RELIGION AS A SOCIAL PROTEST

Question 1

Civil Rights Movement

Answer 1

Civil Rights movement is one successful example of religion as a social protest. Its aim was to end social segregation and gain equal rights for the black community in America. It was led by Martin Luther King who used Christian values to unite people and find common ground, allowing the movement to gain legitimacy and global followers.
Bruce believes this was successful because it shared the same views as wider society and shamed those in power.

Question 2

New Christian Right

Answer 2

Main aim was to take America ‘back to God’ and make abortion, homosexuality and divorce illegal. They wish to return to a system that closely reflects the values of the bible ‘CREATIONISM’. Bruce believes that the New Christian Right has been unsuccessful as a movement of change because of the liberal and democratic values of most of American society. It polarises instead of unites people.

Question 3

RELIGION AS IDEOLOGICAL RESOURCE

Answer 3

-taking the moral high ground
-channeling dissent
-acting as an honest broker
-mobilising public opinion