Religion and social protest (radical) Flashcards
Bruce
Religion has inspired protest movements. Civil rights movement and New Christian Right
Civil Right movement
-began 1950s/60s to end racial segregation
-1964 segregation outlawed
-black clergy was backbone of movement giving moral legitimacy to activists (churches provided sanctuary & hymns were a source of unity)
why did the civil rights movement work?
-black clergy were able to shame whites into changing the law by appealing to christian values of equality
-relig involved in secular struggle and bringing abt change
how do relig organisations support protests?
-take moral high ground= black clergy pointed out the hypocrisy of white clergy
-channelling dissent= relig provides channels to express political dissent
-acting as an honest broker= churches provide context for negotiating change bc they’re often respected on both sides
-mobilising public opinion= black churches in south campaigned for whole of USA
what is the New Christian Right (NCR)?
-a politically/ morally conservative, protestant fundamentalist movement
-opposes to liberalising movement
-believes in traditional family etc and used ‘televangelism’= church owned tv stations to convert ppl
the moral majority
rw christian pressure group focused on campaigning and influencing Republicans. example of relig movement wanting ‘conservative social change’ (changing society back to og form)
Why has NCR been unsuccessful?
-never had more than 15% of population support
-its campaigners find it difficult to cooperate w/ others
-lacks widespread support and met w/ opposition by those wanting freedom
How does Bruce see the NCR?
-failed movement for change bc of the liberal and democratic values of USA society
-impossible demands in a mature democracy (wants everyone to conform to Bible)
-to be successful need to connect to mainstream beliefs abt freedom/ equality etc
