Course Description
Examines American evangelical Christianity’s origins, beliefs, and practices from revivalism to the present. Topics include biblical authority, conversion, sanctification, worship, missions, Pentecostal and charismatic renewals, media and megachurches, politics and public life. Students learn historical and ethnographic methods to interpret texts, rituals, institutions, and contemporary debates critically.
Athena Title
Evangelical Christianity
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will describe core beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, and key historical developments of American evangelical Christianity.
- Students will explain historical relationships, shared Protestant origins, and points of divergence between evangelicals and other U.S. Christian traditions.
- Students will examine and compare evangelical interpretations of selected Old and New Testament passages to identify theological themes and hermeneutical methods.
- Students will discuss how American evangelicalism shapes and is shaped by U.S. society, culture, media, law, politics, and global missions.
- Students will recognize and appreciate the diversity within American evangelicalism.
- Students will construct well-organized written arguments that critically engage biblical texts, historical developments, ethnographic or media sources, and contemporary issues related to American evangelical Christianity.
Topical Outline
- Week 1 — What Is American Evangelical Christianity?
Scope, definitions, markers of evangelical identity; course methods and expectations. (LO1, LO5, LO6)
- Week 2 — Protestant Origins and Divergence in the United States
From Reformation and Pietism to the First and Second Great Awakenings; contrasts with Catholic, Orthodox, and mainline traditions. (LO2)
- Week 3 — Scripture and Authority
Evangelical hermeneutics, inerrancy debates, and devotional practices; close reading of selected Hebrew Bible and New Testament passages as interpreted by evangelicals. (LO1, LO3)
- Week 4 — Core Beliefs and Ritual Life
Conversion, sanctification, atonement; baptism, communion, altar call, testimony; congregational rhythms. (LO1)
- Week 5 — Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewals
Gifts of the Spirit, prophecy, healing; intersections with evangelical networks; diversity and overlap. (LO1, LO5)
- Week 6 — Institutions, Media, and the Megachurch
Denominations, parachurch organizations, publishing, broadcasting, worship music, digital platforms. (LO4, LO6)
- Week 7 — Race, Ethnicity, and Evangelical Communities
Black, Latino, Asian, and immigrant evangelicals; whiteness and power; reconciliation initiatives. (LO4, LO5)
- Week 8 — Gender, Family, and Sexuality
Complementarian and egalitarian debates, purity movements, pastoral care; dialogue across differences. (LO4, LO5)
- Week 9 — Politics, Law, and Religious Liberty
From the Religious Right to the present; courts, policy advocacy, public witness; case analyses. (LO4, LO6)
- Week 10 — Missions, Global Networks, and Israel
Evangelical mission's strategies, short-term missions' ethics, Christian Zionism and its theological rationales. (LO4)
- Week 11 — Science, Health, and Creation Care
Origins debates, bioethics, public health, environmental stewardship within evangelical frames. (LO4)
- Week 12 — Worship, Revivalism, and Affective Formation
From camp meetings to contemporary worship; analysis of sermons, songs, and revival practices. (LO1, LO3)
- Week 13 — Change, Deconstruction, and Post-Evangelical Currents
Progressive evangelicals, ex-vangelical narratives, institutional reform, and future trajectories. (LO5, LO6)
- Week 14 — Student Research Workshops
Peer review of analytical essays or field reports; argumentation, evidence, and revision. (LO6)
- Week 15 — Synthesis and Dialogue
Integrative discussion linking texts, history, practices, and public life; structured dialogue across differences; course reflections. (LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6)
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
