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Randall Balmer on Evangelicalism's Legacy of Social Activism

"The conundrum of American evangelicalism deepens when one considers the history of American evangelicalism itself, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Antebellum evangelicals mounted a comprehensive campaign to remake society. They worked to abolish slavery and to establish public education, known at the time as 'common schools,' in order to advance the fortunes of those less fortunate. They advocated equal rights for women, including voting rights, and they sought reform of the penal system (the whole notion of a 'penitentiary,' where a criminal might be rehabilitated -- become penitent -- and eventually rejoin society).

Antebellum evangelicalism also included a robust peace movement, and Charles Grandison Finney, the most influential evangelical of the 19th century, excoriated capitalism as utterly inimical to Christianity. Finney allowed that 'the business aims and practices of business men are almost universally an abomination in the sight of God.' What are the principles of those who engage in business? Finney asked. 'Seeking their own ends; doing something not for others, but for self.' Other evangelicals echoed Finney's suspicion of business interests…


The co-mingling of evangelicalism with political conservatism represents a tragic distortion of the faith as well as a forfeiture of the noble legacy of 19th century evangelical activism…"

Randall Balmer
Expert on American Religious History
Dartmouth College

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