American Evangelicalism Conference at Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls College and WRAF presents “The American Evangelicalism Conference” - February 27-28, 2009, on the college campus. This unique event covers such topics as stem cell research, business ethics, immigration policies, Christian worldview in the role of science, inerrancy in a Postmodern era, urban decay and much more.

What is this conference about?

The eight-year period from 1976, Newsweek’s Year of the Evangelical, through 1984 was quite formative for American, evangelical Protestantism. It was during this time that Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority launched the evangelical community into an active political bloc, James Dobson started Focus on the Family, Francis Schaeffer was at the height of his intellectual influence, and Billy Graham’s ministry penetrated the Iron Curtain. This period was also significant for the movement’s identity, as Evangelicals defined themselves theologically, politically, socially, culturally, and so forth. The problem is that it has been a quarter century since then.

The contexts in which American Evangelicals live have changed dramatically. In 1984 the Cold War seemed to be entering a new freeze, China was a Third World country, Postmodernity was in its infancy, the United States was revered by much of the world, homosexuality was taboo, and the internet did not exist. Yet the movement seems oddly oblivious to these changing contexts as it uncritically thrusts its past conclusions into the present. The time has come for a serious reevaluation of American Evangelicalism’s beliefs, direction, and its engagement with the larger society. That is not to say that the conclusions reached by Evangelicals a quarter century ago were simply wrong. Surely there are some aspects of the conclusions that need to be reaffirmed, others that need to be nuanced, and still others that need to be revamped.

How much is admission? How do I register?

For those who register at least two weeks before the conference (February 13th), admission will cost $15 for students and $20 for non-students. For those who buy tickets at the door, admission will cost $25. To register, please click here.