Evangelical Christianity is one of the most formative and least acknowledged movements in Australian history. This book restores evangelicals to their place as a dynamic element in the dialogue between Christianity and general Australian society. Evangelicalism focuses on the Gospel, the God-given means not only of the salvation of individual souls, but also of the renovation of society and culture. This study argues that evangelicalism is strongest when it synthesizes Biblical orthodoxy with spiritual passion and human compassion. When this synthesis was achieved, it resulted in spiritual vitality and the strengthening of Australian nationhood. Piggin draws on personal accounts and out-of-the-way sources to shed light on matters as disparate as the character of the Reverend Samuel Marsden, the "sinless perfection" movement among students at the University of Sydney in the 1930s, the Billy Graham Crusades, and the Anglican debate on the ordination of women. By analyzing the experience and contribution of the evangelical movement, this book challenges readers to rethink their national history.
- ISBN10 0195535383
- ISBN13 9780195535389
- Publish Date 11 January 1996
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 8 October 1999
- Publish Country AU
- Publisher Oxford University Press Australia
- Imprint OUP Australia and New Zealand
- Format Paperback (UK Trade)
- Pages 304
- Language English