Deconstructing Evangelicalism

Deconstructing Evangelicalism
Christian Books | Search Books & Music:

Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham

Information on Deconstructing Evangelicalism from the publisher:

Evangelicalism, as the term is used, is a construct developed over the last half of the twentieth century. Prior to 1950 the word had not been used the way religious leaders and academics now use it, and even then it was not a coherent set of convictions or practices. For that reason, its construction is as novel as it is misleading. This book offers an explanation as to why evangelicalism as currently used became a useful category for journalists, scholars, and believing Protestants. But it is more than simply an account of a specific word's usage. It is also an argument about the damage the construction of evangelicalism has done to historic Christianity. As much as the American public thinks of evangelicalism as the "old-time religion," whether positively or negatively, this expression of Christianity has severed most ties to the ways and beliefs of Christians living in previous eras. For that reason, it needs to be deconstructed.

Description of D. G. Hart, author of Deconstructing Evangelicalism:

Millions of Americans identify themselves as evangelicals. But what does the word mean? For author D.G. Hart, twentieth century evangelicalism centers on Billy Graham -those in sympathy with him and those reacting to him. In Deconstructing Evangelicalism, the author provocatively argues that evangelicalism is a concept that has obscured more of Christianity than it has revealed and should be abandoned as a separate religious identity. Instead, he suggests that American Christians rediscover their rich theological heritage rather than continue to struggle along with "a minimalist acount of the Christian faith." Softcover,224 pages.