David W. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195314809
- eISBN:
- 9780199785278
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314809.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply ...
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This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply side, and evidence of the FAW movement qua movement. It is clear that a quest for integration is the organizing principle of the FAW movement. Moreover, participants in the movement tend to experience and express the quest for the integration of faith and work through one or more of the modalities of ethics, evangelism, experience, and enrichment. When transposed into a new nonlinear theoretical framework, these Four E's result in the Integration Box, a model containing these four quadrants, or types, of FAW orientations and associated language. This conceptual framework facilitates critical analysis, discourse, and understanding the movement and its participants. Each quadrant represents one of the Four E's as the primary manifestation of the quest for integration.Less
This chapter develops a new framework and language for discussing the FAW movement. It presents the Integration Box, which builds on and utilizes this book's findings about the demand side, supply side, and evidence of the FAW movement qua movement. It is clear that a quest for integration is the organizing principle of the FAW movement. Moreover, participants in the movement tend to experience and express the quest for the integration of faith and work through one or more of the modalities of ethics, evangelism, experience, and enrichment. When transposed into a new nonlinear theoretical framework, these Four E's result in the Integration Box, a model containing these four quadrants, or types, of FAW orientations and associated language. This conceptual framework facilitates critical analysis, discourse, and understanding the movement and its participants. Each quadrant represents one of the Four E's as the primary manifestation of the quest for integration.
Peter L. Berger and Samuel P. Huntington (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780195151466
- eISBN:
- 9780199834914
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195151461.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global ...
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Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global culture heavily influenced by US values is indeed emerging, it is not US‐directed and that many non‐US cultures are contributing to other subglobalization processes. In particular, globalization is not exclusively secular–materialist in character, with substantial, if underrecognized, inputs from Christian evangelism, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, as well as other religions such as Islam and Buddhism.Less
Globalization is a far more complex set of phenomena than is suggested by the popular stereotype of American imperialism. The wide range of country studies in this book shows that while a global culture heavily influenced by US values is indeed emerging, it is not US‐directed and that many non‐US cultures are contributing to other subglobalization processes. In particular, globalization is not exclusively secular–materialist in character, with substantial, if underrecognized, inputs from Christian evangelism, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, as well as other religions such as Islam and Buddhism.
James Davison Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199730803
- eISBN:
- 9780199777082
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199730803.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the ...
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The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the good values embraced by individuals lead to good choices. If people’s hearts and minds are converted, they will have the right values, they will make the right choices and culture will change in turn. Common View Summary: 1) Real change is individual, 2) Cultural changed can be willed into being, and 3) Change is democratic – from the bottom-up by ordinary citizens.Less
The “common view” is that culture is made up of the accumulation of values held by the majority of people and the choices made on the basis of those values. If a culture is good, it is because the good values embraced by individuals lead to good choices. If people’s hearts and minds are converted, they will have the right values, they will make the right choices and culture will change in turn. Common View Summary: 1) Real change is individual, 2) Cultural changed can be willed into being, and 3) Change is democratic – from the bottom-up by ordinary citizens.
Charles S. Preston
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195394337
- eISBN:
- 9780199777358
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195394337.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement ...
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This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement for the late period of Wach’s work. The religious and philosophical reasons for Wach’s attempts to be both relativist and not relativist, and Wach’s critical assessment of Radhakrishnan, serve as material for launching a critique of the underlying religious and scholastic biases in Wach’s thought during his tenure at the University of Chicago. The chapter concludes with a foray into similar debates over relativism in the field of anthropology and based on that discussion proffers some tentative thoughts regarding how the study of religion might more profitably make use of questions regarding the methodological place of relativism.Less
This chapter concerns itself with the debate between Joachim Wach and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan over the issue of relativism. It provides a critical assessment of the significance of this engagement for the late period of Wach’s work. The religious and philosophical reasons for Wach’s attempts to be both relativist and not relativist, and Wach’s critical assessment of Radhakrishnan, serve as material for launching a critique of the underlying religious and scholastic biases in Wach’s thought during his tenure at the University of Chicago. The chapter concludes with a foray into similar debates over relativism in the field of anthropology and based on that discussion proffers some tentative thoughts regarding how the study of religion might more profitably make use of questions regarding the methodological place of relativism.
