To them it was mental delusion
Introduction: David Bebbington’s Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1970s to the 1980s is a fantastic source of essential information that I have appreciated. Several Christian terminologies, such as Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Charismatic and many others, can be confusing to many, especially those not highly educated. In my review of Bebbington’s writing, I will share some personal challenges related to Evangelicalism.
The meaning of evangelicalism: “Evangelical religion is a popular Protestant movement that has existed in Britain since the 1730s. It is not to be equated with any single Christian denomination, for it influenced the existing churches during the eighteenth century and generated many more in subsequent years.”[1] Babbington starts by suggesting that Evangelicals of Britain have been neglected. A few themes have been selected for attention by historians, such as John Wesley and the rise of Methodism, William Wilberforce and the struggle against slavery, Lord Shaftesbury, and the campaigns for social reform, but many aspects of the movement remain in obscurity.[2]
The pillars of Evangelicalism: The Evangelical quadrilateral of priorities must be the strengths behind the movement. The four qualities are conversionism, the belief that lives need to be changed; activism, the expression of the gospel in effort; biblicism, a particular regard for the Bible; and what may be called crucicentrism, a stress on the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Together they form a quadrilateral of priorities that is the basis of Evangelicalism.[3]
The world without Evangelicalism would have been a different place. Regardless of the challenges and changes as it evolved, the light of the Gospel has been transformational making our world a much better place.
To them was mental delusion: Commonly known as Barokole (saved ones), the theme of these saved individuals was first seen with despise stating people are who were active in the movement were somehow unstable mentally. While the Evangelical movement has been around the world for centuries, it is only a few decades since the first mention of evangelicals surfaced in East Africa. In the 1930s the movement started to spread from Rwanda and Uganda to Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Burundi, and South Sudan.
How has it evolved? One would think confusion and misunderstanding, or misrepresentation of the Evangelicalism is isolated to the uneducated third world countries or centuries ago, however as Dr. Clark writes in his research, it is still a great subject for research. There are multitudes of people to benefit from more learning on this topic of Evangelicalism. Writing on Evangelicalism and Capitalism, Clark states. Where assessments of the relationship have been undertaken, they are often built upon a lack of understanding of Evangelicalism and an uncritical reliance both on Max Weber’s Protestant Work Ethic and on David Bebbington’s Quadrilateral of Evangelical priorities.[4]
The issue of “misunderstandings and faulty prescriptions for the future of Evangelicalism”[5] is not a thing of the old days. It only changes form as it evolves. Indeed, a large population of Christians are referred to as members of the evangelical movement, yet they can’t even explain what they mean by the word Evangelicalism.
A religion for crazy people: Personally, my spiritual rebirth, growth, and development started and have been marked by incredible challenges due to the misunderstanding of what Evangelicalism was on the part of my parents. The act of conversion and giving my life to the Lord Jesus was not accepted by my staunch Roman Catholic father, who said I could not attend a different church since, to his faith, there was only one religion and one righteous faith Roman Catholicism. The problems mentioned here were in rural Rwanda in the 80s, and people were not used to many different faiths and beliefs as are now. My father did not persecute me out of hatred; his efforts were to discourage me from attending the born-again Christian church, which he thought was a religion of “crazy people.” After realizing that I was determined to follow Jesus and there were not enough beatings to discourage me, my father excommunicated me from his family. He said I did not qualify to be his son anymore unless I denounced my newfound religion. The Biblical reference always comes to mind is the Corinthian’s message of the cross being folly. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved” 1 Corinthians 1:18, CSB. The gospel has never lost its power and effectiveness despite faulty perceptions.
[1] David W. Bebbington, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s, 1st ed. (Florence: Taylor and Francis, 2003).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Jason Paul Clark, “Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship,” Faculty Publications – Portland Seminary (June 2018), https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1131&context=gfes.
[5] Ibid.
About the Author
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe is a Clinical Correctional Chaplain and former Child Refugee from War-torn Rwanda. A member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, Jean is passionate about Servant Leadership and looks forward to seeing more leaders that inspire Lasting Peace and Justice for all, especially "the least of these".9 responses to “To them it was mental delusion”
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Dear Jean,
I want you to know that I read and heard all of what you wrote. My heart hurt hearing your testimony. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably….
My father did not persecute me out of hatred; his efforts were to discourage me from attending the born-again Christian church, which he thought was a religion of “crazy people.” After realizing that I was determined to follow Jesus and there were not enough beatings to discourage me, my father excommunicated me from his family. He said I did not qualify to be his son anymore unless I denounced my newfound religion.
You have taken an amazing stand for your relationship with Christ. You have known persecution from those who are closest to you. I am curious if you have been able to maintain relationships with family members? I pray that your family will see Jesus in you and this will be curiously inviting/loving!
Hi Kristy,
Thanks for your comment, I am glad to share that every member of my family, including my 86-year-old father, knows and loves Jesus.
My father was baptized last year in the same church he never wanted me to join.
Hey Jean,
Once again, I am amazed by your story. The disconnection from your family due to your new expression of the faith is heartbreaking, but I am inspired by your final line in quoting Paul about the folly of the cross. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks David,
Yes, thank God for for the revelation of the power and value at the Cross.
Jean,
I can’t imagine being excommunicated from my family because of my faith. What a testimony to how the Lord has brought your family members, including your dad, into the fold.
I do agree, Bebbington’s book is a great resource for many reasons.
Jean de Dieu,
Wow…thank you for sharing a glimpse of the tensions conversions create in our families, even at the cost of our relationships. I appreciate your sharing this because that is the reality for many people who follow Christ. It is the cost that is not easy to quantify but we cling to the hope that we experienced in Jesus. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us.
Jean, wow. My heart is broken for you but at the same time so excited and proud. “Religion” has missed the point so many times. We have to focus on Jesus and take away the man-made add-ons. I am inspired by your story, Jean. “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Heb. 11:6
Jean, what can we say except WOW!
I am so sad to read about all of the tribulations that you have endured but your story continues to amaze me.
Thank you for continuing to share your story with us so openly.
Alana
Thanks Alana,
It’s a joy to have joined this team of leaders and to be inspired to become better.