White Evangelicalism

Is the Term “White Evangelicalism” Biblical?

The term “White Evangelicalism” is often used in political and demographic discussions to describe a specific group. While it may be a common way to label a voting bloc, it’s a deeply problematic term from a theological perspective. By combining a racial identifier with a faith, it jeopardizes the core, unifying message of the Gospel.

A close look at the New Testament reveals that using a racially divisive term like “White Evangelicalism” is unbiblical. The writers of the New Testament consistently emphasize unity within the Body of Christ.

The Unifying Message of the New Testament

The most obvious flaw in the term “White Evangelicalism” is that it blends race and faith, which directly opposes the New Testament’s message of unity. The Bible presents the body of Christ as a single, unified entity.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul states, “For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12, CSB). This verse highlights the unity of all believers, regardless of their differences. Paul’s message to the Galatians reinforces this, saying, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

These verses show that racial and cultural distinctions are superseded by a new, united identity in Christ. Defining a segment of the church by skin color creates a division that the Gospel has already declared null and void. The Apostle John’s vision in the Book of Revelation further illustrates this, describing a “vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language” standing before the throne (Rev. 7:9). The New Testament’s intent is to unite all people into one entity.

Defining Evangelicalism

By adding a racial qualifier, the term “White Evangelicalism” contradicts the Gospel’s message of unity. Evangelicalism as a faith tradition isn’t defined by race, but by its commitment to four core tenets, as outlined by historian David Bebbington:

• Conversionism: The belief that lives must be transformed through a “born-again” experience.
• Biblicism: A high regard for the Bible as the ultimate authority.
• Activism: The demonstration of the gospel through missionary and social reform efforts.
• Crucicentrism: The emphasis on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

These principles exist in people of all races and nationalities worldwide. To use the label “White Evangelical” suggests that a person’s faith is defined by their race rather than their adherence to these core beliefs.

The Call for Unity

Finally, the term “White Evangelicalism” is antithetical to the Christian call for unity within the Body of Christ. The Bible repeatedly cautions against division and calls for fellowship and peace among believers. As Paul writes in Ephesians, we should be “making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling” (Eph. 4:3-4).

The New Testament’s message is one of unification—bringing distinct groups, like the Jews and Gentiles, into one body. The term “White Evangelicalism” separates believers based on physical traits rather than uniting them under the Gospel, which is the true foundation of the Christian faith.

In conclusion, while “White Evangelicalism” may be useful for sociological or political analysis, it fails as a theological concept. It creates racial divides that the Gospel has already erased and mischaracterizes a theological movement by assigning it a racial qualifier. A true Christian is defined not by their skin color, but by their faith in Jesus Christ.