Jane Idleman Smith
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195307313
- eISBN:
- 9780199867875
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195307313.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to ...
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A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to determine what kind of dialogue participants are interested in. Groups often peter out simply for lack of direction and guidance. Here a number of different kinds of dialogue are discussed, from debate and confrontation to classroom discussions, theological engagement, attempts to worship together, and movements to form interfaith teams to work for some aspect of social action. Some groups simply want to learn how to live together as neighbors, to practice what is called the dialogue of life.Less
A one-shot meeting for the purpose of getting to know each other is often the only way Christians and Muslims engage with each other. For groups who want to continue, however, it is important to determine what kind of dialogue participants are interested in. Groups often peter out simply for lack of direction and guidance. Here a number of different kinds of dialogue are discussed, from debate and confrontation to classroom discussions, theological engagement, attempts to worship together, and movements to form interfaith teams to work for some aspect of social action. Some groups simply want to learn how to live together as neighbors, to practice what is called the dialogue of life.
James K. Wellman Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195300116
- eISBN:
- 9780199868742
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300116.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open ...
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This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open religious market, where religions live and die on how well they sell their brand. The taken for granted aspects of Protestant mainline and liberal Protestant churches have less success though they do have a market in gay and lesbian men and women who make up nearly a third all these congregations. The evangelical brand offers an extensive program in local and global missions that challenges their congregations to evangelize their community and the world.Less
This chapter on religion and culture argues that H. Richard Niebuhr's model of Christ and Culture is too abstract in this context. The Pacific Northwest has no assumed religious ethos; it is an open religious market, where religions live and die on how well they sell their brand. The taken for granted aspects of Protestant mainline and liberal Protestant churches have less success though they do have a market in gay and lesbian men and women who make up nearly a third all these congregations. The evangelical brand offers an extensive program in local and global missions that challenges their congregations to evangelize their community and the world.
Abigail Brundin
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264133
- eISBN:
- 9780191734649
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264133.003.0009
- Subject:
- Literature, 16th-century and Renaissance Literature
This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and ...
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This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and reformed spirituality in Italy in the sixteenth century and the potential evangelising role of the former. It analyzes the poetry of Vittoria Colonna whose works can be considered the clearest manifestation of literary evangelism.Less
This chapter examines the discreet Reformation content inside the deeply conformist structure of Petrarch's sonnet. It investigates the manifestation of the link between vernacular literature and reformed spirituality in Italy in the sixteenth century and the potential evangelising role of the former. It analyzes the poetry of Vittoria Colonna whose works can be considered the clearest manifestation of literary evangelism.
Christopher P. Scheitle
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199733521
- eISBN:
- 9780199866281
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199733521.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, ...
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This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, Missions & Missionary, Fellowship & Enrichment, Advocacy & Activism, and Fund-Raising, Grant-Making, & Other. Each sector is described and profiles of select organizations are provided.Less
This chapter explores nine activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population: Charismatic Evangelism, Relief & Development, Education & Training, Publishing & Resources, Radio & Television, Missions & Missionary, Fellowship & Enrichment, Advocacy & Activism, and Fund-Raising, Grant-Making, & Other. Each sector is described and profiles of select organizations are provided.
Ian J. Shaw
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250776
- eISBN:
- 9780191600739
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250774.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the ...
