Outline of Christianity in the United States
A. Overview of Evangelicalism:
- Definition and characteristics:
- Define Evangelicalism as a diverse movement within Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, personal conversion, and active evangelism.
- Discuss key characteristics of Evangelicalism, such as a focus on personal faith, the importance of sharing the Gospel, and an emphasis on spiritual experiences.
- Explore the theological diversity within Evangelicalism, ranging from conservative to more progressive perspectives.
- Historical development:
- Provide a historical overview of the development of Evangelicalism, including its roots in the Protestant Reformation and the Great Awakenings in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Discuss the influence of key figures and movements, such as John Wesley, George Whitefield, and the rise of the Holiness and Pentecostal movements.
- Examine the growth and spread of Evangelicalism in the United States and its impact on American religious landscape.
- Cultural and political influence:
- Discuss the cultural impact of Evangelicalism in areas such as music, media, and popular culture.
- Explore the involvement of Evangelicals in social and political movements, including their influence on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom.
- Analyze the complexities and tensions within Evangelicalism, particularly regarding its engagement with politics and the perception of its influence on American society.
- Definition and characteristics:
- Define Fundamentalism as a conservative religious movement within Christianity that emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible and adherence to fundamental theological doctrines.
- Discuss key characteristics of Fundamentalism, including a rejection of modernist interpretations of the Bible and a focus on preserving traditional religious beliefs and practices.
- Explore the tension between Fundamentalism’s separatist tendencies and its desire to engage with and influence society.
- Historical development:
- Provide a historical overview of the development of Fundamentalism, including its origins in response to theological and cultural challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Discuss the publication of “The Fundamentals,” a series of essays that articulated the movement’s core beliefs and served as a foundational text.
- Examine the growth and influence of Fundamentalism in various Christian denominations and its impact on American Christianity.
- Interactions with society and culture:
- Explore the relationship between Fundamentalism and broader American society, including tensions with secularism, science, and progressive social movements.
- Discuss the involvement of Fundamentalists in education debates, such as the controversy over the teaching of evolution in public schools.
- Analyze the ways in which Fundamentalist beliefs and practices have shaped cultural and societal debates, particularly regarding moral and social issues.
C. Intersections and tensions between Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism:
- Discuss the overlapping characteristics and shared theological beliefs between Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism.
- Analyze the tensions and conflicts that can arise within and between Evangelical and Fundamentalist groups, particularly regarding theological interpretations, social issues, and approaches to engaging with culture and society.
- Explore the evolving landscape of Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism in response to cultural shifts, including the rise of more progressive Evangelical voices and the diversification of Fundamentalist perspectives.
This section provides an overview of Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism, examining their definitions, historical development, cultural and political influence, and the intersections and tensions between the two movements. It acknowledges the diversity within both movements and the complexities that arise from their engagement with broader society and culture.