Changing Patterns of Denominational Political Activity in North America: The Case of Homosexuality
The political involvement of Christian denominations in the last several decades has been shaped by a number of factors, such as the agendas particular denominations choose to pursue, whether issues are defined as moral or political ones, independent clergy activity, opinion gaps between elites and...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Springer
2007
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| In: |
Review of religious research
Year: 2007, Volume: 49, Issue: 2, Pages: 199-221 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | The political involvement of Christian denominations in the last several decades has been shaped by a number of factors, such as the agendas particular denominations choose to pursue, whether issues are defined as moral or political ones, independent clergy activity, opinion gaps between elites and lay people, interaction with special interest groups, and the presence of inter-denominational coalitions. Conversely, restructuring theory suggests that as denominational identities and loyalties decline and parishioners become more divided in their political views, their denominations are less likely to take political action because of the internal conflict that would result. This paper examines denominational political activity on the subject of homosexuality to see if it conforms to restructuring theory, or if it could be better understood by historical factors. The evidence from this study shows that, while restructuring theory may help explain contemporary denominational political action in some limited situations, the aforementioned historical factors continue to explain much of the existing patterns of activity on this specific issue. |
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| ISSN: | 2211-4866 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Review of religious research
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