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In their studies of social Christianity, scholars of American religion have devoted critical attention to a group of theologically liberal pastors, primarily in the Northeast. Gary Scott Smith attempts to paint a more complete picture of the movement. Smith's ambitious and thorough study amply demonstrates how social Christianity--which included blacks, women, Southerners, and Westerners--worked to solve industrial, political, and urban problems; reduce racial discrimination; increase the status of women; curb drunkenness and prostitution; strengthen the family; upgrade public schools; and raise the quality of public health. In his analysis of the available scholarship and case studies of individuals, organizations, and campaigns central to the movement, Smith makes a convincing case that social Christianity was the most widespread, long-lasting, and influential religious social reform movement in American history.
"Six major themes have characterized religion in America throughout its history-pervasiveness, diversity, cultural impact, revivalism, social activism, and ecumenism"--
Donald Trump’s election has forced the United States to reckon with not only the political power of the presidency, but also how he and his supporters have used the office to advance their shared vision of America: one that is avowedly nationalist, and unrepentantly rooted in nativism and white supremacy. It might be easy to attribute this dark vision, and the presidency’s immense power to reflect and reinforce it, to the singular character of one particular president—but to do so, this book tells us, would be to ignore the critical role the American public played in making the president “the man of the people” in the nation’s earliest decades. Beginning with the public debate ov...
How faith sustained Jackie Robinson--both as an athlete and as an activist. The integration of Major League Baseball in 1947 was a triumph. But it was also a fight. As the first Black major leaguer since the 1880s, Jackie Robinson knew he was not going to be welcomed into America's pastime with open arms. Anticipating hostility, he promised Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey that he would "turn the other cheek" during his first years in the league, despite his fiercely competitive disposition. Robinson later said that his faith in God had sustained him--giving him the strength he needed to play the game he loved at the highest level without retaliating against the abuse inflicted...
In the wake of the 2004 election, pundits were shocked at exit polling that showed that 22% of voters thought 'moral values' was the most important issue at stake. People on both sides of the political divide believed this was the key to victory for George W. Bush, who professes a deep and abiding faith in God. While some fervent Bush supporters see him as a man chosen by God for the White House, opponents see his overt commitment to Christianity as a dangerous and unprecedented bridging of the gap between church and state. In fact, Gary Scott Smith shows, none of this is new. Religion has been a major part of the presidency since George Washington's first inaugural address. Despite the moun...
We all say that we care about children. We all know that millions of children around the world, including in the United States, are suffering physically, materially, and emotionally and are unable to reach their full potential. Moreover, their material deprivation and physical ills often prevent them from responding to the gospel. Most of us conclude that we cannot do anything significant to help the impoverished children living in our own backyards let alone those living in the slums of Nairobi or the hinterlands of Haiti. We can, however, do much to improve their lives materially and spiritually. Through praying, giving generously, sponsoring children, volunteering with aid organizations, ...
What if the church could be more than a building or a meeting once or twice a week? What would happen if the church lived and loved as a community where people mattered more than programs and servants were more valued than leaders? How would the world be changed by a church that looked like that? This book looks at the past influence of the church in American culture and is hopeful that it will be influential again. It expresses that missing link between just making noise and truly impacting culture. Love is our motivation to reach out to the world in multiple ways, and receiving love will give people a reason to pay attention. By expressing love, we bring life to ourselves, our friends, and...
Methodism in the public and private lives of the politician After more than forty contentious years in the public eye, Hillary Rodham Clinton is one of the best-known political figures in the nation. Yet the strong religious faith at the heart of her politics and personal life often remains confounding, if not mysterious, to longtime observers. Even many of her admirers would be surprised to hear Clinton state that her Methodist outlook has “been a huge part of who I am and how I have seen the world, and what I believe in, and what I have tried to do in my life.” Gary Scott Smith’s biography of Clinton’s journey in faith begins with her Methodist upbringing in Park Ridge, Illinois, w...
From populism and progressivism to the New Deal and post-World War II conservatism, Catholic economists and social thinkers have confronted the same problems as other Americans. Within the Market Strife recounts the history of American Catholic views on economic issues and places those views firmly wihtin the context of their time.