100 Questions and Answers about American Evangelicals

The politicalization of the word 'evangelicals' can reduce neighbors, co-workers, friends and even family members to caricatures. This Michigan State University Bias Busters guide answers questions about evangelicals that people are reluctant to ask for fear of getting into awkward political discussions. Push through the polarization.In his introduction, the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Buttry wrote, 'As a student, I saw the beginnings of evangelicalism becoming mixed with politics as well as new clarity about peace and justice.' He added, 'Part of evangelicalism at its best is the openness to dialog and change, especially when rooted in biblical texts and thinking. ... I learned a foundation for evangelicalism in having a personal relationship with Jesus. ... I learned that our faith does engage in what is going on in society, including the politics, but that we can miss God’s call and go astray. Repentance is acknowledging when we’ve gotten it wrong, trying to repair the damage, and doing the right thing.'In his foreword, Michael A. Longinow, Ph.D., wrote, 'What drew me to my evangelical Christian faith ... was the love I felt from people, in the pancake breakfasts, the informal gatherings after church services, in the banter with Christian friends over lunch in the school cafeteria. And what also drew me was the genuine care Christian evangelicals had for those in need.'Cut through the labels that prevent dialogue with '100 Questions and Answers About American Evangelicals: Beliefs, Practices and Politics.' It answers:Who are evangelical Christians?Is there a central structure or hierarchy?Are all Christians evangelicals?What is the difference between mainline and evangelical Christians?What does it mean to be born again?Do evangelicals take the Bible literally?What does it mean today to be a disciple of Christ?Why is it important to evangelize?What is Christian nationalism?What is speaking in tongues?What is faith healing?When do evangelicals say Jesus will return?How are Black and White evangelical churches different?Do evangelical Christians face discrimination?      Are evangelicals required to read the Bible?At what age are evangelical Christians baptized?What are the end times?How do evangelicals vote? What are political priorities for evangelicals? How do the news media portray evangelicals?What are evangelical teachings about evolution?What is creationism?What is intelligent design?What are the teachings about abortion?How do evangelical Christians feel about birth control?What role do women play in the church?Do evangelical Christians take a position on childhood vaccinations?Who are progressive evangelicals?What is the 'War on Christmas'?How do evangelical Christians feel about Harry Potter?Are evangelical Christians allowed to dance?How do political stereotypes affect evangelical Christians?