The American church is one fragmented and in the constant throes of evolution. Despite a strong belief in the bygone big-tent Christianity of unity and uniform strength in mission, Stephen Cox argues in his new book, "American Christianity," that from nearly its inception the American Christian movement has been marked by fractures, personalities, diversity of opinion, choice, and practice.
Churches then and now have battled with the inherent problem of remaining "true to the faith" while addressing the needs of the now. As culture changes, religious movements mature, evolve, and sometimes die out. Cox charts the radical transformation of religious movements that have made some "unrecognizable" to their founders. He follows the political travails of several from prohibition to women's equality.
Guest:
- Stephen Cox, author of "American Christianity" and professor of English literature at UC-San Diego.
*This is the second segment in the April 14 edition of The Source, which airs at 3 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM -- audio from this show will be posted by 5:30 p.m.
