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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."

An '''Evangelical Christian''' is a Protestant who is Gospel-centered. During the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century, "Evangelical" was a favorite term, especially as used by [[Lutherans]].

 

The term commonly also suggests a desire to evangelize, i.e. spread the message of the Gospel and

make converts to Christianity. In recent decades the term has narrowed to designate a white conservative Protestant, usually a fundamentalist or Pentecostal Christian.  

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>

There is no exact definition of who is an Evangelical. Pollsters often ask, "Are you a born-again Christian?" to define the group. Sociologists look at membership in specific denominations, and often include [[Holiness Movement]], [[Pentecostal]] and [[Nazarene]] groups. Some scholars focus on the Bible beliefs, together with a personal commitment to Christ.<ref> See Krapohl and Lippy (1999) ch 1</ref>

There is no exact definition of who is an Evangelical. Pollsters often ask, "Are you a born-again Christian?" to define the group. Sociologists look at membership in specific denominations and often include adherents of [[Holiness Movement]], [[Pentecostal]] and [[Nazarene]] churches. Some scholars focus on the Bible beliefs, together with a personal commitment to Christ.<ref> See Krapohl and Lippy (1999) </ref>

The largest Lutheran body in the USA is the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]. It should be noted though that this church and The [[Episcopal Church]] have had their Evangelical credentials questioned as a result of their recent acceptance of homosexuality. Some Evangelical Protestant critics, believing homosexual acts to be be contrary to Scripture, place these churches on the edge of fringe Christianity along with Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Seventh Day Adventists.  

The largest Lutheran body in the USA is the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]. It should be noted though that this church and The [[Episcopal Church]], which is in communion with it, have had their Evangelical credentials questioned as a result of their recent acceptance of homosexuality. Some Evangelical Protestant critics, believing homosexual acts to be be contrary to Scripture, place these churches on the edge of fringe Christianity along with Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Seventh Day Adventists.  

The Christian researcher and author George Barna defines "Evangelicals" as a subset of those who meet the basic criteria defining [[born again Christians]], but who also meet seven other doctrinal conditions.<ref>http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/15-christianity-is-no-longer-americans-default-faith</ref> A distinction is then enabled to be manifest in other areas of faith beliefs.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/RevealingStatistics.html#Sec4 Revealing Statistics: America in Decline; Differences among Denominations]</ref>

The Christian researcher and author George Barna defines "Evangelicals" as a subset of those who meet the basic criteria defining [[born again Christians]], but who also meet seven other doctrinal conditions.<ref>http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/15-christianity-is-no-longer-americans-default-faith</ref> A distinction is then enabled to be manifest in other areas of faith beliefs.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/RevealingStatistics.html#Sec4 Revealing Statistics: America in Decline; Differences among Denominations]</ref>