The Christian Century Begins Weekly Publication

On November 28, 1912, The Christian Century, a journal rooted in the Disciples of Christ, began weekly publication. Under the editorship of Charles Clayton Morrison, it soon broadened its scope and became a leading voice of mainline Protestantism in the United States. For much of the twentieth century, it shaped theological discussion and social commentary among American Protestants.

Historical Context

The Christian Century was founded in 1884 as The Christian Oracle, a monthly magazine serving the Disciples of Christ, a Restorationist movement that emerged in the early nineteenth century. By the early 1900s, the publication struggled financially and theologically. In 1908, Charles Clayton Morrison, a Disciples minister and theologian, purchased the magazine and renamed it The Christian Century, signaling a desire to address the pressing issues of the new century. Morrison envisioned a journal that would engage modern thought, promote Christian unity, and apply the gospel to social problems. The move to weekly publication in 1912 marked a decisive step in realizing that vision, positioning the magazine to respond quickly to current events and to foster a national conversation among Protestant leaders.

What Happened

The first weekly issue of The Christian Century appeared on November 28, 1912, published in Chicago. It carried the subtitle "A Journal of Religion and Life" and was edited by Charles Clayton Morrison. The shift from a monthly to a weekly schedule allowed for more timely articles on theology, ethics, and public affairs. While initially tied to the Disciples of Christ, the magazine increasingly featured contributions from a broad range of Protestant denominations, including Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians. Its editorial stance combined a commitment to historic Christian faith with openness to modern scholarship and a progressive social agenda. Over the following decades, The Christian Century became known for its incisive editorials, book reviews, and reporting on ecumenical and international religious developments.

Spiritual Significance

The Christian Century's weekly format gave mainline Protestantism a consistent, national platform for theological reflection and social engagement. It helped shape discussions on issues such as the Social Gospel, ecumenism, civil rights, and war and peace. By fostering dialogue across denominational lines, the magazine contributed to the ecumenical movement and to the intellectual vitality of American Protestantism. Its pages featured many of the era's most influential religious thinkers, and its editorials often influenced clergy and lay leaders. Though its readership was never massive, its impact on church leadership and public theology was substantial, earning it a reputation as a journal of record for mainline Protestantism.

Conclusion

The decision to publish weekly in 1912 transformed The Christian Century from a modest denominational magazine into a significant force in American religious life. It provided a forum where faith met contemporary challenges, and it continues to be published today, though with a smaller circulation and a broader interdenominational outlook. The anniversary of its first weekly issue reminds us of the enduring role of religious journalism in shaping belief and practice.