I was born & raised in Protestant Evangelicalism, studied at Evangelical icons Moody Bible Institute (B.A.) and Wheaton College (M.A.), both degrees in theology. I received my Ph.D. in Theology at Marquette University, a Jesuit institution.
In a nutshell, Evangelicals are conservative Protestants who emphasize the spiritual rebirth called being "born again." They have a very high view of Scripture (inerrancy) and stress evangelism and a pietistic lifestyle ("We don't smoke, drink, dance or chew, or go with those who do").
I recall in my younger years a mild anti-Catholicism which grouped Catholics with other "liberal" Protestant denominations that no longer "preached the gospel." We mistakenly believed that Catholics taught "salvation by works" rather than relying totally on Faith in Christ. We did not understand the fine distinctions between Pelagianism and the nuanced Catholic view that "faith without works is dead."
Times have changed, and I do not detect hostility towards Catholicism in Evangelical circles. Rather, there is a growing awareness of a commonality especially with regard to standing for fundamental Christian doctrines and morality.
The central concerns of Evangelicals are spiritual rebirth and standing for the authority of Scripture and fundamental Christian doctrines. I have retained these emphasis, and continue to believe that "God has no grandchildren" (= each person much make a personal commitment to Christ).
At the same time I have tremendous respect for the Catholic Church, and in fact attempt to defend it against it's accusers. My hope is that Christians will become more united, and I am willing to let the Lord guide that process.
Hope this helps. God bless!
It is hard to believe the Moody Bible Institute (B.A.) and Wheaton College (M.A.) are both in Illinois. If only they’d have some effect.
tjd,
Thanks a great deal for your reply. You said very succinctly what I would have mostly formulated for myself, but I wasn’t confident enough I knew what I was talking about to state it that way. Evangelicalism emphasizes trust in Christ rather than trust in the institutional church, salvation in him rather than in the institution, without abandoning the institution. Is this about right?
I’ve been using the statement “God ain’t got no grandchildren” for about 20 years now, so you rang my chimes with that statement.
Thanks very much for your considered response.