Faithful Allies: The Religious Roots of America’s Unwavering Support for Israel
Evangelical Christianity has been a significant religious and sociopolitical force in the United States for centuries. Its influence has been felt in various realms, from the shaping of national identity to its impact on political discourse. In this chapter, we trace the rise of evangelicalism in the U.S., highlighting its origins, key tenets, and historical milestones.
1. Historical Roots
- The Great Awakenings: The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) and the Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s) were religious revival movements that swept through the American colonies and then the young United States. These revivals emphasized personal conversion, biblical authority, and the necessity of spreading the gospel, planting the seeds for modern evangelicalism.
- 19th Century Revivalism: Evangelicalism took shape further during the 19th century with the spread of revival meetings led by figures like Charles Finney. These gatherings emphasized personal salvation and moral reform.
2. Key Tenets of Evangelicalism
- Biblicism: A high regard for the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
- Crucicentrism: A focus on the atoning work of Christ on the cross.
- Conversionism: Emphasis on the need for a personal conversion experience, often referred to as being “born again.”
- Activism: A commitment to expressing faith through action, including evangelism and social reforms.
3. Evangelicalism in the 20th Century
- Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy: In the early 20th century, tensions between liberal theology and conservative evangelicalism led to splits in many denominations. This period saw the rise of Christian fundamentalism, which resisted modernist interpretations of Christianity and held onto a literal interpretation of the Bible.
- The Rise of Pentecostalism: The early 20th century also witnessed the birth of Pentecostalism, emphasizing the experience of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and divine healing.
- Billy Graham and Mass Evangelism: In the post-WWII era, Billy Graham emerged as America’s leading evangelical figure, popularizing evangelical beliefs through his crusades and broadcasts.
4. The Evangelical-Political Nexus
- Moral Majority: By the late 20th century, evangelicals became significantly involved in political activism. Leaders like Jerry Falwell and organizations such as the Moral Majority sought to mobilize Christians against perceived moral declines in society.
- Culture Wars: Evangelicals have been at the forefront of many sociopolitical battles in the U.S., opposing abortion, gay rights, and secularism in public spaces while advocating for prayer in schools and Christian values in governance.
5. Contemporary Evangelical Landscape
- Megachurch Phenomenon: The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw the rise of megachurches, large congregations led by charismatic pastors using modern technology and media to reach vast audiences.
- Diversification: Modern evangelicalism is becoming increasingly diverse, with significant growth among Hispanic, African American, and Asian American communities.
- Evolving Beliefs and Attitudes: While still predominantly conservative, there are emerging evangelical voices advocating for environmental stewardship, racial reconciliation, and more nuanced approaches to issues like LGBTQ rights.
Conclusion
Evangelical Christianity’s rise in the U.S. is a testament to the dynamic interplay of faith, culture, and politics. As one of the most influential religious movements in American history, it has not only shaped individual beliefs and practices but has also played a pivotal role in the nation’s broader sociopolitical trajectory.