ABSTRACT
Much of the modern debate about church growth and decline begins from Dean Kelley’s Why Conservative Churches Are Growing (1972). In his answer to the question of the tide, Kelley argues that conservative Protestant Churches grew because they offered ‘strong’ religion. Twelve characteristics are used to describe conservative and liberal varieties of Protestantism: six for each. Organizations with ‘strong’ religion (1) demanded considerable sacrifice, (2) disciplined their members, (3) possessed missionary zeal, (4) were ideologically absolutist, (5) made their members conform to common standards in matters peripheral as well as central, and (6) encouraged fanaticism. In contrast, ‘weak’ religion (1) was relativist, (2) permitted diversity, (3) encouraged dialogue with competing religions, (4) attracted only lukewarm support, (5) was individualist, and (6), rather than forcing members to ‘witness’ their faith, permitted supporters to remain reserved (Kelley 1972: 56–85).
