January 25, 2009 – 2:30 to 4:00pm

CADRE in participation with St. Simon & St. Jude Episcopal Church will offer "The Unique Institution of Southern Christianity," a presentation by Dr. Susan McArver on Sunday, January 25, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at St. Simon & St. Jude, Irmo.

Dr. McArver is Associate Professor of Church History and Educational Ministry and Director of the Center on Religion in the South at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia. She has researched and written extensively on cultural change in the South.

Her January 25th presentation will begin with the end of the American Revolution and the collapse of the Anglican Church. From that time forward, a strong tide of itinerant evangelism and camp meetings was responsible for the unique institution of Southern Christianity and the basis for the "Bible Belt”. Research indicates that early evangelists made every effort to establish a patriarchic society. It became a unique culture rooted in masculinity, male authority, the subservience of women, and respect for martial honor. Dr. McArver’s presentation will address the basis for this evangelism, and why it has had such a significant hold on the South.

A second presentation by Dr. McArver, offered on February 22nd, is entitled “Evangelicalism & Fundamentalism - Its Modern Roots and Development”. It will be held at St. Simon & St. Jude Episcopal Church also. Details to follow.

LINK TO THIS ARTICLE - http://www.ecsssj.org/show_article.php?myid=42