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Future of Evangelicalism
A rapidly evolving tradition with deep historical roots, evangelicalism confronts abundant opportunities and abundant challenges. How will current movements within the church shape the face of American Christianity in the next ten years? What is the best way to influence culture while retaining the distinctive qualities of evangelical faith? How should evangelicals relate to other Christian traditions, and even non-Christian ones? How ought evangelicals to engage in politics? And how are evangelical ministries responding to the swiftly changing circumstances of life in the twenty-first century?
Patheos has assembled an extraordinary collection of essays addressing these questions. The essays are organized according to the themes listed below, and will be released on the Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of the next two weeks. Come back often!
You can also follow the conversation on the Future of Evangelicalism at Patheos' Evangelical Portal, and its group blog, Cross and Culture.
Select below to read responses on the following themes:
Transforming the Church: Monday, August 2nd
Transforming Culture: Wednesday, August 4th
American Evangelicalism and the Varieties of Christianity: Friday, August 6th
Transforming Society, Part 1: Social Justice and the Progressive Christian Movement: Monday, August 9th
Transforming Society, Part 2: Liberty, Responsibility, and Christianity: Wednesday, August 11th
Transforming the Shape of Evangelical Ministry: Friday, August 13th
Future of Religion
Library
Evangelical Articles
Additional Resources
by Matthew Anderson (Senior Editor, "Evangelical Outpost")
Evangelicals are discovering new life in the oldest of sources, drawing for the future upon the traditions, liturgies, and embodied practices of the past.
by Joe Carter (Web Editor, First Things)
The future is already among us; it is just not yet evenly distributed. An internet pioneer reflects on how technology is reshaping Christian communities.
by Al Hsu (Author, editor, InterVarsity Press)
Evangelicals are self-segregating into tribal subcultures. How can they be brought together again?
by Scot McKnight (North Park University)
One of evangelicalism's leading lights surveys the field, and finds the Neo-Evangelical Coalition is falling apart.
by Ed Stetzer (President, Lifeway Research)
According to a pioneer in church research, successful churches in the coming decade will have to discuss and resolve four different issues.
by Justin Taylor (Vice President, Crossway Books),
Kevin DeYoung (Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, MI),
Collin Hansen (Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition)
Calvinism has become the new cool kid on the block. That brings great challenges -- and great opportunities. No movement of God can or should long endure if Christians cannot treat one another with grace. We have been given much; we agree on much; we ought to love much.
by William Lane Craig (Talbot School of Theology)
and Paul Copan (Palm Beach Atlantic University)
Two philosophers and apologists reflect on the trends shaping the future of Christian witness.
An Interview with Andy Crouch (Author, Senior Editor at Christianity Today International)
Writer, artist, and innovator Andy Crouch reflects on how Christians of today and tomorrow can make Christ present in culture.
by Craig Detweiler (Pepperdine University)
How will the church draw upon its ancient resources to give witness in this present Age of Distraction?
by Karl Giberson (Eastern Nazarene College, BioLogos Forum)
The dialogue between science and religion is rapidly dissolving into a culture war over religious belief.
An Interview with Michael Lindsay (Rice University)
A specialist in religion and leadership reflects on the evolving ways in which evangelicals are working to shape the future of American society.
An Interview with Mark Noll (Notre Dame University)
Sixteen years ago, Mark Noll noted the "scandal" of the absence of an evangelical mind. He reflects on evangelical scholarship and cultural engagement.
by Marvin Olasky (Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine, Provost of The King’s College)
Few Americans bend the knee to the Church of Darwin, and few will as long as it offers no real sense of identity and hope.
by Robert Velarde (Author, philosopher)
In the Age of Entertainment, evangelicals who would remain relevant to their culture must learn to exegete the medium of film.
by Rod Dreher (Blogger, author, and Director of Publications for the Templeton Foundation)
There is little reason for optimism for the traditional western church, but faith is ever hopeful, and signs of life are found in the Global East and South.
by Marla Frederick (Harvard University)
American televangelism has gone global. It brings funds to American coffers, but it also bears hope into dark places.
by Hugh Hewitt (Professor of Law and Nationally Syndicated Radio Show Host)
"We are witnessing the opening of a great evangelical era in American Catholicism."
by Adam McHugh (Author, spiritual director, Presbyterian minister)
Evangelicalism’s loss of cultural power presents an opportunity for a kenotic humility and an openness to learn from the Great Tradition.
An Interview with Rodney Stark (Co-Director, Institute for the Studies of Religion, Baylor University)
One of America’s preeminent scholars of religion examines the decline of mainline churches -- and whether evangelicalism faces the same fate.
by Soong-Chan Rah (North Park Seminary)
Evangelicalism is not dead, it is being redefined by a new constituency -- hopefully for the better.
An Interview with Shane Claiborne (Author, Activist, Leader of the New Monasticism Movement)
What we learn from the monastic tradition is that it begins with the single-minded pursuit of God and neighbor -- "to will one thing," as Kierkegaard said, wholeheartedly seeking the kingdom of God.
by Brian McLaren (Emergent Church Leader)
A new coalition is already taking shape, as existing organizations and emerging networks discover one another and realize they have independently reached common conclusions.
by Phyllis Tickle (Author, editor, and lecturer)
"Emergence Christianity" is changing the way we see politics, obedience, the kingdom of God, and even the Trinity. The Age of the Spirit has dawned.
An Interview with Jim Wallis (Author, lecturer, founder of Sojourners)
"I like what I'm seeing in the new generation, and I think they are going to be an independent force in politics. Really, we as Christians ought to be a third force in politics."
An Interview with Michael Cromartie (Vice President, Ethics and Public Policy Center)
Christians should approach the political sphere without over-inflated expectations-but they should be faithful in their calling to do the work God has given them.
by Timothy Dalrymple (Manager, Patheos' Evangelical Portal)
What if the problems with our economy, our government, and our Church all have the same root cause? What if we are the problem?
by David J. Theroux (President, The Independent Institute; President, the C. S. Lewis Society of California)
Evangelicals have found inspiration in Lewis's religious writings. Might they find much-needed guidance for their future in his political philosophy as well?
What would C. S. Lewis say to the contemporary "social justice" movement?
C. S. Lewis has inspired many Christians spiritually. Could he inspire a Christian reassertion of individual liberty?
by Richard Foster (Founder, Renovar)
The spiritual formation movement is more than a fad. It is a response to the profound human longing to be matured and formed into the image of Christ.
by Rob Moll (Author, Editor at Large, Christianity Today)
Evangelicals can offer a universal balm to an ever-fragmenting society.
An Interview with Bob Roberts (Senior Pastor, NorthWood Church)
A conservative evangelical pastor from Texas is changing the way evangelicals approach other faiths.
by Tom Sine (Author, founder of Mustard Seed Associates)
It is imperative that a shrinking church in a troubled world recovers the sense that Christian faith is for the whole of life.
by Shawn David Young (Author, historian)
Contemporary Christian music created a parallel world. Is it necessary any longer?
