6. Religion & Social Protest

• What is an example of an ongoing religious involvement with a social issue?

  Pro-life movement (especially in America)
• How did the civil rights movement help religion get involved in a secular struggle?

  By acting in favour of already present morality, amplifying of social ideals
• What were the new christian right's ideologies?

  Religious moralism - frames their opinions as being aligned with biblical teachings

  Cultural conservatism - invoking nostalgia for an era when they believe society was more morally upright
• What were MLK Jr's civil rights ideologies?

  Taking moral high ground- hypocrisy of white 'love thy neighbour'

  Channelling Dissent- the funeral of MLK Jr was a rallying point for the civil rights cause
• What methods did the new christian right use?

  Issue-based campaigns

  Lobbying

  Endorsing candidates
• What methods did the civil rights movement use?

  Peaceful protests

  Boycotts

  Civil disobedience
• The New Christian Right

  -Late 20th century

  -Reaction to perceived moral decline in American society

  -Focused on renewing conservative Christian values

  -Opposed abortion, LGBTQ+ rights & secularism
• Civil Rights Movement

  -Mid 50s to late 60s

  -Began as a response to systemic racial discrimination & segregation

  -Focused on achieving equal rights, voting rights, desegregation & an end to racial violence
• What did Bruce study?


  The relationship between religion & social change
• How has religion motivated & inspired social protest?

  Religious leaders & institutions can be catalysts for change