Evangelicalism Divided

Book excerpt: Murray analyses major changes in the evangelical movement in the years 1950 to 2000, clarifying the issues raised & assessing events in the light of biblical teaching. The period under review saw the fundamental difference between two contrasting approaches to Christian unity, ecumenism & evangelicalism, gradually obscured. In their desire to distance themselves from the older fundamentalism, some evangelical leaders were too willing, in Murray's view, to jettison, or at least to tone down, previously cherished convictions concerning the nature of Christian conversion, the authority of Scripture & the primacy of gospel truth over denominational loyalty. Leaders whose roles in these changes are discussed include Billy Graham, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J. I. Packer & John R. W. Scott. Particular attention is given to the evangelical movement within the Anglican communion, the problematic nature of evangelical involvement in the world of scholarship & moves to break down barriers between evangelicalism & Roman Catholicism. Murray emphasizes the basic question, What is a Christian? & its implications for evangelical faith & life.