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In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the work of high Calvinists in Manchester, the ‘shock city’ of the age, and London, then the largest city in the world. Six substantial case studies examine the response of ministers and their churches to socio‐economic change. The work of two Christian ministers who upheld evangelical Calvinism, rather than high Calvinism, is explored in order to provide instructive contrasts. Breadth of denominational coverage is maintained––the book features studies of one Anglican, two Strict Baptist, one Presbyterian, and two Independent ministers and their churches. On the basis of manuscripts, printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press, the study reveals a series of religious subcultures that were remarkably vibrant and active. The popular caricature of high Calvinism is challenged and evidence is presented to show that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth‐century churches to the process of urbanization. Particular attention is given to activity in the realm of evangelism, social concern, education, politics, and responses to poverty. High Calvinism, in the native English tradition, remained a live option in the early nineteenth century.Less
In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the work of high Calvinists in Manchester, the ‘shock city’ of the age, and London, then the largest city in the world. Six substantial case studies examine the response of ministers and their churches to socio‐economic change. The work of two Christian ministers who upheld evangelical Calvinism, rather than high Calvinism, is explored in order to provide instructive contrasts. Breadth of denominational coverage is maintained––the book features studies of one Anglican, two Strict Baptist, one Presbyterian, and two Independent ministers and their churches. On the basis of manuscripts, printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press, the study reveals a series of religious subcultures that were remarkably vibrant and active. The popular caricature of high Calvinism is challenged and evidence is presented to show that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth‐century churches to the process of urbanization. Particular attention is given to activity in the realm of evangelism, social concern, education, politics, and responses to poverty. High Calvinism, in the native English tradition, remained a live option in the early nineteenth century.
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered ...
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In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered the story, which prompted a rebuttal from Hinduism Today. Some Christians wished to ban the idolatrous presence in order to avoid God's displeasure, others wished to evangelize the Hindus in the new mission field of America, and still others welcomed the opportunity to learn about an unfamiliar religious tradition through dialogue. This chapter follows the debate, quotes community members on all sides of the issue, and examines the theological and civic issues involved. In the end, the temple was built, the first of three Hindu temples now in that city.Less
In 1985, a proposal to build the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple stirred lively public debate among Christians in a blue-collar suburb of Chicago. The evangelical magazine Christianity Today covered the story, which prompted a rebuttal from Hinduism Today. Some Christians wished to ban the idolatrous presence in order to avoid God's displeasure, others wished to evangelize the Hindus in the new mission field of America, and still others welcomed the opportunity to learn about an unfamiliar religious tradition through dialogue. This chapter follows the debate, quotes community members on all sides of the issue, and examines the theological and civic issues involved. In the end, the temple was built, the first of three Hindu temples now in that city.
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, ...
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The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, often in cooperation with nonimmigrant evangelical groups and volunteers. Three cases are examined: (1) Indian evangelists, (2) Telugu Lutheran congregations, and (3) a Christian center in the heart of Chicago's South Asian community. “What we do is friendship evangelism,” explains a staff member at the Christian center. “We want to be the aroma, the love, and the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. We live the Gospel first, and then we give it vocally.”Less
The South Asian American population includes immigrant Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This chapter highlights initiatives of South Asian Christians to evangelize fellow South Asian immigrants, often in cooperation with nonimmigrant evangelical groups and volunteers. Three cases are examined: (1) Indian evangelists, (2) Telugu Lutheran congregations, and (3) a Christian center in the heart of Chicago's South Asian community. “What we do is friendship evangelism,” explains a staff member at the Christian center. “We want to be the aroma, the love, and the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. We live the Gospel first, and then we give it vocally.”
Paul D. Numrich
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195386219
- eISBN:
- 9780199866731
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386219.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian ...
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This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. As in the previous chapter, “friendship evangelism” plays an important role but crosses both religious and ethnic boundaries here. Friendship evangelists from Wheaton Bible Church, the main case study of the chapter, take their cue from biblical passages on showing kindness to aliens and strangers in the land and attach no strings to their relationships. “I make it clear that my friendship is not based on anything that they need to do or say,” explains a veteran of overseas missions, “that I will be their friend one way or the other.”Less
This chapter focuses on the efforts of nonimmigrant churches to resettle (and evangelize) non-Christian immigrants and refugees from across the globe by partnering with World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. As in the previous chapter, “friendship evangelism” plays an important role but crosses both religious and ethnic boundaries here. Friendship evangelists from Wheaton Bible Church, the main case study of the chapter, take their cue from biblical passages on showing kindness to aliens and strangers in the land and attach no strings to their relationships. “I make it clear that my friendship is not based on anything that they need to do or say,” explains a veteran of overseas missions, “that I will be their friend one way or the other.”
