Inclusive Naming Initiative

Word List: Tier 3

Term: Evangelist

Definition

An evangelist is someone who advocates for a particular technology, process, or individual product.

  • None

Usage Context

Recommendation

Recommended to replace.

  • influencer
  • advocate
  • ambassador

Unsuitable Replacements

  • preacher

Rationale

Evangelist has a strongly religious connotation and might therefore cause offense. It is the English rendering of the Greek word euangelistas, which in the Christian New Testament refers to someone who spreads the faith.

It is inappropriate to apply the word to someone who prefers not to be associated with the Christian faith. Conversely, the term can also cause offense to those who object to its being used in a secular (non-religious) context.

Term Status

N/A

Supporting Content

N/A