Religion as a force for social change Flashcards
What are the Calvinist beliefs
Predestination, Devine Transcendence, Vocation or calling
Predestination
God had already decided who would enter the kingdom of heaven before you are born
Devine Transcendence
No individual would have the power to rival God and be able to predict his wishes.
Vocation or Calling
Calvinists believe that the only way to glorify God was to devote themselves to their work
Calvinism led to capitalism because
They devote themselves to their work, often acquiring vast amounts of wealth in the process
Evaluation
Kautsky- Modern capitalism already existed prior to the development of Calvinism
Factors which determine if religion is a conservative force or a force for social change
-The nature and extent of religious belief
-The significance of religion in society
-The extent of the social involvement of religion
-The degree of central authority in religious organisations
Who says that religion is an ideological resource
Bruce
What are Bruce’s suggestions
-Taking the moral high ground
-Channelling dissent
-Acting as honest broker
-Mobilising public opinion
Civil rights movement
-One of the most successful examples of religion as a social protest
-Aim=End segregation and gain equal rights
-Led by=Rev Martin Luther King
What does Bruce believe about the American civil rights movement
It was peaceful, gained public support and negotiated with the opposition and shamed those in power
New Christian Right
-Aim=Resit the changes that have occurred in the American society like divorce
-They wish to return to a system which more closely reflects the values of the Bible
What does Bruce say about the New Christian Right
Unsuccessful in promoting social change because they have a negative tone to their message
Liberation theology
-Catholic priests developed this as a response to the failure of the Vatican to deal with poverty
-Encouraged their followers to force social change when necessary
-The movement was unsuccessful
Millenarian movements
-Believe existing society is evil and that a supernatural force will destroy society to create a new world
-E.g. Heavens Gate Cult
-Unsuccessful because they’re world rejecting and fail to unite people
