One of my professor''s, who teaches Church History and American Religious Tradition, jokingly said that EVANGELICALISM is a code word for WHITE, MIDDLE/UPPER CLASS & CONSERVATIVE. (Of course he was speaking in normative terms, this does not categorize every single person)
How would you as an evangelical respond to this?
2007-07-26 02:18:27 · 5 answers · asked by Andre L 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
As a former Evangelical and as an academic, I can tell you that your professor was only joking... I, too, have made similar references and it's not too far off topic.
Here's a good definition of evangelical for your use: "Theologically conservative Protestants who stress the experience of conversion (being "born again"), view the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, emphasize evangelism, and believe that salvation comes by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ." (From: Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know-And Doesn't; by Stephen Prothero)
Most politically active Evangelicals are white and usually middle to upper class. I cannot and will not say this of ALL Evangelicals, but your professor wasn't too far off base.
2007-07-26 02:38:59 · answer #1 · answered by TransyMAJ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From what I've seen that is a pretty accurate description of Evangelicals (I'm not Evangelical but I answered anyway)
2007-07-26 02:26:00 · answer #2 · answered by Henry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Class warfare is too often instigated. There is nothing wrong with being White or Black or Other. There is nothing wrong with being Christian or Jewish or Other. There is nothing wrong with being White Collar or Blue Collar or Other. Personally, I do not feel guilty about being Male, White, Catholic, and Conservative Republican.
BTW, there is an old saying that those who can DO, those who can't TEACH.
2007-07-26 04:52:27 · answer #3 · answered by Menehune 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The instructor was only joking. I would just take it and move on.
God can use anyone - any where - at any time. Regardless of race, social stature, or political affiliation.
Take a look at Christ's ministry that is described in the New Testament. He used everyone and anyone who was / is willing to follow Him.
2007-07-26 02:25:30 · answer #4 · answered by Oklahoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not an Evangelical or anything close to that aberration, but i think the British equivalent to your professor's 'EVANGELICALISM' is WASP........
.........White, Anglo-Saxon Protestant....... same thing, different spelling
2007-07-26 04:23:03 · answer #5 · answered by pompeyboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