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96 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Church attendance during Great Depression |
Slowed |
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Billy Graham |
Went to LA, tried revival meetings. Wanted to turn LA around and atomic threat heightened sense that we need to turn back to God. Graham framed Cold War as "godless communism vs. Christian America" |
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Eisenhower era |
Church membership: 65% One Nation, Under God/In God We trust |
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SCOTUS |
Wall of separation between church and state for school prayer when atheist family didn't like it.
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MLK |
Biblical principles with ideals of democracy. His house was bombed. Nonviolence was tied to God. Letter from Birmingham Jail questioned faith of white ministers who are criticizing MLK. How could servants of Christ do anything but join in the fight? |
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JFK |
Fear of Catholics in US, and fear of Vatican takeover. Before JFK, US was a Protestant country. Prospect of Catholic in WH helped Nixon (tied to Billy Graham), and Graham didn't want JFK to win |
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Changes in late 1960s |
Move from personal salvation to social gospel. Catholic church moved from conservatism (esp. on foreign, military policy), to adopting a new role as activist on a wide range of issues. |
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Red and blue states narrative |
Red states are full of God-fearing Republicans; blue states dominated by somewhat secular Democrats |
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Largest single denomination |
Catholics |
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Faith traditions and changes they make post 1960s |
Radical restructuring of Catholic thinking (more liberal), fundamental way of rethinking Catholicism. This is the post-Vatican II way of thinking. Mainline Protestants are losing numbers. Jews reassess alliances |
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Churches changed theology and thinking post-1960s |
Do your faith, but you do the faith no good if it dies. There needs to be balance in any tradition |
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Group identities, religion, public opinion |
people often think of themselves as belonging to specific groups - central for understanding US politics. Group ID may influence opinions since people see certain policies/candidates as beneficial or harmful to their group. Can be activated or heightened by internal personal experiences or external forces (political elites, prevailing political context) |
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Different identities |
Different identities may be more or less salient for explaining opinions. Multiple identities may be relevant as well. Mechanisms that underlie group processes are complex and may vary across identities. Particular identities may produce negative sentiments, incivility, or concern among individuals regarding some policy matters |
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In which context do particular things activate in identity? |
Religious and regional political distinctions. US generally is a religious country: patterns among religious and non-religious individuals by categories |
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Major political issues often reflect religious values or moral principles |
We think of Jews/seculars as having left-leaning political tendencies, while evangelicals are politically conservative and to the right on issues. Catholics and mainline Protestants are in the middle, exhibiting moderate political beliefs. |
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Cultural differences in religious beliefs |
More extreme cultural differences in religious beliefs. Behaviors and affiliations often are associated with polarization among the electorate. White evangelicals are particularly conservative on topics such as abortion, gay rights and racial issues. South is traditionally more "traditional" and politically conservative. Racial and ethnic minorities are supportive of economic liberalism. |
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Majorities of nearly all religious traditions say "newer lifestyles" are breaking down society |
Although conservative religious teachings discuss gender roles, data show that people overwhelmingly favor equality of women, regardless of religious tradition |
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Mixed tendencies in most religious groups |
Progressive and traditional factors in each tradition. Religion is not the dominant dividing line in US politics, just one of many factors around which elites attempt to gain partisan advantage. Catholics, mainline Prots and Jews all faced pressures in last decades to modify their traditional political patterns and involvement in public affairs |
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Not EPs |
Catholics, mainline Prots and Jews avoided inflamed rhetoric that characterizes EPs. Catholic Church shed conservatism but Vatican is conservative. Mainline denominations in Protestantism pulled back from active engagement |
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Political attitudes of congregants are... |
Shaped by personal experiences. |
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Catholics (from Putnam/Campbell reading) |
Catholics = 6/9 of SCOTUS, VP, Speaker. Church opposed communism. Hierarchy didn't acknowledge scandal. 2 eras: pre Vatican II, conservative, opposition to communism, represented discipline. Then, became centrist, shed moral traditionalism for social reforms. Conservatism was because of communal isolation and immigrant culture. |
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Conservatives and Catholics |
Conservatives have tried to get them but failed. Catholics are liberal on most issues minus abortion. |
