Beliefs - Social change vs Conservative force

Maduro

Liberation theology, catholic priests in Latin America educated the poor, telling them how to escape their exploitation.

Bloch

Principle of hope. Images and dreams of a better life motivate change to achieve a utopian ideal

Billings

Religion has dual character. Miners vs Textile Workers. Miners were encouraged by their religion to rebel and in doing so they freed themselves from oppression. Textile workers were told to stick to status quo and maintained capitalism.

Weber - The protestant ethic

Calvinists lives an ascetic lifestyle, rejecting luxury, working long hours, being self disciplined. Led to:

• Accumulation of wealth, reinvested in own business - developing capitalism

• Prospered ar work and saw as sign of God’s favour on them, and that they were part of the ‘elect’

Weber - Predestination

Calvinist belief that God predetermines who goes to heaven from birth - the ‘elect’. Causes a ‘salvation panic’ as calvinists fear they are not part of the elect

Weber - Asceticism

Self disciplined lifestyle, not spending on luxury

Kautsky

Criticises Weber - Capitalism was around before Calvinism

Bruce

Religion is well equipped to support social protest, it can be used as an ideological resource to provide moral encouragement and bring momentum

American Civil Right movement

Aimed to end segregation, secure voting rights and achieve equal protection under the law. Used christianity as institutional support and leadership, providing spiritual and cultural energy.

The Christian New Right

Christian nationalism - US should be governed by christian values, oppose social shifts regarding gender and sexuality. Used religion as mobilization centres, pulpit endorsements for local conservative candidates.