Evangelical

Evangelical (lit., 'according to the gospel,' Gr. euangelion), a designation originally claimed by all Protestants, on the ground that their tenets were derived solely from the Evangel (in the widest sense)—i.e. the Bible, but in later times more particularly attached to the school that insists especially on the total depravity of unregenerate human nature, the necessity of conversion, the justification of the sinner by faith alone, the free offer of the gospel to all, and the plenary inspiration and exclusive authority of the Bible—views largely held by the Presbyterians of Scotland, the Nonconformists in England, and the corresponding churches in America and the British colonies. The adherents of this view within the Anglican communion are commonly called the 'Low Church.' In Germany, it is the special designation of the United church, as distinguished from the old Lutheran and Reformed churches, but the title has recently been assumed by the pietistic party within the Protestant churches, on the ground of their superior orthodoxy and absolute faith in Scripture. See CHURCH HISTORY, and ENGLAND (CHURCH OF).