What is neo-evangelicalism? What is a neo-evangelical?
What Is Neo-Evangelicalism? What Is a Neo-Evangelical?
Neo-evangelicalism, meaning "new evangelicalism," was a theological and cultural movement within the broader evangelical tradition of Christianity that arose in the mid-20th century. It was characterized by a desire to engage the modern culture, incorporate scholarship, and cooperate with other Christian groups, including those with more liberal theological views, without compromising core Christian doctrines. Neo-evangelicals sought to distinguish themselves from the strict separatism of Fundamentalism while maintaining the essentials of biblical orthodoxy.
The Historical Context
The roots of neo-evangelicalism can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when a major rift in Christianity emerged between Fundamentalists and Modernists (or liberals):
Fundamentalism:
Fundamentalists were committed to defending the foundational truths of the Christian faith, often called the "fundamentals," which included:The inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...”).
The virgin birth and deity of Christ (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel...”).
The substitutionary atonement of Christ (Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”).
The bodily resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty”).
The literal second coming of Christ (John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself…”).
Fundamentalists were often separatists, advocating for strict separation from the world and from liberal churches. They were fervent in evangelism but tended to adopt a "fortress mentality," isolating themselves from cultural and intellectual engagement.
Modernism:
Modernists embraced contemporary culture and sought to harmonize Christianity with modern scientific and philosophical developments, including evolutionary theory. They often downplayed or outright rejected key biblical doctrines, such as the inerrancy of Scripture and the deity of Christ. Instead, they emphasized ethics, social reform, and a universalist view of salvation, promoting the idea that people outside Christianity could also have a relationship with God.
The tension between these two camps dominated much of early 20th-century Christianity. Fundamentalists saw Modernists as compromising the faith, while Modernists viewed Fundamentalists as rigid and anti-intellectual.
The Rise of Neo-Evangelicalism
By the mid-20th century, some within the Fundamentalist movement began to feel that strict separatism and anti-intellectualism were counterproductive. They argued that the church needed to engage modern culture and scholarship to effectively proclaim the gospel in a changing world. This desire for cultural engagement and intellectual rigor gave birth to neo-evangelicalism.
In 1947, Harold J. Ockenga, a prominent pastor and theologian, coined the term neo-evangelical to describe this emerging movement. He envisioned a renewal of evangelicalism that would avoid the isolationism of Fundamentalism while maintaining a firm commitment to biblical truth. That same year, theologian Carl F. H. Henry published The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism, a book that became a manifesto for the movement. Henry called for evangelicals to confront social and cultural issues head-on and to engage with modern scholarship to defend the faith.
Characteristics of Neo-Evangelicalism
Cultural Engagement:
Neo-evangelicals believed that Christians should not withdraw from the world but instead engage it with the gospel. They emphasized being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:15–16). This approach sought to address societal issues such as poverty, racism, and injustice, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in all areas of life.Intellectual Rigor:
Neo-evangelicals valued academic excellence and sought to reclaim the life of the mind for Christ. They encouraged the use of modern scholarship to articulate and defend the faith, following the biblical command to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).Cooperation Across Denominational Lines:
While still holding to biblical orthodoxy, neo-evangelicals were more open to cooperating with Christians from other traditions, including mainline Protestant and even Catholic groups, in efforts such as evangelism and social action. This approach was inspired by Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers in John 17:21, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You...”Focus on Evangelism:
Neo-evangelicalism emphasized the proclamation of the gospel to a lost world. The movement retained the evangelistic fervor of Fundamentalism but sought to present the message in a way that resonated with contemporary culture. The work of Billy Graham, a prominent neo-evangelical, exemplified this emphasis.Rejection of Separationism:
Unlike Fundamentalists, neo-evangelicals rejected the idea of complete separation from the world or from other Christians with differing views. Instead, they advocated for a balanced approach of engagement without compromise.
Key Figures and Institutions
Carl F. H. Henry: Known as the intellectual architect of neo-evangelicalism, Henry emphasized the importance of engaging modern culture and scholarship while remaining faithful to Scripture.
Billy Graham: Perhaps the most visible representative of neo-evangelicalism, Graham’s evangelistic crusades reached millions and exemplified the movement’s emphasis on gospel proclamation.
Christianity Today: Founded in 1956 by Carl Henry and Billy Graham, this magazine became the leading voice for neo-evangelicalism, offering a thoughtful and culturally relevant presentation of the Christian faith.
Fuller Theological Seminary: Established in 1947, this institution became a hub for neo-evangelical scholarship and training.
Criticism of Neo-Evangelicalism
Neo-evangelicalism was not without its detractors. Many Fundamentalists criticized the movement for what they saw as compromise and accommodation to worldly values. They feared that cooperation with liberal Christians would dilute the gospel and lead to doctrinal error. Some also accused neo-evangelicals of placing too much emphasis on intellectualism at the expense of spiritual fervor.
Legacy of Neo-Evangelicalism
While the term neo-evangelical is rarely used today, the movement’s influence endures. Many of its principles—cultural engagement, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to evangelism—have become hallmarks of modern evangelicalism. At the same time, the tensions between Fundamentalism, neo-evangelicalism, and liberal Christianity remain relevant as the church navigates new cultural and theological challenges.
As believers, we are called to hold fast to sound doctrine while reaching out to a lost world with the love of Christ. As Paul exhorts in 2 Timothy 1:13–14, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (NKJV). The balance between faithfulness to the gospel and engagement with the world remains a vital task for the church today.
