The New Evangelical Social Engagement

The New Evangelical Social Engagement examines the rise of progressive social activism within American evangelical Christianity since the 1970s. The book brings together contributions from sociologists, historians, and religious scholars to analyze this shift in evangelical approaches to social issues. Through case studies and research, the text documents how segments of evangelical Christians moved beyond traditional conservative positions to engage with poverty, environmental protection, racial reconciliation, and economic inequality. The authors trace the development of organizations, leaders, and grassroots movements that represent this new form of evangelical social concern. The book provides historical context for understanding tensions between evangelical social conservatives and progressives, while examining specific contemporary initiatives and their theological foundations. It includes analysis of evangelical engagement with issues like human trafficking, immigration reform, and climate change. At its core, this volume challenges conventional assumptions about evangelical Christianity's relationship with social justice and political activism in America. The text raises questions about the future of evangelical identity and social engagement as new generations reshape traditional religious boundaries.

Readers describe this academic work as a thorough examination of modern evangelical social engagement, particularly focused on movements beyond conservative political activism. Positive reader feedback emphasizes: - Detailed research and scholarship - Coverage of diverse evangelical perspectives - Balance between academic analysis and real-world examples Critical feedback mentions: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - High cost of the hardcover edition - Limited coverage of minority evangelical voices Review Sources: Amazon: 5 reviews, 4.2/5 average - "Fills an important gap in understanding contemporary evangelical social action" - academic reviewer - "Could have included more grassroots perspectives" - ministry leader Goodreads: 3 ratings, 4.0/5 average No written reviews available Additional academic reviews praise the book's contribution to understanding shifts in evangelical social engagement patterns, while noting its primary appeal is to scholars rather than general readers.

The Moral Minority: The Evangelical Left in an Age of Conservatism by David R. Swartz Traces the development of progressive evangelical activism and social justice movements from the 1960s through the 1980s.

To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davison Hunter Examines the relationship between Christianity and cultural change through the lens of evangelical social engagement.

The Civil Rights Movement and the Logic of Social Change by Joseph E. Luders Provides analysis of religious involvement in civil rights movements and social reform through institutional frameworks.

Christians and the Color Line: Race and Religion after Divided by Faith by J. Russell Hawkins and Phillip Luke Sinitiere Documents the intersection of evangelical Christianity with racial justice initiatives and social transformation.

Global Evangelicalism: Theology, History and Culture in Regional Perspective by Donald M. Lewis and Richard V. Pierard Maps the worldwide development of evangelical social movements and their impact on cultural engagement across different societies.

📚 The book explores a significant shift in evangelical Christianity, where younger evangelicals are increasingly embracing social justice causes traditionally associated with progressive movements. 🌿 Many of the "new evangelicals" discussed in the book prioritize environmental stewardship and climate change action, marking a departure from traditional evangelical political alignments. 🎓 Co-editor Brian Steensland is a prominent sociologist at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis who specializes in religion, culture, and politics in contemporary America. 🤝 The movement documented in this book represents the largest shift in evangelical social engagement since the rise of the Religious Right in the 1970s. 📊 According to research cited in the book, younger evangelicals are twice as likely as their older counterparts to support causes related to social justice, poverty alleviation, and racial reconciliation.