Reassessing the Concept and Measurement of Evangelicals: The Case for the RELTRAD Approach

Social scientists have generally adopted one of three analytical approaches to understanding evangelicalism and those who thereby fall within the ranks of evangelicals. The choice of which approach one adopts is not "neutral," as each approach embodies different theoretical perspectives re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal for the scientific study of religion
Main Author: Smidt, Corwin E. 1946- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell [2019]
In: Journal for the scientific study of religion
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B USA / Evangelical movement / Affiliation with / Analysis (Philosophy)
RelBib Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
KDG Free church
Further subjects:B analytical approaches
B Religious Tradition
B Evangelicals
B Born-again
B Measurement issues
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:Social scientists have generally adopted one of three analytical approaches to understanding evangelicalism and those who thereby fall within the ranks of evangelicals. The choice of which approach one adopts is not "neutral," as each approach embodies different theoretical perspectives related to evangelicals, posits different means by which religion is linked to attitudes and behavior, entails different measurement issues, and captures somewhat different segments of society as being evangelical. This article delineates and explicates the inherent conceptual differences among the three approaches and examines the measurement issues associated with each approach. Given this reassessment, the article concludes by contending that the relative merits of the affiliation (or RELTRAD) approach generally outweigh those of the other two approaches.
ISSN:1468-5906
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the scientific study of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/jssr.12633