Rachel Held Evans
A writer who gave voice to a generation of Christians wrestling with doubt, tradition, and a more expansive faith.
1981–2019 (age 38)·American writer·Birthday: June 8·Millennials
Biography
Rachel Held Evans emerged from a conservative evangelical upbringing in Dayton, Tennessee, to become one of the most influential Christian writers of the 21st century. With a sharp, questioning mind and a compassionate heart, she used her blog and subsequent books to explore the tensions many felt between their faith and modern life. Her breakout work, 'A Year of Biblical Womanhood,' blended memoir, theology, and humor to challenge rigid interpretations of scripture, becoming a surprise bestseller. Evans never left the church, but she passionately argued for a more inclusive, grace-filled version of it, becoming a beacon for those who felt marginalized. Her untimely death at 37 sent shockwaves through the communities she nurtured, cutting short a voice that championed curiosity, authenticity, and a faith big enough for hard questions.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rachel was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rachel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Rachel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2019Died at 38
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
Key Achievements
- Her book 'A Year of Biblical Womanhood' was a New York Times bestseller in the e-book nonfiction category.
- Authored four books, with 'Searching for Sunday' also becoming a New York Times paperback nonfiction bestseller.
- Her blog was a massively influential platform, attracting millions of readers and shaping contemporary Christian discourse.
- Was a frequent speaker and columnist, contributing to outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today.
- Her work is widely credited with helping to define and give voice to the 'exvangelical' and progressive Christian movements.
Did You Know?
She and her husband, Dan Evans, were high school sweethearts who attended the same college.
For 'A Year of Biblical Womanhood,' she famously camped in a tent in her yard during her menstrual period, following a literalist interpretation of Old Testament law.
She was a passionate fan of the University of Alabama football team.
Her final book, 'Wholehearted Faith,' was published posthumously, compiled from her manuscripts and notes by her husband and friend Jeff Chu.
She delivered a memorable speech on doubt and faith at the 2015 Episcopal Youth Event.
“Faith isn't about having everything figured out; faith is about following the quiet voice of God without having everything figured out.”
