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Evangelical Identity and the Broader Christian Tradition

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How one defines “Evangelicalism” in America is a moving target, particularly in recent years. It is very difficult nowadays to capture the essence of what Evangelicalism means, and my sense is that we often work off of impressions based on our own experiences. The results can often be reductionistic and unsatisfying.

I do not wish to contribute to the confusion, but I’d like to offer at least an observation with respect to Evangelicalism’s origin (limiting myself to American Evangelicalism) as an entryway to this month’s topic.

Topic #1: Evangelicalism and the Broader Christian Tradition

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Most definitions of American Evangelicalism highlight biblical authority, personal conversion, and an actively lived-out faith with a focus on evangelism. Some students of evangelicalism highlight its historical rise within the revivalist movements in 18th century America. It is often distinguished from Roman Catholicism and both Protestant liberalism and fundamentalism. Finally, it is also sometimes identified through association with particular Christian institutions and leaders understood to be evangelical. In light of these various views, some “leading questions” are:

We Did It: Uncovering Political Common Ground By Means of Respectful Conversation

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The Alternative Political Conversation (APC) that officially concludes on October 31 was intended to model a “better way” of talking about important public policy issues than the current vitriolic political discourse that is characterized by name-calling, demonizing and the unyielding commitment to “fixed positions” that has made it virtually impossible to uncover the “common ground” needed to govern.

If I do say so myself, I believe we have accomplished this purpose to an admirable degree. As to the level of web activity, we had over 24,100 “Page Views” and slightly more than 8000 “Unique Visitors” during this nine month project. But more importantly, if you read through the postings of our six regular commentators on each of twelve important public policy issues, and the comments posted by interested readers, two qualitative conclusions clearly emerge.

How Should We Vote?

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Finally, we should vote in hope. Like many of my correspondents, I am not enthused about the options before voters in November. Over the long run, I’d love to consider how structural changes to our electoral system might provide better choices. Yet I know in politics what I also know to be true in the rest of life: that Christ is risen. A politics of the resurrection means that the long, slow work of pursuing justice is not a work in vain, and that even a choice between two less-than-sterling candidates is still a choice that has kingdom significance. Politics is messy, and American politics is particularly so, but the kingdom hope that is found in the resurrection can carry Christians through the messiness of campaigns, into the voting booth, and on into the rest of their political lives.

A Judgment Call

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With the election only weeks away, I’ve been asked to offer advice for undecided Christian voters. As readers of the APC blog know, I am not an undecided voter. Nor am I an Independent. I have known I was going to vote for the Republican in 2012 since president-elect Obama stood astride the Big Silver Bean drinking in the adoration of thousands gathered in Chicago’s Millennium Park. I’m a conservative. It was clear at the time that Obama’s convictions on the most important issues did not line up with my own. It was inevitable that his political naiveté and delusional sense of self-importance would not work. But, for those who are not like me, we have four years of evidence to consider.

Honoring God on Election Day and Beyond

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The United States has more elected officials than any other nation (about half a million of them!), so it is no wonder that voting can seem overwhelming. As I will discuss in this essay, however, many resources are available to help us learn about the candidates and make an informed decision. As Election Day draws near, I’d like to offer some advice on preparing to vote and share some concluding observations from my participation in the Alternative Political Conversation.

Election Musings

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On November 6, each of us will be forced to make a “least bad” choice and move ahead afterwards, trying to be the best Christian citizens we can be. It is good to know that God is still sovereign, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, and that one day Christ will return.

How Shall We Then Vote

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I, of course, do not know who is going to win the election on November 6. But one thing I do know: No matter who wins I am going to be depressed. Neither candidate reflects what I see as an approach to today’s crucial public policy issues that is consistently in keeping with the principles we commentators in this series are agreed upon.

Election Day Advice

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Please consider the following potential leading questions for the final APC conversation, to be launched on October 10 and concluded on October 31. #1: Based on your participation in this Alternative Political Conversation, what words of advice do you have for readers as they prepare to vote on November 6? #2: How have the positions […]