Part 1: Background Information
The Industrial Revolution of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries fundamentally changed many aspects of European and North American life. One of these changes was its effect on religion, in particular Christianity. Christianity had been the dominant religion of these regions since the Middle Ages, but the effects of the Industrial Revolution changed its nature and its practice.
The advent of industrialization spearheaded by the advances made in steam power saw a shift to a more urban and industrialized lifestyle. This lifestyle meant more people moving to cities, where churches became less important in the everyday lives of the people. As industry moved in, more people expected material progress, rather than looking to the spiritual progress churches had traditionally emphasized. This shift in mentality made religion less relevant to many, though some of the beliefs and practices of religion, such as a desire for prayer, remained in many people’s life.
Part 2: Impact on the Churches
The Industrial Revolution had a profound effect on the churches, as it saw a significant decrease in religious commitment. As more people moved to urban areas and industry took over, so did the idea of progress through wealth and material gain. Churches were no longer the centers of community, and people sought progress in their lives not through piety, but through economic gain. This, in turn, led to a decrease in church attendance and a decrease in overall religious sentiment.
Church leaders responded differently to the changes. Some churches maintained their tradition and tried to keep up with the new innovations and ideas, while others closed their doors and refused to adapt to the changing times. Those churches that stayed in business also began to adjust their practices and doctrines to fit the general society, as people did not want to be bound to the traditions of the past.
Part 3: Adaptations Made
In order to combat the effects of the Industrial Revolution and remain relevant to the population, some churches began to make adaptations to their religious practices and beliefs. They shifted the focus of their teachings to emphasize themes of social justice and service to the people, reflecting the new industrial economy. Many churches also began to emphasize personal spiritual development over tradition, in order to gain new members.
The churches of the period also began to emphasize the importance of individual morality. They preached a message of hard work and industry, maintaining the idea that progress could be achieved through economic gain while still remaining good Christian citizens. This message resonated with many in the industrial workforce and gained more followers for many churches.
Part 4: Effects on the Society
The changing nature of churches in the period of the Industrial Revolution also had social effects. The shift to more individual moral teachings meant a shift away from some of the more rigid traditional beliefs, and a move towards a more inclusive and progressive social structure. This allowed for more people to accept and participate in the church, including those of different classes and beliefs.
The emphasis on hard work and service to others also had a positive effect on the Industrial Revolution, as it encouraged people to work harder and pursue their goals industriously. This motivation was a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, and the cultural acceptance of hard work and individual responsibility is still a major part of many societies today.
Part 5: New Social Movements
The Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of new social movements, and many of them drew heavily on religious beliefs to support their causes. Many of the reformers of the period, such as William Wilberforce, who abolished the British slave trade, and John Wesley, who founded the Methodists, often drew on the teachings of their faiths to support their social justice reforms.
In the same vein, the churches of the period also became more involved in the welfare of their members, often establishing schools and social clubs to provide educational opportunities, jobs, and other forms of aid. This shift in focus away from traditional beliefs and towards social justice saw the churches become more involved in political movements, and saw many of their members become increasingly active in the newly-emerging labor movement.
Part 6: Re-Emergence of Traditional Practises
The Industrial Revolution also saw a resurgence of some traditional beliefs and practices. With the advent of new machines and factories, many Christians began to look back to the past and adopted some of the traditional practices that had been lost in the wave of change. These beliefs included a new emphasis on the value of prayer and a renewed practice of spiritual disciplines such as fasting, as well as a re-evaluation of traditional values such as humility, faith, and charity.
The traditional practices of Christianity were also a way of combating the rapid changes that were being experienced by many in the new industrial system. The traditional beliefs offered a sense of hope and comfort in the midst of economic and social upheaval, while also providing a moral compass in a time of relative uncertainty. For these reasons, the traditional practices of Christianity gained new popularity during the period of the Industrial Revolution.
Part 7: Development of New Movements
The Industrial Revolution also saw the emergence of new Christian movements. Inspired by the new availability of social and economic opportunities, as well as the new discoveries being made in science and technology, many Christians sought to apply their faith to the world they saw around them.
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, and it embraced the new culture of mechanization and provided spiritual guidance to those working in the factories. The 1860s also saw the birth of the Pentecostal movement, a Christian denomination based on the charismata of the early Church. This movement focused on faith healing, the inherent power of spirituality, and a personal relationship to God which distinguished it from traditional Christian churches.
Part 8: Ecumenism and Denominationalism
The Industrial Revolution also saw the emergence of ecumenism and denominationalism. The greater acceptance of different denominations allowed for a more open exchange of ideas and practices between Christians of different backgrounds and beliefs. Ecumenism became increasingly popular during the period, as churches sought to unite in order to fight for a common cause. Many denominations joined forces to fight poverty and provide aid to the less fortunate, as well as advocate for the rights of workers.
The period of the Industrial Revolution also saw the emergence of the modern denomination, as churches sought new ways to structure their organization and make themselves more accessible to the public. This period saw the emergence of denominations such as Presbyterianism and Anglicanism, which both emphasized unity and cooperation within the Church, while still preserving their individual identities.
