Question

In what way did prosperity affect traditional holiness standards?

a) Holiness standards were examined and codified by the Commission on Doctrinal Purity.
b) Holiness standards were generally rejected.
c) There was a decline of legalistic standards that previously had been enforced by the church.
d) Holiness standards were reviewed and revised by Assemblies of God leadership.

Answer 1

Prosperity has historically led to a reassessment and sometimes relaxation of traditional holiness standards, as seen in events such as post-Black Death Europe, the Puritan declension in New England, and the social gospel movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

In what way did prosperity affect traditional holiness standards? The relationship between wealth and religious practices has varied greatly throughout history. Moments of affluence have often led to a questioning of established norms and the potential relaxation of stringent codes.

Prosperity in various historical contexts, such as post-Black Death Europe or the materialism of the 1980s, at times initiated a decline in adherence to traditional holiness standards. The subsequent emergence of new ideologies and movements, such as individualistic spiritual practices or the social gospel movement, reflected a shift in the way religious communities interpreted the idea of holiness. This shift sometimes included a revision of the existing doctrines and practices to accommodate changing societal values and challenges.

For instance, the Puritan experience in New England shows that increased wealth and subsequent fear of 'declension' led to the implementation of the Half-Way Covenant in an attempt to maintain church membership by loosening previous strict benchmarks. The pressure between affluence and piety was evident as some left for stricter sects like the Baptists, reflecting a broader struggle for maintaining holiness standards amidst prevailing prosperity.