Excerpted from a larger article titled “Evangelicalism, False and True”, that can be read here.

“From a strictly etymological perspective, “evangelical” denotes someone or something for whom or which the evangel serves in some manner as such a significant and distinguishing characteristic that it can be referred to as an identifying mark, making “evangelical” an adequately descriptive label for purposes of identification. Something or someone can be labeled as evangelical because the evangel is so prominent and notable a feature of the person or thing (including ideas) as to stand out sufficiently as a means of characterization that allows us a means of classification and differentiation (comparison and contrast). Accordingly, to be an evangelical is to be identified with the gospel (the evangel), and that identification should be to us a most-coveted and highly-prized badge of honor and distinction: glorying in the Cross and bearing the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Evangelicalism, False and True by Joseph P. Braswell, October 1998)

In the article from which the above was excerpted, the author discusses the term ‘evangelical’, tracing the term back to the Reformation, the gospel message around which the term revolves, as well as characterizations of true and false evangelicalism. It is well worth the read, and perhaps a bit of discussion.