Thorne 11
It must refer to a holistic salvation proclaimed and offered to a whole world as its only
deliverance.
Evangelicals are not too sure about their responsibility to fulfill the cultural mandate.
A fear of guilt by association (with Liberals), prejudice of position (with Conservatives) and
concern for self (selfishness) seems to be controlling the evangelical agenda. At a practical level,
evangelicals in politics are suspect, political positions by evangelicals are matters of controversy.
The world hears little of an evangelical statement about homosexuality, abortion, drugs, alcohol
and an array of social problems in our day. The evangelical voice is often weak, sometimes
confused, and often inconsistent. Then there are the evangelical stars who have fallen or are
falling!
The Biblical cultural mandate is well expressed in the evangelical focus upon cultural
engagement. The Scriptures call for mankind to take responsibility for his culture and rule it
under God with righteousness. The Believer is called upon to be salt and light to the culture
without apology or hesitancy.
56
The idea of having an impact on culture and seeking God's reign
on His earth, however, is not sufficiently spread abroad among evangelicals. Not enough
evangelicals are able to stand clear of culture in order to impact it for Jesus Christ. Not enough
evangelicals are even trying.
CONCLUSION
Evangelicalism has been identifiable since the time of the Reformation. That fact puts it
in the historic credibility neighborhood with Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Arminianism as well as
Pietism. This is important because otherwise the charge of "novelty" could be rendered against
evangelicalism. In my opinion, evangelicalism is the best expression of those Biblical