
A Short History of Evangelicalism: Live Recording
From Rector’s Cupboard Podcast by Rector’s Cupboard
May 1, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 145
About this episode
This episode explores the history of evangelicalism through a live recording of a theological discussion paired with doughnuts.
In this episode, we’re sharing a live recording from one of our Tasting Room Theology gatherings—informal, in-person evenings where we pair something tasty (in this case, doughnuts from Lucky’s Doughnuts) with thoughtful theological reflection. We welcome you into a conversation exploring a short history of evangelicalism—where it came from, what shaped it, and why it continues to matter today. As we trace its early roots, defining ideas, and cultural influence, we reflect on how themes like conversion, biblical interpretation, activism, and separation have shaped both personal faith and the wider world. Along the way, we share some of our own experiences within evangelical spaces—what formed us, what challenged us, and what continues to stay with us. Ultimately, we’re asking what kind of faith is being carried forward, and what it might look like to move toward something more hopeful, grounded in beauty, goodness, and truth. Note: This episode references a visual presentation used during the live event. You can find this presentation here if you’d like to follow along. Materials Referenced in this episode: There are a lot of video and audio clips you can find in the presentation…
Topics covered
- history of evangelicalism
- theological reflection
- cultural influence
- personal faith
- conversion
- biblical interpretation
- activism
Keywords
- evangelicalism
- theology
- faith
- cultural influence
- conversion
- biblical interpretation
- activism
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Lucky’s Doughnuts
Books & works: Goodbye, Babylon, Minds Wide Shut: How the New Fundamentalisms Divide Us, American Apocalypse: A History of Modern Evangelicalism
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