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Evangelicalism is a transdenominational Protestant Christian movement characterized by an emphasis on personal conversion to Christianity, biblical authority as the foundation for doctrine and practice, evangelistic outreach, and activism within secular culture. The term “evangelical” derives from the Greek word *euangelion*, meaning “good news,” reflecting the movement's focus on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelicalism emerged as a distinct strand of Protestantism during the 18th-century revivals known as the Great Awakenings, particularly in British America and Britain. These revival movements emphasized personal religious experience, moral reform, and the necessity of individual repentance for salvation. Key figures such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield played pivotal roles in shaping early evangelical thought and practice.

The movement gained further momentum through the 19th-century missions movement, which sought to spread Christianity globally, often alongside imperial expansion. Evangelicalism also influenced social reform movements, including abolitionism and temperance. By the late 19th century, it had diversified into multiple streams, including Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions, as well as emerging Pentecostal and charismatic expressions in the early 20th century.

Today, evangelicalism represents one of the most influential branches of global Christianity. Scholarly estimates of adherents vary significantly depending on definition, ranging from roughly 400 million to over 600 million worldwide, with broader frameworks that include Pentecostal and charismatic traditions yielding higher figures. While the movement has historically received significant attention in the United States, its demographic majority now resides in the Global South, with Africa, Asia, and Latin America together accounting for the bulk of evangelical adherents worldwide. In the United States, evangelicalism has played a significant role in politics and culture since the mid-20th century. Organizations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the World Evangelical Alliance serve as major institutional hubs, fostering theological discourse, social engagement, and missionary efforts.

Key theological themes within evangelicalism include biblical inerrancy-the belief that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts-moral conservatism on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage, and a commitment to evangelistic outreach. The movement's cultural influence has been marked by figures like Billy Graham, whose crusades and media presence shaped 20th-century evangelical identity.

Evangelicalism continues to exhibit internal diversity, with tensions between traditionalist and progressive factions over social issues, worship styles, and the role of Christianity in public life. Megachurches have become a defining feature of contemporary evangelicalism, blending multimedia technology with mass congregational gatherings to create expansive, multi-campus ministries.

Traditional evangelicalism emphasizes biblical literalism and conservative theology, often aligning with older Protestant creeds. Progressive evangelicalism advocates for social justice and LGBTQ+ inclusion, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. Charismatic/Pentecostal evangelicalism places a strong emphasis on spiritual gifts such as healing and speaking in tongues. The debate over political engagement vs. apolitical focus reflects divisions within the movement about its role in secular governance. Role of women in ministry and leadership remains contested, with some advocating for egalitarianism and others maintaining complementarian views. LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage are among the most divisive issues, with traditionalists opposing gay marriage and progressives advocating for inclusion. Relationship between faith and politics, including Christian nationalism, sparks debate over evangelicalism's political alignment. Evolution vs. young Earth creationism persists as a key educational and theological controversy. Racial justice remains an unresolved issue, with historical racial divisions continuing to influence the movement.

Additionally, historical racial divisions within evangelicalism remain a point of contention. The political alignment of evangelicalism, particularly with the Republican Party in the U.S., is frequently debated.

* Protestant Fundamentalism - History * Protestantism * Religious Right - Viewpoint * Creationism-Evolution Debate * Cultural Wars - U.S. Politics * Megachurches

Marsden, George M. *Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism*. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1980. Bebbington, David W. *Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s*. London: Royal Historical Society, 1989. Smith, Christian and Michael Emerson. *Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America*. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.