me a contemporary version.  I read it with enthusiasm he and I talked much about the truths it espoused.  I soon embraced the living word and began following Him.  So, the Bible has always played an important role in my walk with Christ.  It has become my compass.

It was the compass for the evangelical movement in Britain as well.  Even the various issues regarding the Bible, like inspiration or literalism, kept it at the forefront of what it meant to be an evangelical.  I would argue that even the other three characteristics of evangelicalism were in fact subservient to the biblical characteristic.  Obviously, defense of those characteristics was almost always supported by scripture!  It is surprising then, that Bebbington should make such a comment, “The Bible was no longer treated as a simple unifying force in the Evangelical world.  It had become a bone of contention”  pg. 269.  This comment was made in the context of the controversy over hermeneutics in the 1980s.  Is Bebbington saying that whereas the Bible was once one of four characteristics of Evangelicalism, it is no longer one of the four?  Or, could he be forthtelling the demise of the movement?

In his closing paragraphs he argues that it is wrong headed to equate fundamentalism with evangelicalism.  He points out the focus of fundamentalists on the inerrancy of the Bible and also how their role has been only one among many in the greater context of evangelicalism (pg. 276).  If indeed, it is only one voice that is holding up the Bible as a key issue, then perhaps not only is fundamentalism dead, but also evangelicalism.  How does that bode for evangelicalism in America?  Who is holding forth the Bible as the compass for faith and practice?  Does it claim for itself that role?  

It is my observation that there is no longer one evangelical movement.  It has grown and splintered such that arguements to put the various extremes under one umbrella would be a stretch.  And, further, I do not think it is important that there be such clear and defining movement to take its place.  It could be that various expressions will find unification around common practices and not only common doctrines.  Hopefully, the Bible will remain as one of the key aspects of many of the various expressions of the Christian faith.

It causes me to look at my own journey.  The Bible has always been a compass, a light unto my path.  If the Bible ceases to be that compass, that light, what will become of my journey?  I fear, with the fear of God, that if that were to happen I would be walking away from God.  There are a number of movements that have emerged and are now sprouting.  What is their relationship to the Bible?  Is that even a fair question?