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Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/em> by David W. Bebbington explores the development and transformation of Evangelical Christianity in Britain over a 250-year period. As a British-based Pastor, many of the names, locations and events are so ingrained in the storytelling narrative of the British church that it was wonderful to read and gain a fuller understanding of the events detailed within. Whether it be my own denomination, Assemblies of God,[2]<\/a> our sister movement, Elim,[3]<\/a> or the wider movement of The Evangelical Alliance[4]<\/a> of which I have had the pleasure of serving on the Board, there was a lot to digest in the time allocation I had to read the book. In this blog, I will explore questions surrounding the decline that followed a period of great strength while also celebrating the joy of British wit and humour.<\/p>\n Bebbington\u2019s outlining of the historical roots finds its basis in the key characteristics of evangelicalism, which has become famously coined by the phrase the “Bebbington Quadrilateral,” which includes conversionism<\/em> (the emphasis on personal conversion), activism<\/em> (a commitment to evangelism and social reform), biblicism<\/em> (the centrality of Scripture), and crucicentrism<\/em> (a focus on Christ\u2019s atoning sacrifice).[5]<\/a> These foundations created a strength that led to the subsequent growth of the Evangelical church.<\/p>\n Dr. Jason Clark acknowledges that \u201cEvangelicalism is in marked decline, evidenced by the post-church movement, where middle-class Christians engage in church life only when it is convenient.\u201d[6]<\/a> This decline may stem from a drift away from the core principles outlined in Bebbington\u2019s quadrilateral. In my experience with various Evangelical churches in the UK (though not all), many could benefit from returning to the foundational elements that once provided strength and stability. Based on these observations, I have drawn the following conclusions:<\/p>\n Bebbington\u2019s book traces evangelicalism\u2019s evolution from its early days in the 18th century, shaped by the likes of John Wesley and George Whitefield, through the 19th century when it became the dominant cultural and religious force, something yet to be matched, certainly in a UK context. What would these heroes of the faith think of they saw the church today? Bebbington also correctly highlights evangelicalism\u2019s seismic role in social causes, including the abolition of slavery and moral reforms, but also critiques its sometimes-ambivalent relationship with modernity. By the end of the 20th century, Bebbington argues, British evangelicalism had diversified significantly, with various factions adapting to or resisting cultural changes.<\/p>\n In Dr. Jason Clark\u2019s essay entitled Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship,[10]<\/strong><\/a> <\/em>Clark closely examines Bebbington\u2019s thesis on the origins and \u201cQuadrilateral,” while comparing it with alternative interpretations and critiques. Both Clark and highlight the Quadrilateral, however, Clark delves into debates regarding Bebbington’s distinction between Evangelicalism and earlier Puritanism, questioning whether these four traits represent a clear break or a continuation from earlier Protestant movements. A key point of contrast between Clark and Bebbington is how Clark expands on the economic and social influences on Evangelicalism, such as capitalism and market society, which Bebbington does not emphasise to the same degree. While Bebbington attributes Evangelical activism to theological and cultural developments, particularly Enlightenment influences, Clark critiques his limited focus on economic factors, arguing that the growth of capitalist markets shaped Evangelicalism\u2019s practical and social expressions. Additionally, Clark introduces critiques from scholars like Mark Noll and Michael Haykin, who see more continuity with Puritanism than Bebbington suggests and question his emphasis on the Enlightenment\u2019s role in shaping the doctrine of assurance.<\/p>\n While Bebbington’s work provides a foundational framework for understanding Evangelicalism, Clark\u2019s paper offers a more critical analysis, emphasising economic and contextual dimensions that Bebbington\u2019s original account understates.<\/p>\n Finally, I laughed out loud on a plane while I was reading Bebbington\u2019s book, causing curious passengers to look at me momentarily. This is British pomp and wit at its best. Excuse the lengthy extract, \u201cEvangelicals \u2026 have claimed that their brand of Christianity, the form once delivered to the saints, has possessed an essentially changeless content so long as it has remained loyal to its source. In a Commons debate of 1850, a Unitarian referred to discoveries in theology since the reign of Elizabeth I. \u201cDiscoveries in theology!\u201d<\/strong>‘ snorted Sir Robert Inglis<\/strong>, an Evangelical defender of the Church of England \u201c…all the truths of religion are to be found in the blessed Bible; and all “discoveries” which do not derive from that book their origin and foundation, their justification and their explanation, are worth neither teaching nor hearing.’[11]<\/a> A true enough statement to support the quadrilateral.<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Bebbington, David W. 1988. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s<\/em>. 1st edition. London: Routledge.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Ibid, 197, 231 and 262.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Ibid, 225, 246 & 262.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Ibid, 7, 99 and 162.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Ibid, 3.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Clark, Jason Paul. 2018. \u2018Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship.\u2019 Faculty Publications. Portland Seminary<\/em>. https:\/\/digitalcommons.georgefox.edu\/gfes\/132<\/a>. 245.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Friedman, Stan. 2007. \u2018Good Deeds, Goodwill, Good News \u2013 Get It?\u2019 Covenant Newswire Archives<\/em> (blog). Retrieved 01\/10\/2024 from http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/newswire\/2007\/06\/22\/5667\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Bebbington, 233-235.<\/p>\n\n