First, Luther spoke German. Thus he really didn't use that English term did he? It was just translated that way.Originally posted by Gold Dragon:
Evangelical was a phrase coined before New Evangelical was coined. It was used by Luther to refer to the movement he started and much of Europe uses it to refer to Protestantism.
Secondly, I already explained my position more than once but it doesn't seem to be getting through. I am addressing the OP, not the origin of the word, nor the other meanings of the words. What does the word "Evangelical" mean as it is used today, not as it is used in Germany, not as it was used in the Netherlands, not as it was used by Luther, etc., but as it is used today.
Alexander asked this question:
Anything regarding Germany is out of the question here. "These days" means exactly what it says.How do we define "evangelical" Christian these days?
"These days" the word "evangelical" is used in reference to the "evangelical movement" and those that are and were called "New Evangelicals" in the past. Your other points are non sequitor. The evangelicals of today are those who claim to hold to orthodox doctrine (like Billy Graham), but will not separate from apostates and liberals (like Billy Graham).
DHK