• 1dalm@lemmings.worldOP
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    2 days ago

    Certainly the notion of individualizing Christianity is as old as Christianity itself, but I would argue that the contemporary version of it is really pretty recent. Go back 50 years ago and even most US Baptist churches wouldn’t recognize the contemporary version of it.

    The concept that we have today really developed in the 80s and 90s.

    • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Go back 50 years ago and even most US Baptist churches wouldn’t recognize the contemporary version of it.

      I’d strongly disagree. The 70s era Evangelical movement has enormous amounts in common with the modern movement. Largely as a result of Televangelism and the political entanglement between conservative politicians and the church.

      The Billy Graham Crusade would fit in just fine in the modern American church

      Go back 100 and you’ll find more space. But then you’re seeing all sorts of differences socio-economically.

      • Brave Little Hitachi Wand@feddit.uk
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        2 days ago

        I’m recalling that the Anabaptists had some pretty strong ideas about a personal relationship with Jesus. But, nobody really liked where they went with it.

        • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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          1 day ago

          The idea of Adult Baptism could really only occur during the Enlightenment, when people felt the ability to reason their way to their religious beliefs was more important than adhering to a mystical tradition