Neo-evangelicalism is a movement within evangelical Christianity that emerged in the mid-20th century. The term “neo-evangelical” was coined by Harold Ockenga in 1947 to distinguish a new movement within evangelicalism from the more fundamentalist-oriented evangelicalism of the early 20th century.
Some key characteristics of neo-evangelicalism include:
- A desire to engage positively with society and culture, rather than separation from society as fundamentalists promoted.
- An openness to biblical criticism arising from scholarly study.
- A focus on the gospel and conversion as the means of reforming society.
- A spirit of cooperation among Christians of various traditions.
Prominent early neo-evangelical leaders included Harold Ockenga, Carl F.H. Henry, Billy Graham, and Fuller Theological Seminary founders Charles Fuller and Harold Lindsell. Institutions like Fuller Seminary and the National Association of Evangelicals played key roles in promoting neo-evangelical thought and building networks.
Some of the key theological characteristics of neo-evangelicalism include:
- A high view of biblical inspiration and inerrancy, while allowing for scholarly criticism of Scripture.
- An emphasis on the need for personal conversion and the sharing of the gospel message.
- A focus on the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross.
- Affirmation of biblical miracles while avoiding the anti-intellectualism of fundamentalists.
Neo-evangelicals maintained traditional evangelical beliefs like the authority of Scripture and need for personal salvation in Christ. But they engaged in a more open, inclusive, and intellectually engaged style than previous generations. This allowed them to build bridges with a wider Christian community as well as gain influence in religious media and American society.
Some key issues neo-evangelicals focused on included:
- Evangelism and missionary work
- Christian education
- Engaging with science
- Involvement in media like radio, TV, and publishing
- Social action and relief work
In many ways, neo-evangelicalism set the tone for much of the evangelical movement in America today. Many leading evangelical denominations, churches, schools, and leaders reflect neo-evangelical origins and thought.
Neo-evangelical Beliefs
Here is a more in-depth summary of some of the key beliefs and characteristics of neo-evangelicalism:
The Bible
Neo-evangelicals hold to a high view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture. They believe the Bible is fully inspired by God and without error in its original manuscripts (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).
However, neo-evangelicals are open to careful, scholarly study of the biblical texts using modern historical and linguistic tools. This distinguishes them from fundamentalists who tend to reject historical criticism entirely.
Neo-evangelicals believe that faith and intellect need not be at odds and that reasonable analysis of Scripture can enhance understanding and application.
Academic Engagement
In contrast to fundamentalists who often shunned secular academia, neo-evangelicals actively engage the academy and pursue advanced education and scholarly research. This is reflected in a proliferation of evangelical colleges, seminaries, publications, and intellectual leadership.
Fuller Seminary is a leading example of early neo-evangelical engagement with academia. Many evangelical scholars pursue advanced degrees and publish academic research on biblical, theological, and social topics.
Cultural Engagement
Whereas fundamentalists tended towards separation from society, neo-evangelicals actively engage culture. They are involved in politics, social reform, media, the arts, and other realms of society.
This cultural engagement seeks to transform society positively through the spread of the gospel and application of biblical principles (Matthew 5:13-16, Jeremiah 29:7). At times, this leads to participation in ecumenical and interfaith efforts for the common good.
Evangelism and Missions
Neo-evangelicals place a strong emphasis on evangelism and missions. Billy Graham was a leading figure in large-scale evangelism aimed at mass conversion and revival in America and worldwide.
Groups like Youth for Christ, Campus Crusade for Christ, and evangelistic events seek to share the gospel on a wide scale and call people to personal salvation through faith in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
Social Concern
Neo-evangelicals believe the gospel applies to all of life. This leads many to actively address social problems like poverty, racism, family breakdown, crime, and other issues plaguing society.
Groups like World Vision, International Justice Mission, and evangelical advocacy groups work for biblical social change. Church-based ministries and individual activism also seek to serve pressing social needs (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8).
Ecumenism
In contrast to fundamentalist separatism, neo-evangelicals cooperate with other Christians where they find common ground. Billy Graham often had liberal and Catholic clergy participate in his crusades.
Groups like the National Association of Evangelicals and Christianity Today promote evangelical beliefs while building ecumenical bridges. This allows evangelicals to have a greater cultural influence (John 17:20-23).
Avoid Anti-Intellectualism
Neo-evangelicals avoid much of the anti-intellectualism that characterized early fundamentalists. Instead, they engage positively with academia, science, media, and the broader culture.
This results in many respected evangelical scholars and thought leaders. Evangelical scholars publish academic research on history, archaeology, biblical studies, theology, philosophy and more.
Engagement with Science
Unlike fundamentalists who often rejected modern science entirely, neo-evangelicals actively engage scientific research and findings. Leading evangelical schools like Wheaton College have prestigious science programs.
While maintaining traditional beliefs in biblical miracles and creation, most neo-evangelicals accept scientific consensus on issues like the age of the earth and evolution. They do not see science and biblical faith as incompatible.
