Research On Religion » Great Awakening

Brandon O’Brien on Isaac Backus and Religious Liberty

tonygill — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 08:00:11 +0000

One of our favorite topics of discussion on Research on Religion is religious liberty. Dr. Brandon O’Brien, the Director of Content Development at Redeemer City to City, provides a new angle on that topic as he joins us to discuss Isaac Backus and his new book Demanding Liberty: An Untold Story of American Religious Freedom. After Tony notes that Dr. O’Brien appeared on our show previously talking about the Apostle Paul, Brandon explains his interest in colonial American religious history and how this new book emanated from his dissertation about the religious and political developments of the late 18th century.

Brandon then notes that although we Americans take religious liberty for granted and that it is part of our DNA from the earliest days of our nation, in reality there was an ongoing struggle for religious liberty in the colonial period and the First Amendment to the US Constitution was in no way guaranteed. There were forces championing full public support of religious (select) institutions and partisans on the other side that were very secularist in nature. Enter Isaac Backus, who found a way to thread the needle of these two positions. Brandon reviews the life and times of Isaac, noting his conversion to New Light Christianity during the First Great Awakening, moving towards a “separatist” position.

There were two critical issues that formulated Backus’s view of religious freedom – one theological and the other political. Theologically, Backus wanted to figure out a way to manage the divisive issue of infant baptism when he was a pastor in his Titicut parish. For him, the optimal solution was to allow the freedom for different viewpoints to pursue their own conscience on the matter — i.e., religious freedom. Politically, the issue of religious taxes (or mandatory tithing) was a costly issue for he and his congregants at the time. While Baptists were technically exempt from the Standing Order that required the tax subsidized support of Congregationalist churches in New England, the administration of theses taxes was often arbitrary in execution. Backus pointed out that the British tyranny that patriots were fighting against in the 1770s was the same as minority religious congregations facing the Congregationalist hegemony. All of these came out in Backus’s Appeal to the Public for Religious Liberty, which helped shaped the background discussion that eventually gave rise to the Bill of Rights.

We finish with some of Dr. O’Brien’s reflections on what he has learned in his varied studies of everything from small churches in the contemporary US, to the bad behavior of Paul, to his most recent publication on Backus. Recorded: June 8, 2018.

RELATED LINKS

Brandon J. O’Brien’s personal website and Redeemer City to City.

Demanding Liberty: An Untold Story of American Religious Freedom, by Brandon J. O’Brien.

The Strategically Small Church, by Brandon J. O’Brien.

Paul Behaving Badly, by Randolph Richards and Brandon O’Brien.

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, by Randolph Richards and Brandon O’Brien.

“An Appeal to the Public for Religious Liberty,” by Isaac Backus.

RELATED PODCASTS

Brandon O’Brien on Paul Behaving Badly.

Anthony Gill on the Political Origins of Religious Liberty.

Mark David Hall podcasts on religion and the Founding Fathers.

Podcasts on Religious Liberty.

James Hudnut-Beumler on the History of Church Financing in the US

tonygill — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 08:00:39 +0000

While congregations may pray for manna from heaven, financing a religious institution often relies upon hard work, creativity, and direct appeals to parishioners to contribute to the provision of the clergy and the buildings. Prof. James Hudnut-Beumler, the Anne Potter Wilson Distinguished Professor of Religious History at Vanderbilt University, discusses his historical studies of how American Protestant churches changed their funding models over the past two and a half centuries. We begin with a personal story of how Dr. Hudnut-Beumler came to be interested in the economics behind church funding, and he regales us with a story of his chance meeting with Ben Bernake (yet to become chairman of the Federal Reserve). Upon finding out that Jim studied religion, Bernake told him how economics predicts that women would be more religiously active then men. We talk a bit more about the appropriateness of using economics to understand the world of religion, and Jim notes that one of the most important concepts that economics contributes to a humanities-based approach is the notion of value. Indeed, the becomes important later in our interview when we ask Prof. Hudnut-Beumler about his own personal reflections on his research and how it helped him in his religious vocation as a Presbyterian minister. We then work our way through a history of American Protestantism and how funding models have changed over time.

