Deconstructing evangelicalism : conservative Protestantism in the age of Billy Graham / D.G. Hart.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hart, D. G. (Darryl G.)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Evangelicalism--United States--History--20th century.

Evangelicalism.

United States.

History.

Evangelicalism--United States--History of doctrines--20th century.

Physical Description:

224 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Academic, 2004.

Summary:

Evangelicalism, as the term is used, is a construct developed over the last half of the twentieth century. Prior to 1950 the word had not been used the way religious leaders and academics now use it, and even then it was not a coherent set of convictions or practices. For that reason, its construction is as novel as it is misleading. This book offers an explanation as to why evangelicalism as currently used became a useful category for journalists, scholars, and believing Protestants. But it is more than simply an account of a specific word's usage. It is also an argument about the damage the construction of evangelicalism has done to historic Christianity. As much as the American public thinks of evangelicalism as the "old-time religion," whether positively or negatively, this expression of Christianity has severed most ties to the ways and beliefs of Christians living in previous eras. For that reason, it needs to be deconstructed.

Contents:

Introduction: Evangelicalism Deconstructing 13

Part 1 The Making of Evangelicalism

1 Religious History Born Again 35

2 Evangelicalism and the Revival of Social Science 63

3 Measuring Evangelicalism One Question at a Time 85

Part 2 The Unmaking of Evangelicalism

4 One, Holy, Catholic Movement 109

5 No Creed but the Bible's Inerrancy 131

6 Worship in Rhythm and Tune 153

Conclusion: Enough Already 175.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0801027284

OCLC:

52494617