’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