SemperReformanda said:CNM: Why do we deride our important theological distinguishers? If one is "Reformed," one is certainly "evangelical"; are they not? What better term to differentiate among Western nominal Christians?, that is, a way to say one is not Roman or liberal.
I am evangelical. Of course, I mean that in the historical sense. Here is a good article on this term:
http://www.alliancenet.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID307086|CHID560462|CIID1415584,00.html
CNM: Yes, historically. But, more importantly: theologically. We should -- and must -- educate our fellow evangelicals just what it is we mean historically/theologically by the term. They then can decide whether they've
signed up for the right movement (if you will). Words mean things, and just as we should make the case for
justification in the classic Reformed sense --- as distinct from the Roman sense -- (and thus why ECT is an incompatible concept), so also, the beautiful meaning of the term "evangelical" (one who affirms and asserts the primacy of the evangel in Christian kerygma and corporate worship) must, in my view, be stressed.
SemperReformanda said:I would direct you to a wonderful book called The Coming Evangelical Crisis, edited by John Armstrong.
CNM: Yes; thank you. I have it, but haven't got around to reading it yet.
SemperReformanda said: It consists of articles on the sad status of the church today. The Compromised Church, also edited by Armstrong, is very good too.
CNM: Thanks. Also, these kind of warnings were preceded by a similar call by Francis Shaeffer in:
THE GREAT EVANGELICAL DISASTER.
SemperReformanda said: So when I say "evan-jelly-cal," I mean a certain type of evangelical that is all too prominent today. Like jelly, it's all sugar and no firmness.
CNM: Well, yeah, I know the nature of the jab, but I think that it is somewhat counterproductive, and a little snobbish. I don't mean to suggest that about you ('cause I don't know you, and your posts seem insightful anyway) but, I mean oftentimes, and especially on the internet, those who claim the descriptor of "Reformed" obcess about the some alleged distinction between that term and "Evangelical." In my view, a right understanding of both terms sees them as complimentary and not antagonistic.
