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An '''Evangelical Christian''' is a Protestant who spreads the Gospel. In recent decades the term has narrowed to designate a white conservative Protestant, usually with a belief in the inerrancy of scriptures. During the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century, "Evangelical" was a favorite term, especially as used by [[Lutherans]] to mean "Gospel-oriented." The largest Lutheran body in the USA is the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]].

An '''Evangelical Christian''' is a Protestant who spreads the Gospel. In recent decades the term has narrowed to designate a white conservative Protestant, usually with a belief in the inerrancy of scriptures. During the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century, "Evangelical" was a favorite term, especially as used by [[Lutherans]] to mean "Gospel-oriented." The largest Lutheran body in the USA is the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]. It should be noted though that both the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and [[The Episcopal Church]] within the conservative Protestant Evangelical movement have had their Protestant credentials questioned based upon their adherence to the solidly stated "Sola Scriptura" in accordance with their open stance of acceptance involving homosexuality contrary to Scripture.  Their origins are of unquestioned Protestant beginnings, however the current thinking among other '''Protestant Christians''' place them on the edge of fringe Christianity like Jehovah Witnessess, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Seventh Day Adventists.  

This article focuses on the United States and Canada since 1740, when the [[First Great Awakening]] launched the Evangelical movement.<ref> Thomas S. Kidd, ''The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Great-Awakening-Evangelical-Christianity-Colonial/dp/0300118872/ref=ed_oe_h excerpt and text search]; William G. McLaughlin, ''Isaac Backus and the American Pietistic Tradition'' (1967)</ref>

This article focuses on the United States and Canada since 1740, when the [[First Great Awakening]] launched the Evangelical movement.<ref> Thomas S. Kidd, ''The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Great-Awakening-Evangelical-Christianity-Colonial/dp/0300118872/ref=ed_oe_h excerpt and text search]; William G. McLaughlin, ''Isaac Backus and the American Pietistic Tradition'' (1967)</ref>