World Wars, Cold War and Christianity

This chapter covers the 20th century. Early in the century, during the height of European imperialism, missionaries largely supported the imperial effort. This included provision of education and other social services within colonies, even in circumstances in which missionary and colonial ideologies diverged. The major churches of Europe, and eventually those of the United States as well, generally supported the efforts of their respective countries during World War I. The churches played a similarly subordinate role in World War II, particularly under fascism or fascist occupation. The Vatican mostly remained neutral during these conflicts and worked to provide relief and rescue for vulnerable populations, but also made alliances with fascist governments. The chapter then shifts to the Cold War, which saw European influence recede due to decolonization and the withdrawal of Western missionaries from the newly liberated states. The United States became the major Western power, dedicating much of its foreign policy to opposing the USSR and communism. Internationally, the Church grew in its role promoting humanitarian relief and human rights. Domestically, American Christianity sometimes supported humanistic policies, but a conservative and nationalist Evangelicalism became a prominent religious force. The presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan demonstrate this shift.