In 2007, religion reporter Cathleen Falsani sat down with a U.S. Senator who would announce his presidential candidacy the following month, Barack Obama. Writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, she had interviewed the rising Illinois politician before and spoken with him about his personal Christian faith. Noticing how much Obama invoked God and his religious convictions in political speeches, this time Falsani asked if he considered himself an evangelical.
At this point, I hesitate even to identify myself as "Christian" if I'm talking to a non-Christian who may not understand that there is a difference between "that kind" of white evangelicals and what I believe and, I hope, act on consistently. Of course that does give me an opening for more subtle evangelism: "I'm Christian and for me that means every person is created by and loved by a God who would rather die than see his children hurt," or whatever similar statement is appropriate for the interaction. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me in word choices.
Great article! I no longer identify as evangelical. I still identify as "Christian" but am concerned that the meaning of "Christian" will become as corrupted by right-wing politics as the term "evangelical" has become.
Politically Incorrect Evangelical
At this point, I hesitate even to identify myself as "Christian" if I'm talking to a non-Christian who may not understand that there is a difference between "that kind" of white evangelicals and what I believe and, I hope, act on consistently. Of course that does give me an opening for more subtle evangelism: "I'm Christian and for me that means every person is created by and loved by a God who would rather die than see his children hurt," or whatever similar statement is appropriate for the interaction. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me in word choices.
Great article! I no longer identify as evangelical. I still identify as "Christian" but am concerned that the meaning of "Christian" will become as corrupted by right-wing politics as the term "evangelical" has become.
Excellent - thank you!
This is terrific, and on point. Thank you Brian and Beau.