’60s & ’70s:
Transformation of Popular Religion
U.S. Religious History
1960s: Religion in a
Consumer Society
Ecumenism
& evangelicalism erode denominational ties
Institutional
churches lose relevance
Complicit in racism, sexism, social problems
Question
authority
Theological differences lose meaning
Democratization of spirituality: taking control
Consumer
advertising encourages consumer religion
Self-gratification, personal fulfillment
From
“How shall I be saved?” to “How can I feel good about myself?”
“Spiritual, not religious”: Seeking, quest, journey, path,
growth
Seeker Spirituality
Drifting from church
to church
Trying new things
Popularity of Eastern religions
Seeking authenticity
in native & pagan religions
Rise of “New Age” and Wicca
Hippie Christianity
Jesus People (also
known as “Jesus Freaks”)
Founded in Los Angeles around 1969 and spreads
to American cities in early 1970s
Jesus music: rock
and folk music with Christian lyrics
Jesus Christ
Superstar
Godspell