Evangelical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evangelical

[ɪˈvæn.dʒə.lɪ.kəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious belief

Evangelical refers to a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, personal conversion, and the preaching of the Gospel. It is characterized by a strong emphasis on evangelism and the doctrine of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Synonyms

Protestant, born-again, fundamentalist.

Examples of usage

  • The evangelical community gathered for a revival meeting.
  • She identifies as an evangelical Christian.
  • Evangelical leaders often speak about the importance of spreading their faith.
Context #2 | Noun

religious group

An evangelical is a person who is a member of the evangelical movement or identifies with its beliefs and practices. Evangelicals often play an active role in their faith communities and focus on sharing their beliefs with others.

Synonyms

believer, convert, follower.

Examples of usage

  • Many evangelicals are involved in community service projects.
  • The evangelical group organized a fundraiser for local charities.
  • As an evangelical, she participates in regular church activities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'evangelical' comes from the Greek word 'euangelion,' meaning 'good news' or 'gospel.'
  • The Evangelical movement began in the 18th century during the Great Awakening, a period of religious revival in America and Europe.
  • In the 19th century, the movement split into various denominations, further shaping modern Christianity.

Cultural Impact

  • Evangelicals have played a significant role in American politics, influencing issues around social policies and elections.
  • Many popular contemporary Christian music artists identify as evangelical, reflecting the movement's cultural outreach.
  • Films and literature often portray evangelicals, showcasing both their dedication and the challenges they encounter in modern society.

Diversity Within Evangelicalism

  • There are various evangelical denominations, including Baptists, Pentecostals, and non-denominational churches, each with unique practices.
  • In regions like Africa and Latin America, evangelical movements are growing rapidly, contributing to a diverse global expression of faith.
  • Some evangelicals focus on social justice, environmental issues, and humanitarian efforts, combining faith with activism.

Psychological Aspects

  • Studies show that evangelical beliefs can significantly influence personal identity and community belonging.
  • The sense of purpose and hope found in evangelical teachings often correlates with positive psychological well-being.
  • Evangelical communities frequently offer support networks for individuals facing personal challenges, promoting resilience and recovery.

Modern Evangelicalism

  • In the digital age, evangelicals utilize social media and technology to reach wider audiences, changing how they connect with followers.
  • Controversies surrounding evangelical groups often center on their stances on social issues, revealing deep cultural divides.
  • Many modern evangelicals seek to engage in interfaith dialogue, aiming for greater understanding and cooperation among different religious groups.

Origin of 'evangelical'

The term 'evangelical' originates from the Late Latin word 'evangelicus', which itself comes from the Greek word 'euangelikos', derived from 'euangelion' meaning 'good news' or 'gospel'. Initially, the word referred to the spreading of the Christian Gospel. In the 16th century, the Reformation brought about a significant change in the use of the term as it came to denote a particular strand of Protestantism that emphasized personal faith and the authority of the Scriptures. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the rise of evangelical revivals, such as the Great Awakening, solidified the term's association with a passionate commitment to evangelism and a focus on individual spiritual conversion. Today, the term generally encompasses a variety of movements and denominations within Protestant Christianity that stress the necessity of being 'born again', the importance of an active faith, and a mission to share their beliefs with the world.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,345, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.