Choices Quote by Anthea Butler
“There is not one particular moment that can account for the shift from the social issue concerns of 19th-century evangelicals into the state of American evangelicalism today. Some historical moments are telling. The rise of biblical criticism in the 19th century forced evangelicals to make choices about what they believed about the gospel.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Religion and the Politics of American Evangelicalism, 2021
Historical shifts in evangelicalism stem from multiple moments, not a single event, with biblical criticism prompting doctrinal choices.
In simple terms: Evangelical change is gradual, driven by many influences.
Key Takeaway
Examine multiple factors in religious evolution.
Themes
religion
history
evangelicalism
biblical criticism
social change
Mood
analytical
informative
Type
scholarly
historical analysis
When to use this quote
- church debates
- academic studies
- media coverage
- public policy discussions
Key Concepts
theological adaptation
cultural influence
institutional response
Questions to Reflect On
- What other events shaped evangelicalism?
- How does biblical criticism affect modern faith?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on one event oversimplifies complex historical processes.
![“I became one of [Moses Mendelssohn] defenders. But then I heard the words "Biblical criticism" again. And, of course, afterward, I studied it more closely.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd4/elie-wiesel-341_biblical_i-became-one-of-moses-mendelssohn-defend_468432.jpg)
![“[His research into biblical criticism had lead him to the conclusion that most of what was contained in traditional religion simply wasn't true] Was I to lie in order to teach the truth? ...Was I to repeat these words? It was impossible. It was certain they would stick in my throat. On these…” quote by Felix Adler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/435/felix-adler-10212_autobiography_his-research-into-biblical-criticism-had_165818.jpg)
