Apr 16, 2014 -
Dr. Keith Bates, a Pew Summer Research Grant recipient in 2013, spoke at the Pew Spring Luncheon on April 16, 2014, about his work on a book-length manuscript dealing with American fundamentalist leader John R. Rice. Bates did considerable editorial work to make the manuscript, titled “Mainstreaming Fundamentalism: John R. Rice and the Reengagement of America’s Religious and Political Cultures.” ready for consideration by a scholarly press.
In his Pew presentation, Bates stated that his project focuses on the life of Rice, who long served as the editor of the fundamentalist newspaper The Sword of the Lord and who played a central role in shaping the structures of fundamentalism in the second half of the twentieth century. More specifically, the study examines Rice’s efforts to counter the influence that new evangelicalism and strict separatism had upon fundamentalism. Concerned that the former led to compromise and the latter resulted in isolationism, Rice articulated a mainstream fundamentalism that emphasized the preservation of traditional beliefs and practices even as it encouraged the engagement of the broader culture. Bates concluded by saying that Rice’s push for mainstream fundamentalism was one of the central reasons why activism characterized much of American fundamentalism at the end of the twentieth century.
Some 40 people attended the luncheon to hear Bates and Ben Phillips of the Department of Education talk about their summer projects.
Dr. Keith Bates talks at the Pew spring luncheon at Union on April 16, 2014, about his work on a book manuscript dealing with fundamentalist leader John R. Rice. Bates was a 2013 Pew Summer Research Grant recipient.