scoresvideos
World Religions
Table of Contents
Unit 17 Overview: Religion, Politics, and Social Issues
17.1 Religion and Government
17.2 Religious Influence on Social Movements
17.3 Religion in Global Conflicts and Peacemaking

📿world religions review

17.2 Religious Influence on Social Movements

Citation:

Religion has long been a powerful force in shaping social movements. From civil rights to liberation theology, faith-based activism has driven change on issues like racial justice, poverty, and LGBTQ+ rights. Religious leaders often use their moral authority to advocate for social justice, drawing on scripture and ethics.

Interfaith cooperation has also played a key role in peacemaking efforts. Religious groups have formed coalitions to promote understanding and reconciliation in conflict zones. Faith-based NGOs address social and environmental challenges globally, while religious environmentalism connects spiritual values to ecological stewardship.

Religious Activism for Social Change

Influential Religious Movements

  • Civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s drew significant support and leadership from African American churches and religious leaders (Martin Luther King Jr., Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
  • Liberation theology emerged in Latin America in the 1960s, emphasizing social justice and the rights of the poor, often in opposition to oppressive political and economic systems (Gustavo Gutiérrez, Leonardo Boff)
  • Faith-based activism continues to play a role in contemporary social and political issues, such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice (Sanctuary movement, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice)

Religious Principles and Social Change

  • Social justice is a central tenet of many religious traditions, which call for the fair and equitable treatment of all people, particularly the marginalized and oppressed (Catholic social teaching, Jewish concept of tikkun olam)
  • Religious leaders often use their moral authority and influence to advocate for social and political change, drawing on scriptural teachings and ethical principles to support their positions (Desmond Tutu's opposition to apartheid in South Africa, Dalai Lama's advocacy for Tibetan rights)
  • Religious involvement in politics can take various forms, from direct participation in government to lobbying and advocacy efforts aimed at shaping public policy (Christian Right in the United States, Islamist political parties in the Middle East)

Interfaith Cooperation and Peacemaking

Collaborative Efforts for Peace

  • Interfaith coalitions bring together representatives from different religious traditions to work towards common goals, such as promoting understanding, combating prejudice, and advocating for social justice (Interfaith Alliance, Parliament of the World's Religions)
  • Religious pacifism, rooted in the belief that violence is morally wrong and contrary to divine will, has inspired peace movements and nonviolent resistance to oppression (Quakers, Mennonites, Buddhist peace activists)
  • Interfaith dialogue and cooperation can help build bridges between communities, reduce tensions, and promote reconciliation in conflict-affected areas (Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland, Interfaith Mediation Centre in Nigeria)

Moral Authority in Peacemaking

  • Religious leaders often use their moral authority to call for an end to violence, promote reconciliation, and advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts (Pope Francis' efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, Archbishop Desmond Tutu's role in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission)
  • Faith-based organizations and initiatives can play a crucial role in post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts, drawing on religious teachings and values to promote healing, forgiveness, and social cohesion (Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief Worldwide)

Faith-Based Organizations and Causes

Religious Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

  • Religious NGOs, inspired by faith-based values and principles, work to address social, economic, and environmental challenges at local, national, and international levels (World Vision, Caritas Internationalis, Islamic Relief)
  • These organizations often focus on humanitarian aid, development projects, and advocacy efforts, providing assistance to vulnerable populations and promoting social justice (Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, American Jewish World Service)

Religious Environmentalism

  • Many religious traditions emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and the protection of creation, leading to the emergence of faith-based environmental movements and initiatives (Evangelical Environmental Network, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences)
  • Religious leaders and organizations have increasingly engaged in advocacy and activism related to climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable development (Interfaith Power & Light, Green Muslims, Buddhist environmental groups)
  • Faith-based environmental efforts often draw on scriptural teachings and religious values to promote ecological awareness, sustainable practices, and care for the planet (Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', Islamic principles of environmental conservation)

Key Terms to Review (38)

Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama is the title given to the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. This figure serves as a key religious and political leader for Tibetans, representing not only a significant figure in Vajrayana Buddhism but also an important voice in contemporary ethical discussions and social movements focused on human rights and peace.
Evangelical environmental network: The evangelical environmental network is a coalition of Christian groups and individuals who advocate for environmental stewardship based on biblical principles. This movement emphasizes the moral responsibility of believers to care for creation and address issues such as climate change, conservation, and sustainability, viewing environmental concerns as integral to their faith and mission.
Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si': Laudato Si' is an encyclical letter issued by Pope Francis in 2015 that addresses environmental issues and the moral responsibility of humanity to care for the planet. This document emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation, calling for action against climate change and urging a shift towards sustainable practices. It has been influential in inspiring social movements focused on environmental justice and ecological responsibility.
Tikkun olam: Tikkun olam is a Hebrew phrase that translates to 'repairing the world' and refers to the Jewish concept of taking action to improve society and promote social justice. This principle emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to engage in charitable acts and contribute to the welfare of others, connecting deeply with various aspects of Jewish life, including beliefs, rituals, and social activism.
Green Muslims: Green Muslims are a movement within the Islamic community that emphasizes environmental stewardship and sustainable practices as a form of religious duty. This group connects Islamic teachings and values with modern environmental concerns, advocating for ecological awareness and activism in response to climate change and ecological degradation.
Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is a network of social service organizations operated by the Catholic Church that provides various forms of assistance, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, to those in need. This organization embodies the Church's commitment to social justice and charity, influencing social movements that advocate for the welfare of marginalized communities and promote systemic change through service and advocacy.
Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences: The Islamic foundation for ecology and environmental sciences refers to the principles and teachings derived from Islamic texts and traditions that advocate for the protection of the environment and sustainable practices. This foundation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation, the moral responsibility of humans as stewards (khalifah) of the earth, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Interfaith Power & Light: Interfaith Power & Light is a national organization that mobilizes a religious response to climate change by engaging faith communities in environmental stewardship and advocacy. It connects various religious traditions and practices with the mission of promoting sustainability and caring for creation, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate issues as a spiritual responsibility.
American Jewish World Service: The American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is a non-profit organization that supports development efforts and humanitarian aid in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Rooted in Jewish values, AJWS aims to combat poverty and promote sustainable development, often mobilizing the Jewish community to engage in global social justice initiatives.
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building affordable housing for families in need, promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty. The organization operates on principles of faith, community service, and social justice, often enlisting volunteers and future homeowners in the construction process to foster a sense of ownership and community involvement.
Caritas Internationalis: Caritas Internationalis is a global confederation of Catholic charitable organizations that works to promote social justice, alleviate poverty, and provide humanitarian assistance around the world. Founded in 1951, it plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, often influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church and its commitment to social action.
Islamic Relief: Islamic Relief is a global humanitarian organization that provides aid to those in need, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. Established in 1984, it operates on the principles of compassion and social justice, embodying the Islamic values of charity and service to humanity. The organization plays a significant role in mobilizing resources and support for various social movements, addressing issues such as poverty, disaster relief, and education in marginalized communities.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist known for his work in the fight against apartheid. He played a crucial role in promoting nonviolent resistance and using moral authority to challenge injustice, making significant contributions to social movements through his religious beliefs and advocacy for human rights.
Corrymeela Community: The Corrymeela Community is a Northern Irish organization founded in 1965 that focuses on reconciliation and peacebuilding among divided communities, particularly in the context of the sectarian conflict known as 'The Troubles.' It emphasizes inclusivity, dialogue, and shared experiences to foster understanding and healing among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
Interfaith Mediation Centre: An interfaith mediation centre is an organization designed to facilitate dialogue and understanding among different religious groups, aiming to resolve conflicts and promote peace. These centers often serve as neutral grounds where representatives of various faiths can come together to discuss their differences, collaborate on social issues, and engage in conflict resolution efforts, reflecting the idea that diverse religious perspectives can contribute to harmonious coexistence.
World Vision: World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization that aims to tackle poverty and injustice by promoting the well-being of children and their communities. It operates through various initiatives, including emergency relief, development programs, and advocacy efforts, rooted in the belief that faith can drive meaningful social change.
Religious pacifism: Religious pacifism is the belief that any form of violence or warfare is unjustifiable and that conflicts should be resolved through nonviolent means. This perspective often stems from moral, ethical, or spiritual convictions found in various religious traditions, emphasizing compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation over aggression. Religious pacifists advocate for social change through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and dialogue rather than through violent resistance.
Christian Right: The Christian Right refers to a conservative political movement in the United States that seeks to promote and implement policies based on Christian values and beliefs. This movement emerged in the late 20th century, primarily driven by evangelical Christians and fundamentalists who believe that their faith should influence political decisions, particularly in areas like education, family values, and social issues.
Quakers: Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a Christian denomination that emphasizes direct personal experience of God and living out one's faith through simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. Their beliefs and practices have played a vital role in various social movements, advocating for issues such as abolition, women's rights, and peace efforts.
Islamist political parties: Islamist political parties are organizations that seek to implement Islamic principles and law within the political framework of a state. These parties often blend religious beliefs with political ideologies, advocating for governance based on Islamic values, social justice, and moral conduct, while varying in their approaches to democracy and modernity.