Use of Media
Neo-evangelicals harness mass media and pop culture for outreach and evangelism. Radio, TV, movies, the internet, and books engage millions through culturally relevant communication.
Groups like Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and Christian publishers and record labels bring the evangelical message to mainstream culture (Revelation 14:6). At times, neo-evangelicals have struggled to balance relevance with faithfulness.
Social and Political Activism
Neo-evangelicals active engagement in society leads many to political activism and organizing for social reform. Groups like the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition, and the Religious Right sought to bring biblical values to public policy.
However, some critics feel this overly aligned evangelicals with a particular political agenda at times. It remains an ongoing area of debate (Jeremiah 29:7, Romans 13:1-7).
Neo-evangelical Figures and Organizations
Here are some of the key figures, schools, and organizations that promoted neo-evangelical thought and activism in 20th century America:
- Fuller Theological Seminary – Founded as a neo-evangelical alternative to fundamentalist seminaries.
- Billy Graham – Mass evangelist who became public face of evangelicalism worldwide.
- Harold Ockenga – Co-founder of Fuller Seminary and promoter of neo-evangelicalism.
- Carl F.H. Henry – Early neo-evangelical theologian and first editor of Christianity Today.
- Harold Lindsell – Former Fuller professor and editor of Christianity Today.
- Christianity Today – Flagship magazine promoting neo-evangelical thought.
- National Association of Evangelicals – Uniting body for denominations and groups.
- Gordon-Conwell Seminary – Leading East Coast neo-evangelical seminary.
- InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – College campus ministry organization.
- World Vision – Christian humanitarian organization focused on poverty.
- Campus Crusade for Christ – (now Cru) College evangelism organization.
- Youth for Christ – Ministry focused on evangelizing youth.
- Regent College – Graduate school founded by J.I. Packer to integrate evangelical faith and academia.
These leaders and organizations institutionalized neo-evangelical thought and practice. They embodied core commitments like biblical fidelity, intellectual engagement, cultural involvement, and social concern.
Influence and Impact on Evangelicalism
Neo-evangelicalism has had an enormous influence on the evangelical movement in America and globally over the past 75 years. Here are some of its key effects and legacy:
- Opened evangelicalism to greater ecumenism and cooperation with other Christians.
- Gained evangelical influence and access to media, academia, politics.
- Renewed emphasis on evangelism led to global expansion of evangelicalism.
- Helped shed fundamentalist image of anti-intellectualism.
- Increased cultural and social engagement around issues like abortion, religious freedom.
- Established networks of evangelical institutions, scholars, leaders.
- Mainstreamed many evangelical beliefs and practices that were previously sectarian.
- Commitment to biblical authority and conversion remained steadfast.
- At times overly aligned with particular political agendas.
- Struggled to balance relevance and accommodation to culture.
Overall, neo-evangelicalism facilitated greater gospel impact and societal influence for evangelicals. It provided a platform for engagement where fundamentalists were isolated and sectarian. Millions worldwide have been shaped by neo-evangelical thought and organizations.
Criticisms and Concerns
While opening evangelicalism to greater mainstream influence, neo-evangelicalism has drawn criticism at times from both fundamentalists and progressive evangelicals:
- Too accommodating to liberal theology – Some fundamentalists argued neo-evangelicals compromised biblical truth in their openness to ecumenism and academia.
- Uncritical alignment with right-wing politics – Progressive evangelicals believe neo-evangelicals have often aligned too closely with one political agenda.
- Uncritical embrace of capitalism and materialism – There is a concern the suburban megachurch phenomenon reflects unbiblical materialism and consumerism.
- Loss of conversion focus – With abundant programs and ministries, critics believe the centrality of gospel proclamation and conversion has been lost.
- Unhealthy celebrity culture – Megapastors and Christian superstars thrive in neo-evangelical circles, opening the door to abuse.
- Racism and lack of diversity – Institutional evangelicalism still remains predominantly white in a diverse society.
These criticisms reveal some of the challenges and weaknesses neo-evangelicals continue to face. There are ongoing debates about how evangelicals can best engage culture faithfully and fulfill the gospel mandate in today’s society.
Neo-evangelicalism Today
Neo-evangelicalism remains a dominant force shaping 21st century evangelicalism. However, some question whether “neo-evangelicalism” still remains a distinct movement the way it was mid-20th century.
Younger evangelicals often have a more fluid engagement with culture and social issues. The religious right’s political power has waned in recent decades. Various evangelical subgroups have emerged.
Yet while neo-evangelicalism may no longer be an organized movement, its legacy remains. Many of the original neo-evangelical organizations like Fuller or World Vision continue to thrive. Publications like Christianity Today and Evangelical Missions Quarterly promote neo-evangelical thought to new generations.
Megachurches, Christian pop culture, religious activism, and academic evangelical scholarship reflect neo-evangelical origins. So while neo-evangelicalism has evolved and fragmented, its broad vision continues to significantly impact evangelical identity and practice today.