Evangelical theology is the belief system of evangelical Christianity. This segment of the Christian faith believes in strict adherence to principles derived from the Bible, particularly the New Testament and the life of Christ. Since its origins in the 18th century, evangelicalism has become a major fixture of global and American Christianity. Evangelicals in modern times are often linked with conservative social and political movements, although this is not always the case. While methods of expression vary, all evangelicals place primary importance on their belief in evangelical theology.
The word “evangelical” has its roots in the same Greek phrases that provide the Christian terms “gospel” and “good news;” much early Christian doctrine was written in the Greek language. Evangelical theology holds that the primary responsibility of the Christian is to relay the teachings of Christ and to convert others to Christianity. This is often linked to a passage from the Gospel of Matthew in which Christ tells the Apostles to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Centuries of international missionary work have been inspired by this and similar messages from Christian leaders.