

Leaving White Evangelicalism, Part 1: What is Evangelicalism?
11 snips Jan 21, 2025
Matt and Ben share personal stories about their departure from white evangelical spaces, reflecting on its complexities. They dive into the essence of evangelicalism and examine how political ideologies shape beliefs. The speakers also discuss the evolving definitions of evangelicals, highlighting tensions between faith and politics. Humor mingles with serious inquiry as they question the desirability of the evangelical label, inviting listeners to reconsider what it means to identify within this dynamic community.
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Defining Evangelicalism
- Evangelicals are defined by their commitment to Biblicism, Crucicentrism, Conversionism, and Activism.
- These form the core tenets of the so-called Bebbington Quadrilateral.
Early Perceptions of Faith
- Ben grew up between evangelical and charismatic spaces, finding the quadrilateral resonated with his upbringing.
- He initially assumed it was the only "right" way to be Christian, excluding Catholics and mainliners.
Conversion and Family Rifts
- Matt, raised Catholic, converted to evangelicalism in college.
- He encountered anti-Catholic materials, causing family rifts, highlighting the exclusivity often associated with evangelicalism.