The Contribution of the Open Forum to Democracy in Religion

Abstract

The open forum is a direct result of the eagerness of the church to "reach the masses." Three of the pioneer organizations of the forum-at Cooper Union, in the Church of the Ascension, and at Ford Hall-were all inspired by the ideals of the church. The purpose of the forum is to give an opportunity for open discussion, where objections may be raised as well as positions defined. The result has been to jar church people out of their complacency, to modify unintelligent radicalism, and to stimulate thinking and reading. Dogmatism is immediately checked. No ecclesiastical or other conditions are prescribed for participation in the discussion. Those who have been alienated from the church find that religion, like other human interests, is progressing and is dealing with real issues. A wider sense of brotherhood is developed. A new community interest is aroused. Brief descriptions of typical experiments reinforce the foregoing points.