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Vatican II |
Meeting of church fathers urged parish to apply Christian values to world problems and looked at social change as something they needed to do. Pope John XXIII. Shifted matters of moral judgment from authority of church to individualistic reasoning. |
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US Catholic Conference |
Founded after Vatican II. Made it into one voice speaking about public issues, leaders of post Vatican II bishops can be overstated, experienced more liberalism, more liberal cast |
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Liberation |
Church should join poor in resisting large landowners. |
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Vietnam War and Catholics |
Many Communist countries were Catholic countries, so Catholics were originally pro war but as it continued, it caused Catholics to rethink traditional US military support. Catholics had strong support for military action early in war, but support eroded. |
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"Just war" principle |
military action is appropriate only if all other methods failed |
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Bishops are calling for |
conciliation and negotiation. Nonviolence! |
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The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response |
respect those who wanted violence, measure government action against just war standard |
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Economy letter from Catholic Church, "Economic Justice for All" |
given at a time when economy was doing well, but emphasized economic inequality, attributed problems to political system. |
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Church said no abortions |
No birth control, Roe v. Wade (which said there is constitutional right to privacy so states can't limit abortion). States tried to make abortion preconditions. Physicians must determine whether fetus is viable on the outside. SCOTUS: more restrictions on ability of abortion. But Catholics' views on abortion has become more polarized over time |
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Other people on abortion |
Radical opposition is from fundamental Protestants. Abortion: moral traditionalism, gender roles, sexual relations - NOT denomination affiliation. Catholic women are just as likely to pick an abortion. Catholics are split over abortion policy, some think liberalized policy is OK. |
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Pre Vatican II Catholics on abortion |
justify opposition to abortion in terms of universal doctrine of sanctity of life, not restricted to Catholics. |
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Catholic Republicans |
less likely than Jewish or blacks to support priorities of National Conf of Catholic Bishops. Catholics who ID with Evangelicals do acquire its political conservatism but alienate church of recent immigrants. Francis: more progressive politics |
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Mainline Protestants: most presidents |
Numerically, minority of population, political dominance = usually enlisted = declining levels of Rep. ID. Economic conservatism for rank-and-file members. Leadership of mainline protestants has collided with church leaders |
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Social gospel |
God's spirit pervades the world. God is present in human life; will of God = social reform. Falls to Christian to bring about change. This theory contributed to split in Protestant Christianity |
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Split in Prot Christianity: Mainline |
Mainline denominations: clergy moved to social gospel and enthusiasm for reform waxed and waned. Indifference, supposed by clergy didn't always support liberals. Congregants devote fewer resources to political action and less likely to call for structural changes but shift to social reform mission locally. |
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Split in Prot Christianity: Evangelical/fundamental adversaries |
Social problems = outgrowth of moral failings |
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Transformation of mainline Prots |
Now devote fewer resources to political action. Less likely to call for structural changes. Engaged in local arena, or organizing coalitions for social causes. |
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Jews |
Extremely active in political life. Contributors and voters. Affluent. Some findings that most religiously observant Jews are most politically conservative. Community often feels hostility from non-Jews, still feel vulnerable to persecution |
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Jews and blacks |
Jews helped blacks during civil rights, sitins, etc. But when blacks moved to areas where Jews were majority in affluent positions, blacks challenged Jews (esp NYC). Quotas excluded Jews once so aff. action had opposition. Black antisemitism? |
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Jews and evangelicals |
Jewish voters worried about EPs in Rep coalitions than about conflicts with blacks. GOP = christian government. Hostility to political values associated with evangelicals |
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Religion in minority communities |
In many minority communities, it's difficult to separate religious culture from a religious minority group. Historically, American identity is intertwined with European brand of Protestantism |
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Black churches and political advancement |
Are these churches contrary to political advancement? Churches are characterized as anti intellectual, antidemocratic and antipolitical. "Wait for justice in heaven rather than pursue it on Earth." There's been a failure of the black church to produce political and social change. BUT, blacks in churches are more likely to vote, even when taking into account SES |
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Reasons black churches stimulate political action |
