RELG 11

Canadian Protestantism

Canadian Protestantism encompasses a diverse range of Christian traditions, denominations, and movements that have shaped the religious, social, and political landscape of Canada. This study guide outlines the main denominational traditions, historical developments, and the role of minority Protestant groups in Canadian society.

Protestant Denominational Traditions

Main Denominational Streams

Protestantism in Canada is rooted in several major denominational traditions, each with distinct theological and organizational characteristics.

• Lutheranism: Originated with Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. Emphasizes justification by faith and the authority of Scripture. Episcopal governance structure.

• Reformed Tradition: Includes French-Swiss (Calvin, Beza), German-Swiss (Zwingli, Bullinger), and Scottish Presbyterian and Dutch Reformed branches. Stresses the sovereignty of God and predestination.

• Anabaptist Tradition: Includes Swiss Brethren (Grebel, Manz, Simonsz), Mennonites, English Separatists, and English Baptists. Known for adult baptism, pacifism, and congregational governance.

• Anglican Tradition: Originated with Henry VIII and Thomas Cranmer. The Church of England is Episcopal in structure. Methodism later emerged from Anglicanism.

Table: Major Protestant Denominations and Characteristics

Tradition	Key Figures	Governance	Examples
Lutheran	Luther, Melanchthon	Episcopal	Lutheran Church
Reformed	Calvin, Beza, Zwingli, Bullinger	Presbyterian	Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed
Anabaptist	Grebel, Manz, Simonsz	Congregational	Mennonites, Baptists
Anglican	Henry VIII, Cranmer	Episcopal	Church of England, Methodist

20th Century Streams of Canadian Protestantism

Evangelical Movements and Awakenings

The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of evangelical movements, which emphasized personal faith, revivalism, and social reform.

• First Great Awakening (1730-1749): Key figures included Jonathan Edwards, John and Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield. Marked by widespread revival and increased religious enthusiasm.

• Second Great Awakening (1800-1850): Led by Charles Finney, this movement furthered revivalism and social activism, influencing Canadian Protestantism.

20th Century Developments

• Early 20th Century: Emergence of fundamentalist movements, characterized by a rejection of modernity and liberal theology.

• Post-WWII (1945 and after): Rise of neo-evangelicalism, which sought engagement with modern culture. Billy Graham was a key figure.

• Late 1970s: Politicization of evangelicalism, with figures like Jerry Falwell influencing both the United States and Canada.

Evangelical Roots of Canadian Political Conservatism

Key Political Figures

• William Aberhart: Founder of the Prophetic Bible Institute and the Social Credit Party in Alberta; Premier from 1935-1943.

• Ernest Manning: Close ally of Aberhart; Premier of Alberta from 1943-1968.

• Preston Manning: Son of Ernest Manning, founder of the Reform Party, and a prominent evangelical leader.

• Stephen Harper: Chief policy advisor to Preston Manning, later Prime Minister of Canada (2006-2015), associated with evangelical Christianity.

These figures illustrate the intersection of evangelical Protestantism and conservative politics in Canada.

Conservative Evangelical Critique of Christian Social Gospel Movements

Conservative evangelicals have often critiqued the Social Gospel movement, which emphasizes social justice and reform as central to Christian mission. Notable critics include Pastor John MacArthur.

• Social Gospel Movement: Focuses on applying Christian ethics to social problems such as poverty and inequality.

• Evangelical Critique: Argues for prioritizing personal salvation and doctrinal orthodoxy over social activism.

Dissident Protestant Churches and Human Rights

Minority Traditions Outside the Mainstream

Several minority Protestant groups in Canada have distinct beliefs and practices, often leading to legal and social challenges.

• Jehovah's Witnesses: Known for their anti-war stance and refusal to participate in military service. Faced persecution during both World Wars, including imprisonment and loss of child custody. Involved in landmark Supreme Court cases defending religious freedom (e.g., R. v. Boucher 1951, Roncarelli v. Duplessis 1959).

• Hutterites: Practice communal ownership and pacifism. Limit use of modern technology. Involved in legal cases regarding property and religious rights (e.g., Hofer v. Hofer 1970, Alberta v. Hutterian Brethren of Wilson Colony 2009).

• Doukhobors: Russian-origin group known as 'Spirit Wrestlers.' Emphasize communal living and pacifism. Used nonviolent resistance and, at times, arson as protest. Faced government intervention and residential schooling.

Legal Significance

Legal cases involving these groups have been pivotal in establishing and defending the rights, freedoms, and public expression of minority religious communities in Canada’s liberal democracy.

Summary Table: Minority Protestant Groups and Legal Issues

Group	Key Beliefs/Practices	Legal Issues	Notable Cases
Jehovah's Witnesses	Anti-war, refusal of military service	Persecution, child custody, religious freedom	R. v. Boucher (1951), Roncarelli v. Duplessis (1959)
Hutterites	Communal living, pacifism, technology limits	Property rights, religious freedom	Hofer v. Hofer (1970), Alberta v. Hutterian Brethren (2009)
Doukhobors	Pacifism, communal lifestyle, nonviolent protest	Government intervention, education	Various cases involving arson, residential schools

Conclusion

Canadian Protestantism is marked by denominational diversity, historical evolution, and the ongoing negotiation of religious freedom and minority rights. Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehending the broader social and political context of religion in Canada.