Someone who used to be an evangelical
An Exvangelical is someone who was once a part of the evangelical Christian community but has since left. They may have shifted to a more liberal or rigid segment of Christianity or may have abandoned the Christian faith altogether.
Evangelicalism, a branch of Protestant Christianity, focuses on salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for humankind’s sins. Key beliefs include being “born again” upon salvation, spreading the gospel, and the Bible’s ultimate supremacy.
Evangelicalism has a strong presence across all Protestant denominations in America, including Pentecostal and Baptist faiths. It is frequently associated with conservatism and the U.S. Republican party, but it is also found among liberals and Democrats.
The term Exvangelical became popular around the mid-2010s as a common identity for many adults, mostly millennials, who grew up in the evangelical tradition but no longer adhere to it. Many of these individuals use the internet and social media to share their experiences and seek mutual understanding of their history.
Exvangelicals often have a moment of realization about how their upbringing and adolescent years were influenced by the principles and beliefs they followed as evangelicals. This could relate to their choice of music, their attitudes towards non-Christians, and their views on sexual purity or immorality.
Unfortunately, leaving the evangelical community can lead to backlash for many exvangelicals. They may be shunned by their families or face judgment and guilt from church members. Some exvangelicals even seek therapy to deal with the trauma induced by their religious experiences.
Example for using ‘Exvangelical’ in a conversation
Hey, have you heard about the term ‘Exvangelical’?
Yeah, I have! It refers to someone who used to be an evangelical Christian but has left the movement.
Exactly! They may have moved on to a different faction of Christianity or even left the faith altogether.
I see. So, it’s like someone who used to be really involved in the evangelical community but isn’t anymore?
That’s right! It’s become a shared identity among many adults who were raised in the evangelical movement but no longer subscribe to it.
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