Evangelical?

Scot McKnight talks a little bit about the term "evangelical" in relation to a book he is reading for his blog. His post, "Evangelical", gives a good treatment, I think, of the way the term is perceived. I can't say anything about the book he is reviewing as I haven't read it. However, I want to note how evangelical is perceived by my coworkers and how one of my professors at Fuller has talked about it.

My coworkers use the term "evangelical" to refer to right-wing protestants. If you are Episcopalian, then you are not evangelical in their minds. "Evangelicals" would be charismatics, baptists, etc., but not Catholics, Episcopalians, or Lutherans. I think this view is wrong.

My professor, Dr. Art Patzia, said that the term "evangelical" is used at Fuller to denote those Christians who do not take a left or right-wing approach to issues. If one is "evangelical," then he or she is basically agreeing to disagree on minor theological matters. He said that the term was not originally linked to right-winged fundamentalism. I find this to be true of the position my church takes. Bayside Church is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. Bayside's stance is simple: we agree to disagree on minor issues. I agree with this position.

Check out Scot's summary and see what you think about the use of the term "evangelical."