--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For a while... to be an evangelical meant…" description: "\"For a while... to be an evangelical meant you were a white Republican, and you were against this and against that. I don't want to be put into that mol..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f1/joel-osteen-194_evangelical_for-a-while-to-be-an-evangelical-meant-y_2307907.jpg" --- # For a while... to be an evangelical meant you were a white… ![“For a while... to be an evangelical meant you were a white Republican, and you were against this and against that. I don't want to be put into that mold, because then people judge you before they even listen... I don't want to divide the very people I am trying to reach.” quote by Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f1/joel-osteen-194_evangelical_for-a-while-to-be-an-evangelical-meant-y_2307907.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f1/joel-osteen-194_evangelical_for-a-while-to-be-an-evangelical-meant-y_2307907.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f1/joel-osteen-194_evangelical_for-a-while-to-be-an-evangelical-meant-y_2307907.jpg) > “For a while... to be an evangelical meant you were a white Republican, and you were against this and against that. I don't want to be put into that mold, because then people judge you before they even listen... I don't want to divide the very people I am trying to reach.” [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker rejects being stereotyped by political or religious labels, fearing premature judgment and division of intended audience. **In simple terms:** Avoid being boxed into a label that limits how others hear you. Key Takeaway Speak authentically to bridge gaps. Themes identity stereotyping communication faith politics Mood reflective hopeful Type inspirational motivational When to use this quote - political rallies - church services - interfaith meetings - media interviews Key Concepts labeling prejudice dialogue Questions to Reflect On - How can you convey your message without triggering preconceptions? - What steps ensure listeners hear before judging? A Different Perspective Labels can still influence perception despite intent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Evangelical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evangelical/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Republican](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/republican/) ## Related quotes > [I was raised in an evangelical Methodist church. Evangelical meant that though you had been baptized and made a member of the church on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanley-hauerwas/i-was-raised-in-an-evangelical-methodist-church-evangelical-meant/) [Stanley Hauerwas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanley-hauerwas/) > [There are still forces in America that want to divide us along racial lines, religious lines, sex, class. But we've come too far; we've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lewis/there-are-still-forces-in-america-that-want-to-divide-us-along-racial/) [John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lewis/) > [We must be able to identify those who want divide our movement, and say, 'Not in our name.' We need to choose leaders that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-must-be-able-to-identify-those-who-want-divide-our-movement-and/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [Our strength as a nation comes in our unity. We are the United States of America, not the divided states. And those who want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-carson/our-strength-as-a-nation-comes-in-our-unity-we-are-the-united-states/) [Benjamin Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-carson/) > [One of the things about Herman Cain is, I think that he makes that white Republican base of the party feel okay, feel like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-finney/one-of-the-things-about-herman-cain-is-i-think-that-he-makes-that/) Karen Finney > [Republican politicians regularly churn out earnest policy wonkery and programs in the hope of raising more black children out of poverty. Black uplift remains…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-mac-donald/republican-politicians-regularly-churn-out-earnest-policy-wonkery-and/) [Heather Mac Donald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heather-mac-donald/) > [It is not like the white Republican, the conservative, who clears it up for you and says, "I don't like you", to your face…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bocafloja/it-is-not-like-the-white-republican-the-conservative-who-clears-it-up/) [Bocafloja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bocafloja/) > [I don't care who the president is - it isn't just all about who's black or who's white or who's Republican or Democrat, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-boi/i-don-t-care-who-the-president-is-it-isn-t-just-all-about-who-s-black/) [Big Boi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-boi/) > [We are much too much inclined in these days to divide people into permanent categories, forgetting that a category only exists for its special…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dorothy-l-sayers/we-are-much-too-much-inclined-in-these-days-to-divide-people-into/) [Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dorothy-l-sayers/) > [No one can divide the people of India.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajnath-singh/no-one-can-divide-the-people-of-india/) [Rajnath Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajnath-singh/) > [ I don't feel that I've been hampered by \[ racism or discrimination\], and the reason why is that we reach out to people on… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keith-ellison/i-don-t-feel-that-i-ve-been-hampered-by-racism-or-discrimination-and/) [Keith Ellison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keith-ellison/) > [In our own country, you can't divide people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/urmila-matondkar/in-our-own-country-you-can-t-divide-people/) [Urmila Matondkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/urmila-matondkar/) > [As a rule, the most dangerous ideas are not the ones that divide people but those on which they agree.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-vizinczey/as-a-rule-the-most-dangerous-ideas-are-not-the-ones-that-divide/) [Stephen Vizinczey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-vizinczey/) > [I think Donald Trump is dividing the American people. He is not good for America. It's not good for our standing in the rest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lewis/i-think-donald-trump-is-dividing-the-american-people-he-is-not-good/) [John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lewis/) > [I always divide people into two groups. Those who live by what they know to be a lie, and those who live by what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hampton/i-always-divide-people-into-two-groups-those-who-live-by-what-they/) [Christopher Hampton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hampton/) ## More by Joel Osteen > [Resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing. Keep hoping; keep believing because He is working behind the scenes. He's going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/resist-discouragement-by-speaking-his-word-over-your-future-keep/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I don't have to figure out how God is going to solve my problem. I don't have to understand how He's going to bring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-don-t-have-to-figure-out-how-god-is-going-to-solve-my-problem-i-don/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [The only difference between black coal and a precious diamond is the amount of pressure it endured.