RELG 12

Canadian Protestant Movements

Introduction

Canadian Protestant movements have played a significant role in shaping social, political, and religious life in Canada. Among these, the Social Gospel movement stands out for its emphasis on social justice, reform, and the application of Christian ethics to societal issues. Understanding these movements provides insight into the intersection of religion, psychology, and social change.

18th Century Deism

Key Figures and Concepts

• John Toland (1670-1722): Author of Christianity not Mysterious. Toland rejected the notion of inspired scripture and argued that religion must be defined by reason.

• Matthew Tindal (1657-1733): Author of Christianity as Old as the Creation (1730). Tindal viewed Christianity as a religion of nature, emphasizing simple, universal, and consistent moral principles.

Deism is a philosophical position that posits the existence of a creator who does not intervene in the universe. It emphasizes reason, ethics, and the rejection of supernatural revelation.

• Key Terms: Reason, Natural Religion, Universal Morality

• Example: Deists argued that moral truths could be discovered through rational inquiry rather than religious tradition.

19th Century Religious Liberalism

Major Thinkers and Ideas

• Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834): Emphasized humanity's creative potential to experience transcendence. He argued that religiosity is a creative response to experience, and Jesus exemplifies humanity's sacred potential for actualizing religious transformation.

• Thomas Arnold (1795-1842): Advocated for Christianity in constant progress, purifying itself of evil, hierarchy, authoritarianism, and superstition. Arnold believed that enlightened Christian faith contributes to ongoing transformation, seeking ideals such as freedom, individuality, and justice.

Religious Liberalism refers to movements within Christianity that embrace modernity, reason, and progressive social values, often challenging traditional doctrines.

• Key Terms: Transcendence, Religious Transformation, Enlightened Faith

• Example: Schleiermacher's Speeches to its Cultured Despisers encouraged Christians to engage with modern culture and values.

The Social Gospel

Mission and Principles

The Social Gospel movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the application of Christian ethics to social problems such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Its mission was not to resist modernity, but to creatively embrace, baptize, and transform it.

• Key Point: The Social Gospel sought to establish the "kingdom of God" in human society through social reform.

• Key Point: It rejected other-worldly conceptions of salvation, focusing instead on gradual improvement of society.

• Example: Social Gospel leaders promoted public health care, education, and social welfare policies.

Walter Rauschenbusch and the American Social Gospel

Founding Father and Major Works

• Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918): Considered the founding father of the American Social Gospel. His influential works include Christianity and the Social Crisis (1907), Christianizing the Social Order (1912), The Social Principles of Jesus (1916), and A Theology for the Social Gospel (1917).

• Growth: The Social Gospel gained traction in mainline Protestant denominations such as Anglican, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches.

Rauschenbusch emphasized the need for Christians to address systemic social evils and work towards a more just and equitable society.

• Key Terms: Social Justice, Systemic Reform, Christian Ethics

• Example: Rauschenbusch's writings inspired movements for labor rights, public health, and social welfare.

Social Gospel Themes and Policies

Core Values and Social Reforms

• Establishing the "Kingdom of God" in Society: Focus on social realism and collective well-being rather than individualistic devotion.

• Equality vs. Hierarchy: Promotion of inclusion, equality, and options for the poor.

• Structural/Systemic Evils: Recognition that social problems are often rooted in systemic issues rather than personal failings.

Social Gospel Policies

• Public Health Care

• Right to Work and Form Unions

• Just Remuneration and Equal Pay

• Right to Rest and Leisure

• Pensions and Social Security

• Public Education and Social Welfare

• Right to Food and Housing

• Affirmative Action for the Marginalized

• Safe Working Conditions

• Role of the State in Promoting Social Justice and Equality

Example: The Social Gospel influenced major social reforms in Canada and the United States, including the New Deal policies and the development of public welfare systems.

Comparative Table: Social Gospel vs. Evangelical Christianity

Distinctions in Beliefs and Practices

Aspect	Social Gospel	Evangelical Christianity
Primary Forms of Evil	Social, systemic, and structural	Personal, individual
Kingdom of God	Immanent (in this world)	Transcendent (other-worldly)
Transformation	Through progressive social and political reform	Through personal commitment and evangelization
Role of the State	Important asset for confronting evil and promoting redemption	Politics is worldly and prone to corruption; state should be restricted

Psychological Perspectives

Religion, Social Identity, and Social Change

The Social Gospel movement illustrates how religious beliefs can shape collective identity and motivate social change. Psychological theories of social identity and collective action help explain the movement's impact on policy and reform.

• Key Point: Religious movements often provide a framework for understanding social problems and mobilizing collective action.

• Example: The Social Gospel's emphasis on systemic reform aligns with psychological theories of group-based advocacy and social justice.

Additional info: The Social Gospel's influence on Canadian and American social policy demonstrates the interplay between religious values, psychological motivation, and societal transformation.