[HarleyD]

From Mohler's definition and discussion, it sounds to me like evangelicalism at one time was defined through the Arminian lenses to appeal to the masses while trying to maintain sound biblical doctrine. However, once they started down that slippery path they gave in to more and more liberal doctrine and views. Today it's difficult to define an evangelical simply because there is no rigid belief system. They simply do not have a confession of faith by which they can point to and say, "This is what we believe." Please consider the following:

The old “two party” system of American Protestantism recognized the polarities of Protestant Liberalism on one end and evangelicalism at the other end. In terms of the larger culture, little distinction was made between evangelicalism and fundamentalism within the conservative party of Protestantism. The early evangelicals did not seek to abandon the classical Protestant paradigm, and they made this abundantly clear in almost every way imaginable. They rejected the limited theological preoccupations of some fundamentalists, their withdrawal from theological and intellectual engagement, and the development of battle lines over secondary and tertiary issues.

Today, instead of Baptist using the very robust and detailed London Baptist of Faith of 1689, they instead point to 5 or 6 points on the wall. It's like having the Cliff Notes of Shakespeare. It's simply not the same thing.

[Lee N. Field]

Today, instead of Baptist using the very robust and detailed London Baptist of Faith of 1689, they instead point to 5 or 6 points on the wall.

If even that.

A distressing number of churches I see (judging from how they see fit to present themselves to the world on their websites) have no discernible rule of faith. Generic Christianity is assumed, whatever that is.

[wmfights]

Today, instead of Baptist using the very robust and detailed London Baptist of Faith of 1689, they instead point to 5 or 6 points on the wall. It's like having the Cliff Notes of Shakespeare. It's simply not the same thing.

To which I say thank God.

Instead of getting caught up in trying to figure out how many angels can stand on the head of a pin I am happy to stick with the simple explanation that an Evangelical Christian is a Born Again Christian that proclaims The Gospel to the lost and believes the 5 Solas.

If I'm not mistaken the London Baptist of Faith confession has been changed. Haven't the more objectionable parts concerning the Pope and the RCC been altered?

[Cronos]

instead point to 5 or 6 points on the wall

you are correct that one should not oversimplify our beliefs.