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program ...
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The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program to be “faith-based”? How do churches and other religious organizations express their religious identity or convey a religious message in the context of social services? Drawing on case studies of fifteen Philadelphia-area Protestant churches with active community outreach, Saving Souls, Serving Society introduces a new vocabulary for describing the religious components and spiritual meanings embedded in social action, and provides a typology of faith-based organizations and programs. This analysis yields a framework for Protestant mission orientations that makes room for the diverse ways that churches interrelate spiritual witness and social compassion. In particular, the debate over faith-based initiatives has highlighted a small but growing segment of churches committed to both saving souls and serving society. The book illuminates the public engagement of these “;conversionist” churches, exploring how they navigate the tension between their spiritual mission and the constraints on evangelism in the context of social services. The closing chapters explicate the potential contribution of religious dynamics to social outcomes, assess the relationship between mission orientations and social capital, present recommendations for research on faith-based social services, and draw implications for a constructive approach to church-state relations. Openness to a fresh perspective can equip policy makers, scholars and practitioners to respond wisely to the evolving complexities of the religious contours of social ministry. Less
The political controversy surrounding the role of religion in public life calls for more objective attention to the faith factor in social activism. What does it mean for a community-serving program to be “faith-based”? How do churches and other religious organizations express their religious identity or convey a religious message in the context of social services? Drawing on case studies of fifteen Philadelphia-area Protestant churches with active community outreach, Saving Souls, Serving Society introduces a new vocabulary for describing the religious components and spiritual meanings embedded in social action, and provides a typology of faith-based organizations and programs. This analysis yields a framework for Protestant mission orientations that makes room for the diverse ways that churches interrelate spiritual witness and social compassion. In particular, the debate over faith-based initiatives has highlighted a small but growing segment of churches committed to both saving souls and serving society. The book illuminates the public engagement of these “;conversionist” churches, exploring how they navigate the tension between their spiritual mission and the constraints on evangelism in the context of social services. The closing chapters explicate the potential contribution of religious dynamics to social outcomes, assess the relationship between mission orientations and social capital, present recommendations for research on faith-based social services, and draw implications for a constructive approach to church-state relations. Openness to a fresh perspective can equip policy makers, scholars and practitioners to respond wisely to the evolving complexities of the religious contours of social ministry.
Joanna Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195332919
- eISBN:
- 9780199851263
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195332919.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, African-American Literature
This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues ...
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This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues that most 18th-century American evangelists, beginning with the eminent and influential Jonathan Edwards, marked the spectacular value of black and Indian conversions but failed to develop a clear theological outlook on race or to enlarge on the potentially progressive energies of revivalism. This cognitive lapse was especially egregious given the rapid advancement of racialist thinking in natural science and the legal institution of racial identities in the new nation. It fell, then, to a powerful group of black and Indian evangelist-authors to marshal religion against the degradations of racialist science and racist politics, producing in their efforts toward community regeneration new identities, religious traditions, and literatures. The chapter shows how 18th-century American evangelicalism, national politics, and natural science constructed race as a significant category of human experience. It also shows how people of color rose up to answer these constructions, telling their own stories and thus transforming the course of American literary history.Less
This chapter provides essential background on the evangelical movements most attractive to pioneering black and Indian authors, and examines their respective racial policies and theologies. It argues that most 18th-century American evangelists, beginning with the eminent and influential Jonathan Edwards, marked the spectacular value of black and Indian conversions but failed to develop a clear theological outlook on race or to enlarge on the potentially progressive energies of revivalism. This cognitive lapse was especially egregious given the rapid advancement of racialist thinking in natural science and the legal institution of racial identities in the new nation. It fell, then, to a powerful group of black and Indian evangelist-authors to marshal religion against the degradations of racialist science and racist politics, producing in their efforts toward community regeneration new identities, religious traditions, and literatures. The chapter shows how 18th-century American evangelicalism, national politics, and natural science constructed race as a significant category of human experience. It also shows how people of color rose up to answer these constructions, telling their own stories and thus transforming the course of American literary history.
