Suchergebnisse

The twentieth century has witnessed a number of major social changes that have affected America's churches by virtue of the changes challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. Among these changes have been declines in anti-Semitism and racial prejudice and discrimination, and transformations in the role and status of women and in sexual practices and attitudes. In the past, scripture has been used to justify anti-Semitism, discrimination against Afro-Americans, women's being subordinate to men, and opposition to divorce, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality. Churches have responded to the social changes, sometimes by modifying scriptual interpretations to accommodate them, sometimes by standing fast against them. The differences in response prove to be highly associated with differences in church performance. They also have sharply varying implications for the churches' future, especially their ability to exercise moral authority.

Examines the response of organized religion to social change in the US during the twentieth century, focusing on how such issues as anti-Semitism, racism, women's rights, adultery, & gay rights have challenged traditional interpretations of scripture. Churches have responded to social changes not only by modifying scriptural interpretations to accommodate them, but also by rejecting them, ie, the abortion issue. Speculations on issues (eg, genetic engineering & euthaniasia) that will likely spark religious debate in the near future are offered, & it is concluded that the Protestant churches which have been the least compromising in their response to social changes may need to become more flexible if they are to remain vital in the coming century. Adapted from the source document.

The rapid change in US opinion on vital issues results largely from the changes in the image of man. It is believed that man's freedom is limited by his inheritance & environment; this image is derived from soc sci. However, certain areas of society, ie, the econ order, religion & the fam, have been less subject to the influence of new soc sci'fic knowledge re the nature of man, partly because of both the high traditional commitment to individualism & less direct exposure of these areas to the soc sci's. G. Speal.