Jim notes that there are three common tensions or ironies that run throughout this history including: clergy who raise money “for God” understand that they are really paying for their own salary; the spiritualization of appeals for financing; and the increasing voluntary nature of church tithing. Jim points out that roughly two-thirds of the cost of running a congregation goes to personnel in the form of salaries and other compensation. During America’s colonial history, much of the needed funding was collected via taxes collected by local governments. This began to change during the First Great Awakening as itinerant ministers and upstart churches would compete with the state-funded churches for members and funds. By the end of the 18th century and into the early 19th century, congregations lost support of state funding and needed to make new appeals to members to voluntarily contribute to churches. We talk a bit about the “pew rent” model and learn, as a fun fact, that the raised boxes of seating in many churches were to house heated bricks to keep the wealthier congregants warmer in the winter. Not only was it valuable to sit up front near the preacher, but that was also where the heating was! Another development in the first half of the 1800s was the rise of the “Benevolence Empire,” wherein colporteurs and other charity entrepreneurs would raise funds for specific causes. Realizing that this was competing with a fixed set of dollars that congregants were giving to religious causes, church congregations also got into this business leading to a dramatic increase in the amount of charitable funding during this era. Another fascinating development, and one which surprised Prof. Hudnut-Beumler, was the emphasis placed on constructing and remodeling church buildings. Whereas we are often treated with iconic photos of churches that exist “as they were in colonial days,” the truth of the matter is that church buildings were constantly undergoing change as individual congregants saw building or remodeling a church as a way to demonstrate devotion to God and to take pride in one’s own congregation.

The next phase of church financing occurred after the Civil War and up to World War I. Here Jim emphasizes a rediscovery of tithing and stewardship, noting how religious rhetoric tended to spiritualize the notion of giving, making it appear as one’s duty to God as compared to the mere need to support the pastor and keep the building looking tidy. Also during this era, clergy began to see themselves as professionals, much the way one would envision a business manager or banker. A number of congregations responded to this by altering how they compensated their clergy, and Jim provides examples of the Presbyterians who insisted upon supporting their ministers and missionaries on a salary that was equivalent to that of a local school superintendent. United Lutherans developed another model of investing in pensions for their clergy so they knew they would be taken care of after their retirement. We then talk about the developments that occur in the latter half of the 20th century and how growing suburbanization led to increased demands for a “seven day church” that was used for athletic and other social activities. Church sizes began to increase as did the spread of non-denominational churches. We then talk about how automated teller machines (ATMs) and the rise of “plastic money” has changed the giving model, with many churches turning to weekly debits from bank accounts as a way to smooth out the annual giving cycle. Jim tells us about how his father, a minister, would be somewhat concerned about family expenses going into the summer as that was the time when contributions were at their lowest. (Tony notes that another guest on the podcast brought up this same issue, Pastor Larry Osborne, who Tony mistakenly refers to as Robert Osborne. Oops.) We conclude our discussion some of Rev. Hudnut-Beumler’s own personal reflections about what he has learned in his studies and how it has affected his ministry. He emphasized the importance of speaking plainly and transparently to congregants about the need for funding. Recorded: September 29, 2017.

In Pursuit of the Almighty’s Dollar: A History of Money and American Protestantism, by James Hudnut-Beumler.

“Why Cash Remains Sacred in American Churches,” by James Hudnut-Beumler (on RealClearReligion).

Looking for God in the Suburbs: The Religion of the American Dream and Its Critics, 1945-1965, by James Hudnut-Beumler.

Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Money and Ethics, by James Hudnut-Beumler.

The History of the Riverside Church in the City of New York, by Peter Paris, et al. (including James Hudnut-Beumler).