Mennonites: Mennonites are a Christian group that emerged from the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century, known for their commitment to pacifism, community living, and simplicity in lifestyle. They emphasize adult baptism, non-violence, and living out their faith through service and social justice, making them significant contributors to various social movements focused on peace and humanitarian aid.
Buddhist Peace Activists: Buddhist peace activists are individuals or groups within the Buddhist tradition who advocate for social justice, nonviolence, and peace through Buddhist teachings and principles. They work to promote harmony in society by addressing issues like war, poverty, and environmental destruction, demonstrating how Buddhist philosophy can contribute to peaceful social change.
Desmond Tutu: Desmond Tutu is a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist known for his work in the anti-apartheid movement and his role in promoting peace and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa. Tutu's commitment to social justice and human rights made him a pivotal figure in religious influence on social movements, inspiring many around the world to engage in nonviolent activism.
Religious coalition for reproductive choice: The religious coalition for reproductive choice is an alliance of various faith-based organizations and individuals advocating for reproductive rights, particularly the right to access safe and legal abortion services. This coalition seeks to challenge the perception that religious beliefs inherently oppose reproductive rights, emphasizing instead that many religious traditions support women's autonomy in reproductive decisions.
Leonardo Boff: Leonardo Boff is a Brazilian theologian and philosopher known for his influential role in the liberation theology movement, which emphasizes social justice and the preferential option for the poor within a Christian framework. His work connects spirituality with activism, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and critiquing social inequality and oppression.
Catholic Social Teaching: Catholic Social Teaching refers to the body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church that addresses social, economic, and political issues in light of the Gospel and the Church's mission. It emphasizes human dignity, the common good, and the importance of solidarity among people. This teaching has significantly influenced various social movements throughout history by providing moral guidance and advocating for justice and peace in society.
Sanctuary movement: The sanctuary movement refers to a religious and social initiative that began in the 1980s, primarily in the United States, aiming to protect and support undocumented immigrants fleeing violence and persecution, particularly from Central America. This movement mobilized various religious congregations and organizations to provide shelter, food, legal assistance, and advocacy for these individuals, often in defiance of federal immigration laws. The sanctuary movement highlights the intersection of faith and activism as communities sought to respond compassionately to the plight of vulnerable populations.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is an African American civil rights organization founded in 1957, led primarily by Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent leaders. It was formed to harness the moral authority of the church in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination, focusing on nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as means to achieve social change.
Gustavo Gutiérrez: Gustavo Gutiérrez is a Peruvian theologian and Dominican priest, best known as the founder of Liberation Theology, which emphasizes the role of faith in addressing social injustice and poverty. His work connects Christian teachings with the struggles of marginalized communities, advocating for social change as a central aspect of religious practice.
Liberation theology: Liberation theology is a religious movement that emphasizes the role of faith in addressing social, economic, and political injustices, particularly in Latin America. It connects Christian teachings with the struggle for the oppressed, advocating for social change and liberation from systemic inequalities, often challenging existing power structures within government and society.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent African American civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance and equality during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States. His work was deeply rooted in his Christian faith, which influenced his vision for social justice and inspired a generation of activists to join the struggle for civil rights, making him a pivotal figure in social movements that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination.
Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal social movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This movement was marked by various forms of activism, including protests, legal challenges, and grassroots organizing, with significant involvement from religious groups that sought to promote justice and equality.
South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission: The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in 1995 to help heal the nation and address the atrocities committed during apartheid. It aimed to uncover the truth about human rights violations, promote national unity, and facilitate reconciliation among the divided communities of South Africa. The TRC is a crucial example of how processes of truth-telling and acknowledgment can contribute to healing and peacebuilding in post-conflict societies.
Interfaith alliance: An interfaith alliance is a collaborative partnership among individuals and organizations from different religious traditions, working together to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation in addressing social issues and conflicts. These alliances often aim to bridge divides between religions and foster peace by highlighting shared values and common goals, especially in contexts where religion can both divide and unite communities.
Catholic Relief Services: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international humanitarian agency that provides assistance to impoverished and disadvantaged people in over 100 countries. Founded in 1943 by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, CRS embodies the Church's mission to help those in need, especially during global conflicts and crises, making it a vital player in peacemaking and social justice efforts.
Islamic Relief Worldwide: Islamic Relief Worldwide is a global humanitarian organization that provides relief and development assistance to vulnerable communities regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Founded in 1984, it operates with a mission to alleviate suffering and promote sustainable development while adhering to Islamic principles of charity and compassion. The organization plays a significant role in addressing global conflicts and peacemaking through its aid programs and community engagement.
Parliament of the World's Religions: The Parliament of the World's Religions is a global interfaith organization that aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among various religious traditions to address global issues. Founded in 1893, it serves as a platform for representatives from different faiths to come together, share perspectives, and work towards peace and social justice. This gathering emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diverse religious beliefs in the context of conflict resolution and social movements.
Pope Francis: Pope Francis is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, elected in March 2013. He is known for his progressive views, focus on social justice, and emphasis on compassion and mercy in the context of contemporary global challenges. His leadership has sparked discussions about the role of the Catholic Church in addressing major ethical issues and influencing social movements around the world.