Alister McGrath, an Evangelical?

[aReformedPatriot]

Is Alister McGrath considerided an "Evangelical"? I need to know ASAP if possible because I have to write a paper using evangelical systematic theologies as source material.

[TomUK]

Most definitely an evangelical. One of his most notable books is 'evangelicalism-the future of Christianity'. He is a good read.

Think of him in the John Stott school of thought (in fact, i believe he may have served one of his curacies under Stott- don't quote me on that)

[aReformedPatriot]

Most definitely an evangelical. One of his most notable books is 'evangelicalism-the future of Christianity'. He is a good read.

Think of him in the John Stott school of thought (in fact, i believe he may have served one of his curacies under Stott- don't quote me on that)

Thanks! I am glad that I can use him as a source. I like McGrath.

[TomUK]

Since thinking about your post i've decided to buy one of McGrath's books i've been wanting to get for a while. For a long time i've been wanting to get more into theological but wasn't sure where to start. "The Christian Theology Reader" is in my opinion a great book to buy if you're like me but are just a bit daunted by it all (2000 years is quite a long time!). What's handy too is that each extract is followed by a few highly relevant questions which really seem to help you immerse yourself in that short passage. I would definitely recommonend it.

Here's the amazon.com link for all you Yanks
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/063120637X/qid=1126541133/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-8453281-9794450?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[ChessCastle]

Is Alister McGrath considerided an "Evangelical"? I need to know ASAP if possible because I have to write a paper using evangelical systematic theologies as source material.


What is an evangelical?

[aReformedPatriot]

What is an evangelical?

My handy Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (which you may find to be a worthwhile investment) states: Evangelical, Evangelicalism. A set of terms arising out of the greek word euangelion, "good news," or "gospel." In its most general sense evangelical means eing characterized by a concern for the essential core of the christian message, which proclaims the possibility of salvation through the person and work of Jesus Christ. More specifically, evangelicialism has been used to refer to the transdenominational and international movement the need to experience personal conversion through the belief in Christ and his work on the cross, and a commitment to the authority of scripture as the infallible guide for Christian faith and practice.

[ChessCastle]

My handy Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (which you may find to be a worthwhile investment) states: Evangelical, Evangelicalism. A set of terms arising out of the greek word euangelion, "good news," or "gospel." In its most general sense evangelical means eing characterized by a concern for the essential core of the christian message, which proclaims the possibility of salvation through the person and work of Jesus Christ. More specifically, evangelicialism has been used to refer to the transdenominational and international movement the need to experience personal conversion through the belief in Christ and his work on the cross, and a commitment to the authority of scripture as the infallible guide for Christian faith and practice.

So isn't every church evangelical? Or am I missing something?

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

So isn't every church evangelical? Or am I missing something?

Let's go through the definitions:

More specifically, evangelicialism has been used to refer to the transdenominational and international movement the need to experience personal conversion through the belief in Christ and his work on the cross,

That's an evangelical distinctive. The emphasis on an individual response to Christ. More Catholic Christians tend to think rather in terms of identification with the community that is the Bride of Christ - the Church. Evangelicalism tends towards "Me and Jesus"; other Christians may tend towards "Us and Jesus".

and a commitment to the authority of scripture as the infallible guide for Christian faith and practice.

It'd be well to unpack that a bit as to exactly what's meant by infallibility here, but, again Evangelicals tend to elevate Scripture over Reason and Tradition; in comparison, catholics (that's with a small c) and Orthodox tend to elevate Tradition and see Scripture as being a subset of Tradition. Liberals tend towards Reason as a prime guide.

Personally, I'm catholic by conviction but often liberal in practice.

But that's why not all churches claim the label "evangelical". But don't fret, another Evangelical distinctive is a tendancy to think that evangelicalism is Christianity.

[PaladinValer]

All Christians are evangelical in the sense that we are People of the Good News.

However, only a minority of Christians follow Evangelical theology.

[aReformedPatriot]

All Christians are evangelical in the sense that we are People of the Good News.

However, only a minority of Christians follow Evangelical theology.

Yea just those small groups called baptists and pentecostals, most 'non-denoms.' Mix that with an anglican or two and we have our small rag tag group ;):P

[pmcleanj]

Yea just those small groups called baptists and pentecostals, most 'non-denoms.' Mix that with an anglican or two and we have our small rag tag group ;):P
Globally, it is a minority. About half of the world's Christians are Roman Catholic. The next largest group are Eastern and Oriental Orthodox. Assuming you include Pentacostals and indiginous African sects in with the more mainstream evangelical groups, Evangelicals make up about an eighth of the world's Christians.

The perception of this proportionality is skewed by local demographics. In the United States Evangelicals make up about a fifth (still a minority) of the Christian population, and Roman Catholics only a quarter; but in some regions of the U.S. obviously the skew is different.

[ChessCastle]

Let's go through the definitions:

That's an evangelical distinctive. The emphasis on an individual response to Christ. More Catholic Christians tend to think rather in terms of identification with the community that is the Bride of Christ - the Church. Evangelicalism tends towards "Me and Jesus"; other Christians may tend towards "Us and Jesus".



It'd be well to unpack that a bit as to exactly what's meant by infallibility here, but, again Evangelicals tend to elevate Scripture over Reason and Tradition; in comparison, catholics (that's with a small c) and Orthodox tend to elevate Tradition and see Scripture as being a subset of Tradition. Liberals tend towards Reason as a prime guide.

Personally, I'm catholic by conviction but often liberal in practice.

But that's why not all churches claim the label "evangelical". But don't fret, another Evangelical distinctive is a tendancy to think that evangelicalism [i]is Christianity.


Ok thats cleared it up for me, thanks a lot.