The Dominance of Evangelicalism

Honored in 2006 as a "Year's Best Book for Preachers" byPreachingmagazine.The wordevangelicalis widely used and widely misunderstood. Where did evangelicals come from? How did their influence become so widespread throughout the world?This book continues a compelling series of books charting the course of English-speaking evangelicalism over the last three hundred years. Evangelical culture at the end of the nineteenth century is set against the backdrop of imperial maneuverings in Great Britain and populist uprisings in the United States. Meanwhile, the industrialized West begins to enjoy the fruits of the Industrial Revolution, as British and American commerce become unstoppable forces on economies worldwide.The rising tide of respectability that accompanied the affluence of the late nineteenth century West exercised great influence over religion. The plight of those who shared little in the abundance of the period likewise stirred the Christian conscience of some, turning them ultimately toward a social gospel. Better communication, together with widespread education, meant that the latest news and novel ideas spread rapidly. Evangelicals knew what was happening among their fellow believers on the other side of the globe and were often swayed by their opinions or inspired by their schemes. Already during the later nineteenth century, evangelicalism was contributing in a major way to globalization.Theology, hymnody, gender, warfare, politics and science are all taken into consideration in this sweeping discussion of a critical period in religious history, but the focus ofThe Dominance of Evangelicalismis on the landmark individuals, events and organizations that shaped the story of a high-water mark of this vibrant Christian movement.

David W. Bebbington is professor of history at the University of Stirling in Scotland.