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Religious entities play a vital though limited role in our social safety net. The majority of congregations engage in community-serving activities, though their commitments tend to be shallow. Four ...
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Religious entities play a vital though limited role in our social safety net. The majority of congregations engage in community-serving activities, though their commitments tend to be shallow. Four currents in the broader political and social setting have particular implications for understanding faith-based social services: devolution, faith-based initiatives, changing norms for religion in public life, and ambivalence toward evangelism. Shifting patterns in church-state relations have generated both opportunities and uncertainties. This dynamic context invites a fresh conceptual framework for interpreting churches' public engagement. In particular, new language is needed to describe the “faith factor” that has meaning outside of the religious community, but does not reduce faith to a product of other social variablesLess
Religious entities play a vital though limited role in our social safety net. The majority of congregations engage in community-serving activities, though their commitments tend to be shallow. Four currents in the broader political and social setting have particular implications for understanding faith-based social services: devolution, faith-based initiatives, changing norms for religion in public life, and ambivalence toward evangelism. Shifting patterns in church-state relations have generated both opportunities and uncertainties. This dynamic context invites a fresh conceptual framework for interpreting churches' public engagement. In particular, new language is needed to describe the “faith factor” that has meaning outside of the religious community, but does not reduce faith to a product of other social variables
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter introduces fifteen diverse Protestant churches noted for their community outreach, in the context of their Philadelphia religious ecology. The 237 programs sponsored by these case study ...
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This chapter introduces fifteen diverse Protestant churches noted for their community outreach, in the context of their Philadelphia religious ecology. The 237 programs sponsored by these case study churches are analyzed based on definitions of the key terms “social action” and “evangelism”. Social action includes four basic categories: relief services, personal development, community development, and systemic change. While individualistic, immediate aid tends to predominate over structural approaches to social problems, the amount and type of social ministry to emerge at a given church defies easy prediction. Among the churches studied, a strong emphasis on evangelism does not necessarily preclude involvement in social concerns.Less
This chapter introduces fifteen diverse Protestant churches noted for their community outreach, in the context of their Philadelphia religious ecology. The 237 programs sponsored by these case study churches are analyzed based on definitions of the key terms “social action” and “evangelism”. Social action includes four basic categories: relief services, personal development, community development, and systemic change. While individualistic, immediate aid tends to predominate over structural approaches to social problems, the amount and type of social ministry to emerge at a given church defies easy prediction. Among the churches studied, a strong emphasis on evangelism does not necessarily preclude involvement in social concerns.
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter highlights eight of the case study churches selected from the Philadelphia area. The narratives focus on how these churches define their mission, particularly in terms of the ...
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This chapter highlights eight of the case study churches selected from the Philadelphia area. The narratives focus on how these churches define their mission, particularly in terms of the relationship between social action and evangelism, and put their theological beliefs into action through community outreach. As a complement to their stories, the chapter presents survey data on church members' motivations and beliefs relevant to outreach, as well as their reported rates of actual practices of evangelism, informal acts of compassion and civic involvement.Less
This chapter highlights eight of the case study churches selected from the Philadelphia area. The narratives focus on how these churches define their mission, particularly in terms of the relationship between social action and evangelism, and put their theological beliefs into action through community outreach. As a complement to their stories, the chapter presents survey data on church members' motivations and beliefs relevant to outreach, as well as their reported rates of actual practices of evangelism, informal acts of compassion and civic involvement.
