What is evangelical protestantism and why is it so popular amongst southerners and suburbanites?

Answer 1

It's a category of Christianity based on the idea of being "born again". Known for its extreme conservatism and literal interpretation of the Bible, Evangelicals are not well liked by many other Americans, including religious moderates like many Cathlics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and other "mainline" protestants.

It's popular because in their quest to "save souls" (ie, increase the number of indoctrinated members), Evangelicals use modern marketing and pop culture techniques. Evangelical churches, many of which are so-called mega-churches, are often very entertaining. Some mega-churches now have Starbucks coffeeshops, child-care facilities, etc.

This entices a lot of people whose parents drifted away from the more traditional mainline protestant churches.

I would speculate that the reason it's populate in the south particularly is that the "great revival" of the 1800s, which could be described as counter-enlightenment, was a particularly southern phenomena.

As for suburbia: I would speculate that because most of suburbia lacks a sense of community, and people move to the suburbs where they don't know anyone, a church fills that social void. That void doesn't exist as much in the city, where people stay longer and there is an ingrained sense of community.

Answer 2

Evangelist is the people who took Jesus seriously so they put their life in stake to evangelize people (I am not talking about prosperity preaching tele evangelists)
Most of these true evangelists will not come to lime light but they work in places like India and China where they are beaten and constantly living in a life threatening situation

Answer 3

Check out californian Barna for more info
http://www.barna.org/