The Social Sources Of Denominationalism

by H. Richard Niebuhr

1929. The following discussion of the social character of the Christian churches is intended to be a practical contribution to the ethical problem of Denominationalism. The effort to distinguish churches primarily by reference to their doctrine and to approach the problem of church unity from a purely theological point of view appeared to be a procedure so artificial and fruitless that the author turned from theology to history, sociology, and ethics for a more satisfactory account of denominational differences and a more significant approach to the question of union. Contents: The Ethical Failure of the Divided Church; The Churches of the Disinherited; The Churches of the Middle Class; Nationalism and the Churches; Sectionalism and Denominationalism in America; The Churches of the Immigrants; Denominationalism and the Color Line; and Ways to Unity.

Genres: Theology, Religion, History, Church History, Christianity, Christian

316 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1929

About the author

Helmut Richard Niebuhr was one of the most important Christian theological-ethicists in 20th century America, most known for his 1951 book Christ and Culture and his posthumously published book The Responsible Self. The younger brother of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, Richard Niebuhr taught for several decades at Yale Divinity School. His theology (together with that of his colleague at Yale, Hans Wilhelm Frei) has been one of the main sources of post-liberal theology, sometimes called the "Yale school". He influenced such figures as James Gustafson and Stanley Hauerwas.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the academic-sounding title, this is a passionate
work. It argues that the distinct Christian churches
(Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, ad infinitum) prove the
church's ethical failure. Sects form because existing
churches become an entrenched middle-class institution and
abandon the poor who founded them. The church has thus
come to mimic the social and economic divisions in the
society at large, rather than speaking with the single
voice of Christ. To truly teach Christ's word, says
Niebuhr, the churches will have to rediscover their true
unity.

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story to this book. You know those crummy old book sales that school libraries put on? I'm a sucker for those. I can't imagine possibly missing out on a $0.20 treasure. This bad habit has led to me having too many books that I don't end up liking or don't read. Well I found this book for $0.20 and couldn't pass it up because my passion and calling in life is to help churches unite to serve their neighbors. I'm also an academic geek inside so this book hit on all the cords. I LOVE reading a book that gives perspective on issues I care about, but from decades earlier. Pretty sure this book first came out in the 1920's. It is packed with hard hitting concepts that remain absurdly relevant in today's socially divided church in America. Niebuhr's central point: Divisions amongst the church are entrenched in social issues (economics, politics, racism) much more than anything to do with theology.
"the ideal of unity and equality has never been recognized in reality until the inferior group, whether women or slaves or a racial group, has asserted that equality and compelled the church to translate its principles into practice."
Speaking about a gospel centered church: "It requires from its members the sacrifice of privilege and pride and bids each count the other better than himself. It can plant within the nations a fellowship of reconciliation which will resist the animosities nurtured by strife for political and economic values- a fellowship which , doubtless, may often be required to carry crosses of shame and pain when the passions of men have been aroused to conflict."

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written almost a century ago, 'The Social Sources of Denominationalism' remains a classic work in the sociology of religion and contains insights still relevant today. One notable absence is a discussion of charismatic/pentecostal movements.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out with some incredible theory and deeply convicting statements (honestly Niebuhr predicts the dwindling relevancy of the church and mass exit back in the 30s) and follows it with...about 150 pages of actual church denomination history. It's an interesting read if that's your bag. I thought the splintering of denominations at the end of the civil war was especially compelling with the current interplay between white evangelism and #BLM, but this, you have to dig to get through.

[Enoch Kuo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people think of differing denominations in terms of the differing doctrinal stands they represent. H. Richard Niebuhr turns the assumption upside-down by arguing that it is primarily various social forces - not doctrine - which has driven the many divisions of the church throughout the centuries.

[Peter]

Humbling to ponder role of race and social background in denominations