Religon and Social change

• What is Bruce's interest in relation to religion and social change?


  He is interested in the relationships between religion and social change.
• What two examples of religiously inspired protest movements does Bruce compare?

  • The civil rights movement
  • The new Christian right
• What time period does Bruce describe for the black civil rights movement?


  The 1950s and 1960s.
• What was the goal of the black civil rights movement?


  To end racially motivated social change.
• When was slavery abolished in the United States?


  1865.
• What legal and political rights were denied to blacks in southern states after slavery was abolished?


  They were denied legal and political rights, including voting and access to amenities.
• What actions were forbidden for blacks in the southern states?


  Interracial marriages were forbidden.
• What event marked the beginning of the civil rights movement in 1955?


  Rosa Parks refused to sit at the back of a bus.
• What types of actions did the civil rights movement involve?


  • Direct action by black people
  • Marches
  • Boycotts
• What significant legal change occurred in 1964 regarding segregation?


  Segregation was outlawed.
• Who does Bruce describe as the backbone of the black civil rights movement?


  The black clergy.
• Who led the black clergy during the civil rights movement?

  Dr. Martin Luther King.
• What roles did the black clergy play in the civil rights movement?


  • Provided support and moral legitimacy
  • Offered meeting places and sanctuary
  • Organized rituals for unity
• How did the black clergy appeal to whites to change the law?


  By appealing to their shared Christian values of equality.
• What was the impact of the black clergy's message on white clergy in the South?


  The impact was limited, but it reached a wider audience outside the South.
• How does Bruce view religion in the context of the civil rights movement?


  • As an ideological resource
  • Provides beliefs and practices for motivation
  • Supports protests and social change
• What are the ways religious organizations support protests and social change?

  1. Taking the moral high ground
  2. Channeling dissent
  3. Acting as honest broker
  4. Mobilizing public opinion
• How did black clergy take the moral high ground during the civil rights movement?


  By pointing out the hypocrisy of white clergy who preached love but supported segregation.
• What was a significant event that served as a rallying point for the civil rights case?

  The funeral of Martin Luther King.
• What role do churches play in conflicts according to Bruce?


  They provide a context for negotiating both sides and stand above mere politics.
• How did black churches mobilize public opinion during the civil rights movement?


  By successfully campaigning for support across the whole of America.
• What does Bruce argue about the civil rights movement's success?


  It achieved its aims by sharing values with those in power.
• What principle did the civil rights movement aim to put into practice?


  The principle of equality embodied in the American constitution.
• What characterizes the new Christian right movement?


  • Politically and morally conservative
  • Protestant fundamentalist
  • Opposes liberalizing American society
• What are the aims of the new Christian right?


  To take America back to God and make abortion, homosexuality, gay marriage, and divorce illegal.
• Since when has the new Christian right gained prominence?

  Since the 1960s.
• What traditional values does the new Christian right strongly believe in?


  Traditional family and traditional gender roles.
• What educational campaigns does the new Christian right support?


  Teaching creationism and banning sex education in schools.
• How does the new Christian right utilize media for its goals?


  • Effective use of media and networking
  • Televangelism for fundraising
  • Broadcasting programs to recruit new members
• What role do right-wing Christian pressure groups play in politics?


  They focus on political campaigning and strengthening the Republican Party.
• Why has the new Christian right been largely unsuccessful?


  • Difficulty cooperating with other religious groups
  • Lacks widespread support
  • Faces strong opposition from freedom of choice advocates
• How does Bruce describe the new Christian right movement?


  As a failed movement for change.
• What has the new Christian right failed to achieve despite publicity?


  Taking America back to God.
• Why has the attempt to impose Protestant fundamentalist morality failed?


  Because of the liberal and democratic values of most American society.
• What values do most Americans hold that pose a problem for the new Christian right?


  • Comfort with legalizing activities deemed immoral
  • Unwillingness to accept others' definitions of how to live
• What belief does the new Christian right hold regarding the Bible?


  They believe in the literal truth of the Bible.
• What do comparisons between the civil rights movement and the new Christian right suggest about success in protest movements?


  • Beliefs and demands must align with wider society
  • Need to connect with mainstream beliefs about democracy, equality, and religious freedom
• What does religion uphold in society?


  Traditional beliefs about how society is organised
• How does religion serve society according to the study material?

  It stabilises society and maintains the status quo
• Who founded Calvinism?


  John Calvin