Episode Details

What began as a series of revival movements seeking to renew stagnant expressions of Christianity eventually gave rise to American evangelicalism. As historian Aaron Griffith notes, these renewal efforts not only shaped many evangelical denominations of the 18th and 19th centuries but continue to define evangelical identity today. 

In this episode of Today’s Conversation podcast, Aaron Griffith and NAE President Walter Kim explore how historical forces and social dynamics influenced denominational development, public life and the Church’s witness.  

You'll also hear Walter and Aaron discuss: 

• How a common thread of renewal shaped America’s evangelical story; 
• The varied expressions of revival across regions and theological traditions;  
• The significant influence of race and class on American evangelicalism and its public witness; and 
• How remembering our denominational roots can help us discern where God may be calling the Church to renewal today. 

Listen in for a compelling, historically grounded reflection on how God has worked through revival, complexity and diversity to shape the faith of our nation. 

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Resources 

• For further study, see 1 Corinthians 12 and Zechariah 4 
• “God's Law and Order: The Politics of Punishment in Evangelical America” by Dr. Aaron Griffith 
• “The Civil War as a Theological Crisis” by Dr. Mark Noll 
• NAE Denominational & Network Diagram 
• Christianity and the Making of Early America, NAE podcast with Dr. Mark Noll 
• Evangelicals — Shared Faith in Broad Diversity, NAE statement 
• What Is An Evangelical?, NAE webpage