The Fabric of Faithfulness: Weaving Together Belief and Behavior, by Steven Garber (mentioned in the podcast).

RELATED PODCASTS

Larry Osborne on Church Finances and Growth.

John Fea on the American Bible Society.

Michael McConnell on Church Property Disputes.

Phillip Sinitierre on the Osteens and Lakewood Church.

Richard Hammar on Churches, Taxes, Donations, and Liability.

Mike McBride on the Economics of Church Leadership.

Thom Rainer on Baptist Conventions and Church Health.

Jordan Lorence on Religious Property Cases.

Joseph Castleberry on the New Pilgrims

tonygill — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 08:00:57 +0000

What role are immigrants to the United States playing in America’s religious landscape? Dr. Joseph Castleberry, president of Northwest University (Kirkland, WA), examines this question and discusses his recently-published book The New Pilgrims. While many pundits and commentators have focused on the role of immigration in labor markets, Dr. Castleberry adds to the conversation by showing how newcomers to our country have helped to revitalize our spiritual lives, both historically and in the present.

Tony first asks Joseph how he was able to research and write a book whilst also serving as the president of a growing university. Dr. Castleberry replies that because he has such a great staff and doesn’t have any direct teaching duties, he was able to pick up on a topic that has interested him for a long time. His experience as a missionary abroad informs many of his views on this topic and he brings fresh insights to the table. We then turn briefly to the contemporary religious landscape in America and Tony asks Joseph about his thoughts on the increase of “religious nones.” This facet of the conversation (and Castleberry’s book) is important to understand how people from around the world bring their own faiths with them and reshape and revitalize America’s spiritual life, both in terms of religion as we normally think of it, but also in terms of America’s “civic religion.” Joseph explains his thoughts here and notes that immigrants have always played an important role in various “great awakenings” in U.S. history.

We move next to a discussion of the dimensions of contemporary immigration, exploring both the demographics of the people who are coming, and their reasons for wanting to make the United States their home. Dr. Castleberry then provides a number of examples of how these “new pilgrims” are reshaping our cultural landscape with stories of students from his own university (Northwest) and places where immigrant churches are being planted or working in conjunction with existing denominations to “re-missionize” America. We finish with some of Dr. Castleberry’s thoughts on the current political conflict surrounding immigration issues and how this affects notions of Lex Rex (or the rule of law). He adds his thoughts on how Christians should be responding to all of this. Recorded: September 14, 2015.

The New Pilgrims: How Immigrants Are Renewing America’s Faith and Values, by Joseph Castleberry.

Joseph Castleberry’s blog in English and Spanish.

Joseph Castleberry on Twitter.

The Kingdom Net: Learning to Network Like Jesus, by Joseph Castleberry.

Your Deepest Dream, by Joseph Castleberry.

RELATED PODCASTS

Joseph Castleberry on Religious-Based Higher Education.

Rajdeep Singh on American Sikhs and Religious Liberty.

Bradley Wright on Religion, Race, and Discrimination.

Michael McClymond on Jonathan Edwards

tonygill — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:00:07 +0000

Greetings to Real Clear Religion visitors. Please check out our archives for over 100 other free podcasts and “like” our Facebook Fan Page for weekly updates about guests and topics. And feel free to leave suggestions for topics and guests at our Facebook fan page.

