“Five Facts” Evangelical Gospel Tract

This is an Evangelical gospel tract produced by Grace and Truth Inc. in Danville, IL. Grace and Truth is a nondenominational evangelical organization that began printing gospel tracts in 1931. While originally only publishers of tracts, Grace and Truth expanded, creating G&T Magazine. They publish tracts and magazines in twelve languages, as well as tracts for a range of ages, mainly aiming towards conversion and promoting Christian morals. 

Gospel tracts are small pamphlets, only one page in this case, intended to evangelize (or, spread the Christian gospel and/or convert others to Christianity). They are often distributed by street preachers or missionaries in their efforts. Religious tracts have been in prominent usage since the 1500’s, typically used to evangelize to skeptics/atheists, people who are lower income, or minorities. The popularity and efficacy of tracts waxes and wanes with public belief/ non- belief. This specific tract was likely produced in a large evangelical boom that occurred between 1969-1974. 

The design of gospel tracts is incredibly diverse, often eye catching and bright, as well as easy to digest. Some tracts may also disguise themselves as everyday objects such as dollar bills in order to garner attention. The design of these tracts is crucial to their efficacy in evangelism. A good tract design has clear hierarchy, is eye-catching, and overall promotes a longer interaction with the object. 

Written by Jillian McWhorter

Sources: 

Sonenschein, David. “Sharing the Good News: The Evangelical Tract.” Journal of American Culture 5, no. 1 (March 1982): 107. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1542-734x.1982.0501_107.x. 

Sagan, Sean Geoffrey. “Only a Tract: The Production and Distribution of Evangelical Gospel Literature and the Construction of Social Boundaries.” ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2017.

“The World of Grace & Truth.” Grace & Truth Christian Magazine. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.gtpress.org/.