The term “evangelical centrist” made its way back into recent conversations. In the mid-2000s, the term defined a growing segment of evangelicalism differing from traditionalists (fundamentalists) and modernists (liberals). The earlier effort appeared more political than theological. I must admit, some who identified as centrist in the mid-2000s, are no longer identified as evangelicals today.
Perhaps a “revival” of the term is necessary given our current theological and political climate.
For me, it’s sorta like a scene from Goldilocks. Do you remember the story? She enters the bears’ dwelling both hungry and tired. Finding food on the table, she decides to snack. One bowl of porridge is too hot while another is too cold. On the third try, Goldilocks discovers a “just right” bowl.
Who is the evangelical centrist?
Theologically, the centrist is orthodox, typically labeled moderate to conservative somewhere on the spectrum between fundamentalism and liberalism holding a high view of Scripture, the work of Christ (incarnation, substitutionary death/atonement and resurrection), salvation through Christ alone and God’s redemptive mission. The centrist is a living sent Jesus follower whose ambition is the crucified life. A.W. Tozer stated, “The crucified life is a life absolutely committed to following after Christ Jesus. To be more like Him. To think like Him. To act like Him. To love like Him.”[1]
While centrists share social concerns about marriage, abortion and homosexuality like many other evangelicals, their agenda reaches far beyond the big three. The broader agenda includes such concerns as poverty, disease, hunger, homelessness, peace, immigration, human trafficking, creation care, justice and the family. The evangelical centrist is compassionate, missional, doing good, sharing and living hope – the gospel.
This simplistic attempt to bring definition to a complex label hopefully allows for some clarity at least when you see me use the term. I find this definition of evangelical centrism a decent place to live.
What about you?
[1] Tozer, A.W., The Crucified Life: How to Live Out a Deeper Christian Experience (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2011), 16.
Thank you for sharing this!