Jonathan Edwards is often considered one of the greatest theologians in US history. Prof. Michael McClymond — professor of theological studies at St. Louis University — reviews the fascinating life and times of Rev. Edwards. But first, Michael explains how he himself moved from earning a degree in chemistry at Northwestern University to becoming a scholar of 18th century religious thought. His answer not only gives insight into his interesting career path, but also sheds light on Jonathan Edwards who was also interested in both the natural and supernatural worlds. Prof. McClymond then corrects Tony’s (rather redneck) pronunciation of “contemplative” and explains how this factors into Edwards’ life and general temperament. After this, we move back to the beginning of Jonathan Edwards’ life and talk about his upbringing, early education at Yale, and his conversion experience that set him down the path of preaching. Our conversation then follows various periods and turning points in Edwards’ life and how his theological thinking changed or evolved throughout each period. We start with his stint at the Northampton Church where his famous grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, preached. The role of religious revivals — both how Edwards inspired one and how he thought about its progression — factors importantly in this era. Not only was Edwards encouraged by how faith can motivate people to change their lives, but he was also profoundly affected by how quickly such movements can dissipate. Michael then guides us through the “ethical-rogorist,” “ecclesial-sacramental” and “Calvinistic-controversial” turns in Rev. Edwards’ life, devoting attention to how such a renown preacher and thinker was exiled from his ministry after 23 years. This exile then issues in yet another important phase for Edwards, the “cultural-historical” turn wherein his contact with Native Americans prompts his interest in non-Christian religious traditions. Our podcast ends with the death of Edwards shortly after accepting the presidency of Princeton (or The College of New Jersey as it was called then). Prof. McClymond then reflects on the historical importance of Edwards and how he is being rediscovered today as we gain access to his voluminous private writings that remained out of public sight during his life. Recorded: July 10, 2012.

RELATED LINKS

Prof. Michael McClymond’s biography at St. Louis University.

The Theology of Jonathan Edwards, by Michael J. McClymond and Gerald R. McDermott.

Encounters with God: An Approach to the Theology of Jonathan Edwards, by Michael J. McClymond.

Embodying the Spirit: New Perspectives on North American Revivalism, by Michael J. McClymond.

Encyclopedia of Religious Revivals in America, edited by Michael J. MyClymond.

Familiar Stranger: An Introduction to Jesus of Nazareth, by Michael J. McClymond.

Institute for World Christianity.

RELATED PODCASTS

Thomas Kidd on the Great Awakening.

Mark David Hall on Religion & the Founding Fathers.

John Fea on Religion & the American Founding.

Mark David Hall on Roger Sherman, Puritan Patriot.

Should Christians Have Fought in the US War of Independence?

Douglass Baker on Dominionism, Michele Bachmann, and Rick Perry.

Mark David Hall on Roger Sherman, Puritan Patriot

tonygill — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:38 +0000

Building on our discussion last week, Prof. Mark David Hall — Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Political Science at George Fox University (Newberg, OR) — brings his perspective on the role of religion in America’s Founding to our podcast. Using Roger Sherman as an anchor point, Prof. Hall demonstrates how Calvinist theology and political thought was quite common in the latter half of the 18th century. We detail the life of Roger Sherman, revealing that he was one of the most important, yet most overlooked, of the Founding Fathers, having participated in the conventions that resulted in the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. Mark makes the case that Calvinist (or Reformed) social thought led to many of the same conclusions about political liberty and separation of church and state that secular Enlightenment thinkers did. Moreover, he argues that the majority of individuals involved in influencing the Founding documents were of a Reformed mindset, as compared to the more Deistic (or Unitarian) theology ascribed to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. We discuss Prof. Hall’s position on whether or not the US was founded as a Christian nation. Recorded: June 1, 2011.

Please note: This episode was recorded one day earlier than the interview recorded with Prof. John Fea. I consider these two podcasts to be part of a vigorous debate about the influence of religion in the founding of America. Prof. Hall’s podcast is airing one week later due to a commitment I made to have his podcast air on July 4 before securing the interview date with Prof. Fea. Dr. Hall’s trip to China required me to move up the interview date.

RELATED LINKS

Prof. Mark David Hall’s website at George Fox University.

“Jeffersonian Walls and Madisonian Lines” article mentioned in the podcast written by Mark David Hall.

The Founders on God and Government edited by Daniel L Dreisbach, Mark David Hall, and Jeffry H. Morrison.

America’s Forgotten Founders edited by Gary L. Gregg and Mark David Hall.