Platform for learning, empower members by increasing social capital and communicates powerful messages about relevance of religion to civic life |
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African-Americans in religion and politics |
they're more likely to say they believe in scripture. Religious conservatism doesn't equal conservative political activism. African-Americans went from the most conservative group on the pro-life side to being supportive of pro-choice positions. They are liberal because they're a minority group, unemployment, discrimination and security |
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Obama and religion |
He tried to deracialize it. Said there is political leadership but it doesn't draw on religious authority/political perspectives of ministers |
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How many blacks belong to white protestant congregations? |
15-20%. Whether one attends a black or a white church is important! |
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Latinos and church identity |
Catholicism. Church helped create a Hispanic ethnic ID. Religious politicization and political behavior of ethnic groups makes a difference. The immigrant experience shows the desire for self-determination. |
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Does Catholicism mean lower participation rates? |
Some say that, but it could be that Catholics are more likely to be immigrants and have lower levels of religious activity. US has a more competitive religious market than Catholic countries. |
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Latino Catholics' political affiliation |
More than 70% are Dems, compared to 1/2 of Latino Prots. 2/3 of Latinos oppose same sex marriage compared to 44% of US general public. Latino Prots are more opposed to abortion than Catholics |
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Muslims in America |
3-9 million, or about 1% of population. Majority are Sunni in US. From more than 50 nations -- Africans, 20%, South Asians, 18%, Arabs, 32%, Europe/Africa/S. America, the rest |
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Islam and American slavery |
Islam lost because American slavery denied slaves ability to worship freely. Reemerged in 1913 with the founding of the Moorish temple. Had early appeal for Af Ams: national sentiment meant people could create their own religion |
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Islamists vs. Muslims |
Islamists: try to turn US into Muslim country Muslims: Islam is fulfilled in American values and religious, political, social freedom is beneficial to faith |
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Religious affiliation Muslims |
Muslims are Democrats but pattern of vote choice means willingness to evaluate candidates and change vote choice based on who will best represent their interests. Personal religiosity was negatively associated with political participation |
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Mormons |
Claim salvation through Christ. Polygamy in the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The federal govt and LDS are at odds. LDS traded political power for subtle forms. It's the fastest growing religious group |
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Mormons and political affiliation |
Most Mormons are conservative but Congress leaders are of many faiths. Doesn't use church facilities for political purposes. |
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Mormons and strict church |
Intensive involvement builds capacity, only activated when Mormon leaders give clear instructions on political matters (reluctant to do this), take positions on equal rights, gambling. Minority faiths have challenges. Officially, LDS is nonpartisan. |
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Is Mormonism Christian? |
50% say it is 60% say Mormonism is different than Christianity |
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Other faiths in US |
Influence may affect more than the true believers. Religion is often an integral part of ethnic ID. India/Korea - links to religious community. |
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Churchgoers and race attendance |
Most churchgoers attend ethnically/racially homogeneous church congregations. American Catholic Church is transformed because of Latinos. Churches used to be split by ethnicity. |
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Wave of new immigrants |
First generation and third generation Americans have the same religiosity rates. Ethnicity and religion can reinforce one another like the black church. |
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Religion is important |
People who say religion is important to identity are likely to say ethnicity is important to identity. |
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Black Protestantism has an evangelical flavor. |
It's a little more religious than evangelicals. Churchgoing is commons among those with a college education. Black prots have the most fundamental views of any religious group in the US |
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African-Americans created their own churches |
Politically active. Black protestants emphasized individual salvation but also a strong communal element. Reinforce racial identity and civil rights with resources. |
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Latinos |
Higher in religious intensity than whites. Between 16 and 17% more likely than Anglos to say religion is important for personal decisions. |
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White ethnicity and religion |
White ethnicity doesn't matter as much for religion of whites. Stronger ethnic ID means increased likelihood of marrying within childhood religion |
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11:00 on Sundays |
most segregated hour |
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Jews ethnic diversity |
Least ethnically diverse, along with Mormons and mainline protestants |
