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161 chapter 11 ———————Conclusions Baptist expansion within New Mexico was to a large degree due to the efforts of Baptists themselves, but that growth occurred within a specific historical context conducive to the spread of religion. After World War II, revival radiated across the land for nearly fifteen years. The impact of the depression and war revived interest in the church as an important social institution in the life of the nation. As sociologist Will Herberg noted, however, it was not so much a return to God as it was a celebration of the American way of life in which the Judeo-Christian worldview provided a moral foundation.1 As a result, virtually all denominations experienced an increase in membership and church construction during this period. In 1940, church membership roles listed 64.5 million parishioners. Twenty years later that number had escalated to 114.5 million, or 63 percent of the entire population. A national poll in 1948 found that 95 percent of the U.S. population claimed to believe in God.2 A burgeoning evangelical movement coincided with this “return to religion.” Emerging out of “fundamentalism,” but shunning its harsher image and anti-intellectual stance, this new evangelism returned respectability to conservative Christianity. A new group of theologians and scholars gave credence to biblical inerrancy, personal salvation, the virgin birth, and the return of Christ.3 The Billy Graham crusades drew upon America’s revivalist past, giving the new evangelicalism an interdenominational appeal. During the same era, America became locked in what appeared to be a life-and-death struggle with the Soviet Union. The possibility of annihilation fostered a sense of insecurity among the population furthering an acceptance of religion. The Cold War embodied a series of conflicts: democracy against totalitarianism, capitalism against communism, and belief in God against atheism. Anticommunism took on the aura of a religious crusade in which the righteous empire must summon its moral strength to turn back the godless forces of barbarism. Elements of Growth These factors combined to create an environment conducive to the growth of religion in America. Baptists in New Mexico participated in, and benefited 162 from, these national trends. What set the denomination apart from other religious groups in the state was their ability to capitalize on these forces. Baptists had a strong evangelical message that they delivered with a passion that comes only from being convinced they were doing the will of God. A dynamic state convention orchestrated its efforts to one end: winning the lost. Zeal and organization produced results. Another factor that aided Baptist expansion in New Mexico was denominational support. Depression and World War II forced Southern Baptists out of their regional homeland. By 1960, the convention had a presence in nearly every state. This nationwide leap forward benefited New Mexico, not only as the recipient of many new immigrants, but financially as well. To support their scattered membership, denominational agencies restructured themselves to provide the necessary assistance.4 War brought economic change to Southern Baptists. As farming became mechanized, those who stayed on the land experienced rising living standards. Those who migrated to the city became laborers or moved into the ranks of professionals, receiving regular paychecks. Blessed with a consistent income, members shared their good fortune with the church. Increased revenue allowed the denomination to support territorial expansion. Specifically, increased income enabled the Home Mission and Sunday School Boards to sponsor new programs in the West. Money for salaries to support missionaries and evangelists in underdeveloped fields became available. In addition, funds for building construction benefited struggling congregations unable to erect their own churches. Literature provided at special rates connected Baptists anywhere in the country with the South. Southern Baptists expanded their educational facilities, increasing the number of seminaries to six, with Golden Gate Seminary and Midwestern Seminary located in the West. This expansion had a twofold impact. It raised the educational level of the clergy, and the increase in the number of ministers helped Western churches to escape the itinerant pastor dilemma. Capitalizing on national trends and denominational support, the Baptist Convention of New Mexico (BCNM) launched its own program of evangelism . Commitment and confidence in Southern Baptist theology undergirded the outreach. Believing that they had the whole truth for the whole world stimulated efforts to propagate the gospel. Aggressive uses of Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday Schools, revivals, census, and visitation and enlargement campaigns spread the Christian message throughout the state. Although migration of Baptists into New Mexico accounted for a...

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