The Christian Century

The Christian Century is an influential ecumenical Christian magazine in the United States, published biweekly. Founded in the late 19th century, it became a leading voice of mainline Protestant thought and a significant platform for social gospel theology and progressive Christian ethics. Its extensive and principled coverage of the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s onward established it as a crucial forum for religious advocacy for racial justice, influencing clergy, theologians, and laypeople across the nation.

History and Founding

The magazine was founded in 1884 as the Christian Oracle by Disciples of Christ ministers in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1900, under the leadership of editor Charles Clayton Morrison, it was renamed The Christian Century and its editorial offices moved to Chicago. Morrison, who served as editor for over four decades, transformed the publication from a denominational organ into an independent, interdenominational journal. He championed the Social Gospel movement, aligning the magazine with progressive causes and critical engagement with modern culture. This period saw the magazine become a central platform for theologians like Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich, who would shape 20th-century Protestantism. The magazine's commitment to addressing social issues from a theological perspective was cemented during these formative decades.

Theological and Editorial Stance

Theologically, The Christian Century has historically represented the liberal and neo-orthodox strands of mainline Protestant thought. It is known for its ecumenical outlook, promoting dialogue between different Christian denominations and with other faith traditions. Its editorial stance has consistently emphasized the application of Christian ethics to public life, supporting social justice, pacifism, and intellectual engagement with secularism. During the mid-20th century, this often placed it at odds with more fundamentalist publications and conservative political forces. The magazine's pages have served as a key venue for debates on theology, biblical criticism, and the role of the church in society, making it a bellwether for progressive Protestant opinion.

Coverage of the Civil Rights Movement

The Christian Century played a vital journalistic and advocacy role during the Civil Rights Movement. From the early 1950s, it provided sustained and sympathetic coverage of the struggle for racial equality, framing it as a central moral issue for American Christianity. The magazine published seminal articles, editorials, and first-hand reports from key events and figures. It featured writings by and about leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., providing a national platform for his theological reflections on nonviolence and justice, such as his "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Editors and contributors, including James H. Smylie and Alan Geyer, reported on major events like the Montgomery bus boycott, the Selma to Montgomery marches, and the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Its coverage consistently challenged the complicity of white churches and advocated for desegregation and voting rights as Christian imperatives.

Influence on Mainline Protestantism

The magazine's influence on Mainline Protestantism in America has been profound. For much of the 20th century, it was considered the "house organ" of the Protestant establishment, shaping the opinions of clergy in denominations like the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ. By providing a forum for leading theologians and ethicists, it helped mainstream Social Gospel ideals and later, support for the Civil Rights Movement. Its advocacy encouraged many white Protestant churches to officially endorse movement goals, though often lagging behind the magazine's more urgent calls for action. The publication's stance also contributed to internal denominational debates and the formation of social justice committees within these church bodies.

Key Figures and Leadership

Throughout its history, The Christian Century has been shaped by notable editors and contributors. Founding editor Charles Clayton Morrison set its progressive course. Later, editor Harold E. Fey (1964-1972) oversaw its crucial coverage of the Vietnam War and civil rights. Managing editor Theodore A. Gill was also a significant voice. Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr was a frequent contributor, linking Christian realism to social issues. Other key writers included ethicist John C. Bennett, historian Martin E. Marty, and biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann. During the civil rights era, journalists like Carl T. Rowan and theologians like Howard Thurman contributed important perspectives. The leadership of editors like James M. Wall (1972-1999) and later John M. Buchanan continued its tradition of engaging contemporary ethical challenges.

Modern Relevance and Legacy

In the 21st century, The Christian Century continues to be a leading voice for progressive Christianity, addressing issues such as economic inequality, climate change, LGBTQ rights, and ongoing racial justice struggles. While the influence of Mainline Protestantism has waned numerically, the magazine remains a vital intellectual and ethical resource for its remaining constituency and for ecumenical and interfaith partners. Its legacy is firmly tied to its courageous stand during the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a model for religious journalism that connects faith with the pursuit of justice. The magazine archives now serve as an important historical record of mainline Protestant engagement with the most pressing social and theological debates in American life. It persists as a testament to the enduring role of religion, and the religious magazine, in the nation's public square.