The Forgotten Founders on Religion and Public Life edited by Daniel L Dreisbach, Mark David Hall, and Jeffry H. Morrison.

The Sacred Rights of Conscience: Selected Readings on Religious Liberty and Church-State Relations in the American Founding by Daniel L. Driesbach and Mark David Hall.

RELATED PODCASTS

Mark David Hall on Religion & the Founding Fathers.

John Fea on Religion & the American Founding.

Thomas Kidd on the Pilgrims.

Thomas Kidd on the Great Awakening.

James Brettell on Trends in American Christianity

tonygill — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:25 +0000

Every now and then on Research on Religion, we like to go beyond the bounds of academia and talk to folks who work in the trenches of our religious landscape. Pastor James Brettell, currently the host of a daily live radio show and founder of the Little Rock NetChurch, lives up to expectations as one of the most interesting guests we’ve had on the program to date. His biography alone is enough to inspire; born and raised in rural town of Mingo Junction, Ohio, Jim has worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, played professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, served as a Navy hospital corpsman in the Caribbean during the Cuban Revolution and Missile Crisis, attended numerous colleges, pastored at several churches and now in his 8th decade has taken up the mission of running a daily radio program and internet-based ministry. This wide array of experience gives Pastor Jim a unique perspective on Christianity in America. Critical of what he calls the “traditional church” — a church that is too bogged down in “religion,” worried about preserving denominational organization, and not engaged in spreading the Word of God — he offers some explanations for why America has reached this point and what can be done to re-ignite the faith in God’s Word. Our conversation runs the gamut from historical topics such as the Great Awakening and the evangelical theology of John Darby to more contemporary topics such as the future of megachurches, the role of seminaries, and ways to use modern technology to bolster spirituality among traditional churchgoers. Near the end of the podcast we debate whether the Internet can really serve bring people closer to the faith, and Pastor Jim offers a nuanced response. This interview was a joy to conduct and will surely be both a challenge and inspiration for many of our listeners. Recorded: March 15, 2011.

RELATED LINKS

James Brettell Bible Ministries (Pastor Jim’s central website for links to his other endeavors).

The Little Rock NetChurch.

The Dr. Jim Talk Show (live audio feed and archives of his past shows).

RELATED PODCASTS

Gordon Melton on Mega-Trends in American Religion.

Marc von der Ruhr on Megachurch Recruitment and Retention.

James Wellman on Evangelical vs. Liberal Christians.

Thomas Kidd on The Great Awakening

tonygill — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:15 +0000

The Great Awakening was a period of great evangelical fervor in the British American colonies that is typically dated from 1740-43, yet had its roots back in the 17th century and which also lingered into the 1760s. Prof. Thomas Kidd — associate professor of history at Baylor University, senior fellow at Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion, and co director of Baylor’s Program on Historical Studies of Religion — discusses his book The Great Awakening (Yale University Press). We learn how this evangelical revival varied regionally in the colonies and how it was defined by a more heartfelt and charismatic spirituality. Our conversation covers several of the most colorful characters of this movement including George Whitefield, James Davenport and Gilbert Tennent, and how established clergy pushed back at their emotionally-fueled evangelism. Whitefield is discussed in particular detail. We conclude our podcast with how The Great Awakening influenced the anti-slavery movement and the American Revolution. Recorded: August 6, 2010.

RELATED LINKS

Prof. Thomas Kidd’s website.

Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion and Program on Historical Studies of Religion.

The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America by Thomas Kidd.

God of Liberty: A Religious History of the American Revolution by Thomas Kidd.

The Protestant Interest: New England after Puritanism by Thomas Kidd.

The Churching of America, 1776-2005 by Roger Finke and Rodney Stark.

The Political Origins of Religious Liberty by Anthony Gill.

RELATED PODCASTS

Mark David Hall on Religion & the Founding Fathers.

Thomas Kidd on the Pilgrims.