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/the-only-difference-between-black-coal-and-a-precious-diamond-is-the/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [Faith is easy; I think people complicate it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/faith-is-easy-i-think-people-complicate-it/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [There's pros and cons of a big church. Cons is I don't get to know everybody, I don't get to go to their ballgame,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/there-s-pros-and-cons-of-a-big-church-cons-is-i-don-t-get-to-know/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [When you smile and project an aura of warmth, kindness, and friendliness, you will attract warms, kindness, and friendliness. Happy people will be drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-smile-and-project-an-aura-of-warmth-kindness-and/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/you-were-never-created-to-live-depressed-defeated-guilty-condemned/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [You may not have the approval of someone 'important,' but you have the favor of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/you-may-not-have-the-approval-of-someone-important-but-you-have-the/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [“In the Bible, God called Gideon a mighty man of (fearless) courage. Gideon looked around and said, “Who’s He talking to? That’s not me.”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/in-the-bible-god-called-gideon-a-mighty-man-of-fearless-courage/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [At the start of each new day, remind yourself: I am talented. I am creative. I am greatly favored by God. I am equipped.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/at-the-start-of-each-new-day-remind-yourself-i-am-talented-i-am/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [Don't be intimidated by the size of your problem or the size of your dream. God will see to it that it is finished…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/don-t-be-intimidated-by-the-size-of-your-problem-or-the-size-of-your/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [No matter what's happening, choose to be happy. Don't focus on what's wrong. Find something positive in your life. Thank God for the small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/no-matter-what-s-happening-choose-to-be-happy-don-t-focus-on-what-s/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I deal with more practical issues of the Bible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-deal-with-more-practical-issues-of-the-bible/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I've learned a simple principle: all I have to do is be the best 'me' that I can be. One day when I read…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-ve-learned-a-simple-principle-all-i-have-to-do-is-be-the-best-me/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [“Too often we don’t realize how great we have it until something is taken away.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/too-often-we-don-t-realize-how-great-we-have-it-until-something-is/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Explore all 960 Joel Osteen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) ## More Evangelical quotes > [Evangelical Christians and I can sit down and talk one on one about how much we love Jesus, and yet I'm not carried in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-lamott/evangelical-christians-and-i-can-sit-down-and-talk-one-on-one-about/) [Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/) > [New Rule: There is no devil, so stop blaming your screw-ups on him. Last week, one of the biggest evangelical leaders in America, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-maher/new-rule-there-is-no-devil-so-stop-blaming-your-screw-ups-on-him-last/) [Bill Maher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-maher/) > [“The "new evangelical" wears skinny jeans and earrings made from recycled beer caps. After all, she is acquiring a taste for Blue Moon and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/addie-zierman/the-new-evangelical-wears-skinny-jeans-and-earrings-made-from/) [Addie Zierman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/addie-zierman/) > [The two most evangelical groups in the world are atheists and vegetarians, especially the least knowledgeable and least intelligent individuals within those groups](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clark-coleman/the-two-most-evangelical-groups-in-the-world-are-atheists-and/) Clark Coleman > [As far apart as they are theologically, Mormons and evangelical Christians may have more in common with each other anthropologically than they do with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacob-weisberg/as-far-apart-as-they-are-theologically-mormons-and-evangelical/) [Jacob Weisberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacob-weisberg/) > [As evangelical Christians we have tended to relegate art to the very fringe of life. The rest of human life we feel is more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-schaeffer/as-evangelical-christians-we-have-tended-to-relegate-art-to-the-very/) [Francis Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-schaeffer/) > [“The world is in a mad dash of personal peace and affluence. Sadly, too often the evangelical church is not much different. Of course,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul-jr-2/the-world-is-in-a-mad-dash-of-personal-peace-and-affluence-sadly-too/) [R.C. Sproul Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul-jr-2/) > [“The evangelical wing of the Church spends a lot of energy on being "born again" but little time on "growing up" again. There is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-stockman/the-evangelical-wing-of-the-church-spends-a-lot-of-energy-on-being/) [Steve Stockman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-stockman/) > [I don't think I am evangelical in my work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-k-rowling-2/i-don-t-think-i-am-evangelical-in-my-work/) [J. K. Rowling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-k-rowling-2/) > [You've got these twenty million people who call themselves the Evangelical Christians who will put their hand up and say, I believe in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanette-winterson/you-ve-got-these-twenty-million-people-who-call-themselves-the/) [Jeanette Winterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanette-winterson/) > [As evangelical Christians, we have tended to relegate art to the very fringe of life. The rest of human life we feel is more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-schaeffer/as-evangelical-christians-we-have-tended-to-relegate-art-to-the-very-2/) [Francis Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-schaeffer/) > [We live in a very pluralistic society today. There are Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, atheists, Roman Catholics, Evangelical Christians, and Christians like me. There are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-shelby-spong/we-live-in-a-very-pluralistic-society-today-there-are-buddhists/) [John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-shelby-spong/) > [“Evangelical faith has the gospel of Christ for its foundation;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/evangelical-faith-has-the-gospel-of-christ-for-its-foundation/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [“The last thing I crave is to be exposed to the sort of grandstanding preachers that so many evangelical churches seem to breed with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-schaeffer/the-last-thing-i-crave-is-to-be-exposed-to-the-sort-of-grandstanding/) [Frank Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-schaeffer/) > [In the 20th century, evangelical Christians in America have naively accepted the role assigned to us by an anti-religious, anti-Christian consensus in our society.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-schaeffer/in-the-20th-century-evangelical-christians-in-america-have-naively/) [Francis Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-schaeffer/) [Browse all 347 Evangelical quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evangelical/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "For a while... to be an evangelical meant you were a white Republican, and you were against this and against that. 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