When you say ‘evangelical,’ what do you mean?

During an election season you might hear the term “evangelical” thrown around a lot. You may go to an evangelical Christian church, or at least think that you do, and may even call yourself an evangelical. But what does that term actually mean, especially when it comes to the polls? 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “evangelical” as “of or relating to a Christian sect or group … emphasizing salvation by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority of Scripture and the importance of preaching as contrasted with ritual.” 

But when it comes to the polls the definition of “evangelical” is not quite as solid. It often depends on the method of measurement. For instance in one estimation more than one-third of Americans are evangelical. But another estimation says only 1 in 10 are evangelical. That’s a drastic difference. 

So where does the discrepancy come from? 

For one thing many polls simply ask a person how they identify themselves. If a person doesn’t know what “evangelical” means, they may mark incorrectly. Some polls even separate “evangelical” from “born-again Christian,” making it even more confusing. 

Adding modifiers

Some polls add modifiers, like “white evangelical.” According to Pew Research, this is important because whites consistently vote conservatively and republican, whereas African-American Protestants are some of the most strongly and consistently democratic voters. 

The term “evangelical” also comes with it’s own baggage, according to Christianity Today. Some equate “evangelical” with “narrow minded,” “fundamentalist,” “intolerant” and even “hatemonger.” 

Instead of allowing society to define “evangelical” with negative terms, Christians need to understand what it means and then define it first, according to Anthony L. Blair, president and dean of Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. 

An evangelical Christian should offer “what we ourselves have experienced: an encounter with the mysteries of the kingdom of God in the realities of everyday life; a love that unites us with persistent, passionate gentleness into repentance and transformation; and the unspeakable joy of intimate companionship with the Savior of our souls,” Blair wrote in Christianity Today. 

“Because of that experience our gospel is inherently Christological. Our core proclamation is that Jesus is Lord of all and the divine lover of our souls. Like the woman at the well, we run excitedly to our neighbors, even (or especially) those who have marginalized us, and we joyfully invite, ‘Come see a Man who knows everything about me … and loves me still.’”