Moral Ambition: Mobilization and Social Outreach in Evangelical Megachurches

Abstract

Omri Elisha explores the multifaceted nature of the moral ambitions espoused by attendees of two evangelical megachurches in Knoxville, Tennessee. Through detailed ethnographic research focusing on each megachurch's social outreach programs, and similarly focused faith-based nonprofits in the region, Elisha explores the tensions, ambivalence, and identity work experienced by “socially engaged evangelicals,” who are defined as “pastors and churchgoers who draw strong associations between religiosity and social conscience, and are notably active (either professionally or as volunteers) in promoting and participating in various forms of organized benevolence” (7–8). Four ideal types of evangelical social activism are presented to the reader: Apostle, Teacher, Prophet, and Missionary. Individuals falling into these categories represent a small, yet devoted, minority within their congregations, which makes their social activism all the more fascinating and ambitious. Socially engaged evangelicals seek to merge conservative evangelical ideology with a social activist orientation, resulting in a fascinating amalgam of Social Gospel and theological conservatism. They desire to advance the “Christianization of culture” (3), but this project transcends the agenda of the Christian Right and mere evangelization, including also thoroughgoing social structural reforms aimed at alleviating poverty and inequality.