Evangelical: Political Block or Gospel Message

We are entering an election year and the term "evangelical" will, sooner or later, arise by political pundits speaking about critical voting groups.  Unfortunately, many people have forgotten the original meaning of this term and see it as a label that has been caught up by political campaigns.  It is a term whose original meaning has fallen away to the shifting winds of linguistic development and newer meanings have filled in the void.  The origin of the term needs to be remembered.

We first see the term " euaggelion" , the Greek term from which our term, "evangelical", has been derived, in Mark 1:14.  Its primary meaning is "good news". This is why we refer to the Gospel writers as "evangelists", as they write of the good news brought by Jesus.  Most people know that "gospel" means "good news", which is perfectly correct.  However, this term comes from the Old English, godspel, literally meaning "good message".  Old English did not emerge until, at the earliest, the 5th century.  Therefore, it is somewhat anachronistic to use this term for documents written during the 1st century.

Catholicism is a Christ-based, "Christo-centric", religion.  Catholicism ascribes authority to Sacred Tradition and Scripture, this includes the Gospels.  This means, in a real sense, that Catholics are evangelical in nature.  In reality, any religion that bases its theology on the Gospel can be considered evangelical.  Catholicism is not a voting block to which politicians pander.  Catholicism is bigger than politics as Catholicism, coming from "katholikos", means "universal".  Cathoilcs should seek to apply the original teachings of the Gospel to our present situation, including politics. Two masters, political power and the Gospel needs to be held in proper perpective.  Catholics must listen to the words of Jesus; "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33)