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Acts of compassion are not unique to people of faith, but faith makes these actions uniquely meaningful. Even ostensibly secular good works may be saturated with personal religious significance. The ...
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Acts of compassion are not unique to people of faith, but faith makes these actions uniquely meaningful. Even ostensibly secular good works may be saturated with personal religious significance. The ascription of spiritual meaning to social action is part of the larger religious enterprise that Peter Berger refers to as “world-building”. Among Protestant Christians, these meanings fall into four domains: religion mandates social action; divine agency empowers social change; social activism reflects or enhances one's inner spiritual state; and social ministry is intended to enhance the spiritual life of others. It is the selection and combination of these four modalities—dutiful, empowered, devotional, and evangelistic—that gives a faith-based social service program its distinctive character. Less
Acts of compassion are not unique to people of faith, but faith makes these actions uniquely meaningful. Even ostensibly secular good works may be saturated with personal religious significance. The ascription of spiritual meaning to social action is part of the larger religious enterprise that Peter Berger refers to as “world-building”. Among Protestant Christians, these meanings fall into four domains: religion mandates social action; divine agency empowers social change; social activism reflects or enhances one's inner spiritual state; and social ministry is intended to enhance the spiritual life of others. It is the selection and combination of these four modalities—dutiful, empowered, devotional, and evangelistic—that gives a faith-based social service program its distinctive character.
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
A mission orientation frames a moral order for a congregation's activity and identity. This chapter focuses on the ways that churches organize the spiritual and social dimensions of their public ...
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A mission orientation frames a moral order for a congregation's activity and identity. This chapter focuses on the ways that churches organize the spiritual and social dimensions of their public mission. In place of the traditional dichotomy between social activism and evangelism, a more nuanced set of orientations classifies churches as dominant social action, dual-focus, holistic, dominant evangelism, and inward-focused. This spectrum of types indicates that the religious impulses to serve and to save are not always polarized drives; rather, churches interrelate these two imperatives in their community outreach in a range of adaptable, and sometimes rather sophisticated, ways.Less
A mission orientation frames a moral order for a congregation's activity and identity. This chapter focuses on the ways that churches organize the spiritual and social dimensions of their public mission. In place of the traditional dichotomy between social activism and evangelism, a more nuanced set of orientations classifies churches as dominant social action, dual-focus, holistic, dominant evangelism, and inward-focused. This spectrum of types indicates that the religious impulses to serve and to save are not always polarized drives; rather, churches interrelate these two imperatives in their community outreach in a range of adaptable, and sometimes rather sophisticated, ways.
Heidi Rolland Unruh and Ronald J. Sider
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195161557
- eISBN:
- 9780199835836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195161556.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
A church's mission orientation may be shaped by a mosaic of influences, including culture, theology, structures of authority, resources, and social context. Congregations do not invent their mission ...
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A church's mission orientation may be shaped by a mosaic of influences, including culture, theology, structures of authority, resources, and social context. Congregations do not invent their mission orientation afresh; they draw on established ethnic, denominational and historical scripts of how to conduct outreach, while adding their own innovations. A brief history of the relationship between evangelism and social action, focusing on Anglo American evangelicalism, highlights the legacy of the split between religious conservatives and advocates of the social gospel. This divide does not represent an unchangeable given, but a historic phenomenon that is being actively renegotiated, giving rise to new ministry patterns.Less
A church's mission orientation may be shaped by a mosaic of influences, including culture, theology, structures of authority, resources, and social context. Congregations do not invent their mission orientation afresh; they draw on established ethnic, denominational and historical scripts of how to conduct outreach, while adding their own innovations. A brief history of the relationship between evangelism and social action, focusing on Anglo American evangelicalism, highlights the legacy of the split between religious conservatives and advocates of the social gospel. This divide does not represent an unchangeable given, but a historic phenomenon that is being actively renegotiated, giving rise to new ministry patterns.
