Embracing an Evangelical Faith

Hello everyone out there. This is Randy for the Seeds team.

In the last week or so, we received a comment that addressed some concern over our use of the word “evangelical” so this post will try to respond to that, the best we can. First, we did not intend to use the word “evangelical” as if that was a derogatory thing, and we apologize for any statements that seemed to stereotype or generalize evangelicals as if they are a monolithic entity. Evangelicals are a diverse group theologically and doctrinally, and in fact, we consider our group to be evangelical. But we often fall into the same linguistic trap that is present in much of Christianity, a tendency to talk about being “evangelical” and being “peacemakers” as if they are two different things. While we often fall short, we are convinced of this: We cannot separate the two from each other.

There is little question that today these two words have a hard time existing together. At the very least, we can’t possibly imagine how we can emphasize both an evangelical faith, and a strong peace ethic as one. The result has been a painful polarization, a division within our own Mennonite Church. But I ask, how much of this tension between these two words has simply come from our preconceived ideas about “evangelicals”, or our stereotypes about “peace activists,” stereotypes that our culture has defined for us?

Interestingly, but not by mistake. the word, “evangelicalism” originates in the Greek word evangelion, meaning “good news” or “gospel.” Indeed, the message that we are bringing this summer is that our passion for peace in our lives and in this world IS rooted in the Biblical narrative, the Gospel! This story of salvation history shows us a God who loved us while we were still enemies (sinners) yet came to earth and died for us, and made reconciliation with all peoples. (Romans 5:10) It was Jesus himself who came and evangelized peace. (Acts 10.36, Eph 2.17 both use the word evangelion) THIS is the good news (evangelion)! Jesus Christ has made peace through the cross, and conquered the power of death through the resurrection. Because of this Christians are to be people of peace. Christians are to testify to the same love that was shown to us, by also showing it to other people – even our enemies.

There is no question, that the early Anabaptists were deeply evangelical. They had a message to spread, and they did just that. They held a deep commitment to a relationship with God, and to the power of the Holy Spirit in their own lives. But it didn’t stop there; these commitments only motivated them to discipleship (following the teachings of Jesus) for this was how they witnessed to God at work in their lives. May we also, today in 2008, testify to Gods love in our lives. May we embrace an evangelical faith in realization that it cannot lie dormant!

"For true evangelical faith is of such a nature that it cannot lie dormant, but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love; it dies unto the flesh and blood; it destroys all forbidden lusts and desires; it seeks and serves and fears God; it clothes the naked; it feeds the hungry; it comforts the sorrowful; it shelters the destitute; it aids and consoles the sad; it returns good for evil.."
-Menno Simons

Shalom,

Randy, on behalf of the entire Seeds Team