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Catholic diversity |
Highest level of ethno-racial diversity. Without Latinos to help the population, it would have collapsed. Nearly 7 in 10 young Catholics are Latinos. Future of Catholic Church is a Latino future. Latinos are reluctant to register as church members because of fears of being undocumented. |
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Church shopping |
it's common for Catholics |
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Megachurches |
Dramatic growth in diversity. Diverse, grew 6%-25%. Multiethnic mix love Joel Osteen. Since 1970, whites are more tolerant. Megachurches had lots of diversity, but evangelicals are no less racist than members of other religious traditions. Most Evans worship in congregations that are racially homogeneous |
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All Americans (liberal or not) displayed same liberalizing in racial attitudes |
In 1973, nearly 1/2 of all white evangelical Prots favored laws against interracial marriages. |
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McKenzie: |
scholars often focus research on whites. Black/Latino Christians are less motivated by faith-based political conservatism observed in white Christian circles. Religious experiences expose individuals to "brands" of Christianity that link faith teachings to larger concerns. Black, white, Latino congregations are typically homogeneous |
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Religiosity influences: |
mass opinions on egalitarian social issues, characteristics produce varied levels of interest in political topics by individuals. Af-Ams emphasize theological messages that differ from mainstream political effects of churches on citizens' attitudes. |
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Latino protestants |
Overwhelmingly Evangelical |
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Typical white person |
Less religious than African Americans/Hispanics |
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African American men |
More likely than women to be unaffiliated. Younger AAs are more likely to report no affiliation |
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Post 1965 upsurge in Latinos |
immigration laws changed, so people were drawn in post 1965 |
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Most religious people in America |
African Americans. Does that mean that they're the most religious people in the western industrialized world? |
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When we talk about evangelicals, we're talking about |
white EPs |
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Can't compare Af Am religiousness to EPs |
EPs are really religious, so we're not talking about the average religious person |
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Ethno-racial dimensions of the 3 faces of religion: creed |
fundamental beliefs, symbols, theologies content of religious teachings are based in group-specific experiences, like liberation theologies, social gospel messages, black Christ images |
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ethno-religious dimensions: institutions |
denominations and member churches (Af Methodist (big branch of Af Am church, Episcopal), predominantly Latino Catholic parishes) |
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ethno-religious dimensions: social group |
congregation members share a common background and status; distinctive experiences as marginalized group; common Af Am or Latino religious culture (spanish-speaking, Latino Evangelical Protestant worship style) |
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Blackness |
Ontological symbol of being oppressed. AME church starts when whites pull blacks off ground while they're praying. Leads to their own church. |
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Small number of multiracial churches |
80% of black churches are predominantly black |
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Religious worship has been divided along racial lines |
should view faith and politics in lens of a complex religious mosaic |
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Primary objective of churches |
religious salvation. Growing religious/ethnoracial pluralism in America. But identity is intertwined with a brand of Anglo Protestantism. Churches are monochromatic: voluntarily segregated. |
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25% church diversity |
Putnam and Campbell: whatever is most prevalent racial group, next group needs to be at least 25% to call it diverse. Most research says if you get 20%, minority or other groups have influence. 70-80% of congregations typically are congregated around 1 group |
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Because of racism and discrimination in the US, black churches were established separately as parallel institutions. |
Became the medium for all of black society. Black congregations tend to be more politically active than churches of other groups. More than 1/2 of blacks (about 55%) are weekly church attenders. Most attend predominantly black churches. |
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Latino Catholics and Protestants are highly religious but more devout than whites, not as religious as Af Ams |
Latino Catholics (55%-66% of Latino population) will decline Latino Protestants (20-25% of Latinos) will continue to grow Latino Prots are almost entirely evangelicals |
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African Americans belonging to a religious group |
87% -- most likely among US religious groups to be affiliated with a religion |
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African Americans denomination |
Vast majority are Protestant (78%) and 79% say religion is important |
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Latinos former Catholics |
24% of Hispanic adults are former Catholics |
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Latinos current Catholics |
67% are Catholic |