American Evangelicalism will never be the same after the 2008 election. The broadening of the Evangelical agenda, the increase of ethnic evangelicals and the generational changing of the guard from Robertson, Dobson and Graham to Warren, Hybels, Osteen, and Jakes all speak to the inevitable transformation of the evangelical narrative in our nation. The change does not occur as a consequence of failed agenda on behalf of the evangelical establishment but rather as a evolutionary transition or maturing of sorts.
Correspondingly, the future of Christianity in America is without a doubt, based on simple demographic and conversion rates; ethnic, Pentecostal/Charismatic, socially conservative and fiscally progressive. This generation of American Evangelicals looks more like a hybrid of Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr. than the Falwells, Robertsons and Bauers of the previous era.
Both Republicans and Democrats poise themselves to gain when they understand the ethos and pathos of this emerging hybrid generation. The new evangelicals come from the barrios of LA and the housing projects in Chicago more than rural America. They speak a language of righteousness and justice. For this emerging generation, policy stems from a Kingdom Culture biblical worldview and it’s not either or, it’s both. They stand committed to eradicating Al Qaeda as long as we equally commit ourselves to eradicating AIDS. They support a War on Terror only if it accompanies a Global War on Poverty.
On the domestic side and on cultural issues, the Graham/King Hybrid Generation stands unequivocally as vociferous oracles of a Pro Life movement that extends from the womb to the tomb. This new Pro Life movement does not regard health care, education and poverty alleviation as secondary issues to Life and Marriage but rather as equal Top Tier extensions of a viable Pro Life platform. In respect to marriage, the hybrid generation will defend traditional marriage while simultaneously advocating and supporting legislation that will protect all citizens regardless of sexual orientation of discrimination in the workplace while securing the civil rights of all citizens.
Finally, at the end of the day, both parties will require moves that gravitate towards a centrist platform in order to engage this emerging generation of evangelical voters. A generation convicted and willing to accompany Billy Graham to the Cross and equally committed to sitting with Dr. King at the Master’s table.