New Zealand Baptists and the Great Depression of 1929-35: How the Baptists Responded during a Time of National Economic Distress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31046/xh8bb276Keywords:
Depressions -- 1929 -- United States, Church work with the unemployed, Sociology, Christian (Baptist), Church and social problems -- Baptists, Christianity and politics, Baptists, New ZealandAbstract
The Great Depression of 1929-35 marked a painful and difficult
era in New Zealand history. As export prices plunged and
unemployment figures soared, the churches could not ignore the
suffering around them. New Zealand Baptists, known for their
social activism, had been largely silent on political matters.
However, as the economic outlook worsened and Baptists daily
came face to face with desperate and hungry people, how were
they to respond? This essay will map New Zealand Baptist
responses to social issues and political agitation during the Great
Depression. A shift from a markedly pietistic and individualistic
response to a far more thoroughly politically active one took place.
In the decade prior to the depression, two influential (and often
competing) theological strands within the denomination may be
identified. The impact of these will be explored in an analysis of
which notes three phases: 1929-31, 1931-33 and 1934-35.
