Evangelical Christianity

Definitions of the Christian term "evangelical"

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Background:

"Evangelical" was derived from the Greek word "euangelion" which means: "gospel" or "good news."

People in our office once believed that everyone has a favorite meaning for the term "evangelical." We also believed that there were many definitions in use that stressed various features of evangelicalism.

In the fall of 2008, we had a rude awakening. A public opinion poll by Ellison Research showed that 36% of American adults have no idea what the term "evangelical" means. _1,2 This includes:

• 32% of men;
• 39% of women;
• 46% (almost a majority) of those under 35 years-of-age;
• 27% of those who define themselves as conservative;
• 45% of self-defined moderates;
• 34% of self-defined liberals;
• 38% of Democrats;
• 37% of independents; and
• 29% of Republicans.

The poll showed that even 14% of people who call themselves evangelicals don't know how to define the term!

Topics covered in this section concerning the definition of "evangelical:"

• Differences between Europe and North America
  
  
• 2008 public opinion poll
  
  
• Some commonly used definitions, including the one that this site uses

References used:

The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

1. "America’s Definition:  What Is an Evangelical?" Ellison Research, 2008-SEP-03. at: http://www.ellisonresearch.com/
2. "America’s Definition:  What Is an Evangelical?: full study" Ellison Research, 2008-SEP-03. at: http://www.ellisonresearch.com/ This is a PDF file.

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Copyright © 2003 to 2008 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2003-APR-8
Latest update: 2008-JUN-27
Author: B.A. Robinson

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