Strong Religion and Political Viewpoints in a Deeply Divided Society: An Examination of the Gospel Hall Tradition in Northern Ireland

Abstract

In Northern Ireland, fundamentalist religion is often associated with the political evangelicalism of what is known as Paisleyism. However, strong religion has also other forms. An example of a significantly different kind of fundamentalism is that practised by the Gospel Hall tradition (or the Brethren). Although the movement's doctrine and theology have been well researched, which point to its propensity towards pietistic retreat from the secular world, little is known about the Brethren's views and opinions of a province that is deeply divided, ethnically and politically. This article explores the attitudes of believers towards politics and such major developments as the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. It also accounts for the impact of ‘the Troubles’ on the movement in the context of its evangelistic strategies and considers the continued influence of ethno-sectarian factors in the post-settlement period. Importantly, despite Northern Ireland's ethno-political divisions—both past and present—the Brethren have generally maintained an a-political disposition. The article highlights the point that, although a movement might be motivated by otherworldly concerns and be firmly focused on matters spiritual, the temporal exigencies of a divided society are very difficult to escape. Finally, the article makes a contribution to furthering our understanding of the different kinds of fundamentalism that can exist within the same belief system and society.

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my gratitude to the late Ronald Johnston, a senior Brethren elder, who had a sustained interest in the research and encouraged the participation of fellow believers. Without his efforts, the research would not have been possible.