Final answer:
Thomas Zimmerman at the 1982 Conference on the Holy Spirit cautioned against overemphasis on social activism to the detriment of evangelism, balancing the Christian mandate of gospel propagation with societal engagement that was a theme during the Second Great Awakening.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the Conference on the Holy Spirit in 1982, Thomas Zimmerman warned against the extremes of withdrawing from the world and focusing on social activism to the exclusion of spreading the gospel. This idea reflects concerns within Christian circles about finding a balance between engaging with societal issues and fulfilling the spiritual mission of propagating the Christian faith. The historical context for such concerns can be seen in the religious movements of the Second Great Awakening, which emphasized both personal salvation and social reforms in efforts to improve society. Moreover, Zimmerman's warning echoed debates seen in previous spiritual awakenings and movements, which often grappled with the tension between religious devotion and worldly engagement.