The Moody Church

| Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |


    I. Group Profile

    1. Name: The Moody Bible Institute

    2. Founder: Dwight Lyman Moody 1

    3. Date of Birth: February 5, 1837 2

    4. Birth Place: On a small farm in Northfield, Massachusetts 3

    5. Year Founded: 1864 4

    6. A Brief Overview of the Church: The Moody Church was founded by Dwight Lyman Moody in 1864. Moody was a Chicago businessman turned Christian missionary. He was also a prominent member of the YMCA, serving as the organization's president for a short while.5 His mission was to spread the gospel of the Lord to all God's children. The Moody Church was founded as a Evangelical Church, and continues in this tradition today. It is also non-denominational in that it does not belong to a larger group of churches. However, it does follow a common heritage with all Protestant Churches that accept the Bible as their primary and sole source of spiritual authority. The main purpose of the Moody Church today is to, "win men, women, and children to Christ, and to spread the gospel of the grace of God to the ends of the earth, and to build up believers in the faith and knowlege of Christ."6

      The current goal of each member of the Moody Church is to, "influence the city, the nation, and the world for Christ." According to Senior Pastor, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, each member must, "become a servant of others just as Christ was, committed to preach the gospel, and meet the needs of people, whether in the marketplace, the community or the home, as Christ commanded."7

    7. Sacred or Revered Texts: The New Testament and Old Testament of the Holy Bible are the Sacred or Revered Texts of the Moody Church. Members of the church believe that the Scriptures in the Bible contain God's direct words.8

    8. Cult or Sect: Negative sentiments are typically implied when the concepts "cult" and "sect" are employed in popular discourse. Since the Religious Movements Homepage seeks to promote religious tolerance and appreciation of the positive benefits of pluralism and religious diversity in human cultures, we encourage the use of alternative concepts that do not carry implicit negative stereotypes. For a more detailed discussion of both scholarly and popular usage of the concepts "cult" and "sect," please visit our Conceptualizing "Cult" and "Sect" page, where you will find additional links to related issues.

    9. Size of Group: The Moody Church today welcomes all Christians to its masses. The current Church located in Chicago, and constructed in 1925, hosts various events in the Christian community, including the Moody Bible Institute's annual Founder's Week conference, world missions conferences and multi-night evangelistic crusades. The Church has a 4,000-seat auditorium (and total capacity of 7,500 when other rooms of the building are added). Because the church is non-denominational, all Christians are welcome. The stated purpose of the Moody Church is to "equip believers to be effective representatives of the Lord and to reach the community, city, nation, and world for Jesus Christ."9

    | Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |



    II. History

      The Early Life of Dwight Lyman Moody

      Dwight Lyman Moody is one of the most influential figures in American Evangelical History. Born on February 5, 1837, in Northfield Massachusetts, Moody was the sixth child born on a small farm. When Moody was only four years old, his father, Edwin Moody, died, leaving his mother to raise the large family on her own. The family struggled to make ends meet, but this financial stress taught Dwight the value of hard work and determination. Dwight was baptized as a Unitarian when he was five years old.10 The minister at the local Unitarian Church that the Moodys attended, Rev. Oliver Everett, was very kind to the Moody family, providing them with a great deal of financial support in the difficult years just after Edwin's death. All of the Moody children were sent to Sunday school and Church. In spite of this fact, Moody was not exposed to a great deal of Christian doctrine. 11

      Dwight Moody's formal education was rather limited. Although he attended grammar school in Northfield, it is estimated that he only received up to a fifth grade education level. At the age of 17, Moody filled with the optimism of youth, moved to Boston. He started working in his uncle's shoe store when he could not find other employment. At the urging of his uncle, Samuel Holton, he also began to attend the Mount Vernon Congregational Church. It was at this time that Moody had his first contact with mainstream American Evangelism.12 He began attending mass and Sunday school on a regular basis, developing a better understanding and interest in Christian doctrine.

      Moody proved very successful in the shoe business. He however, wanted a change of venue. In 1856, Moody moved to Chicago, becoming a clerk for E.E. Wishall, a successful and thriving shoe retailing business. Chicago had a thriving shoe industry, and Moody proved himself to be a man of great determination, ambition, and drive. He improved his financial status greatly, and developed effective business skills that would prove especially beneficial in his evangelical ventures. Selling shoes and making money, however, was not the only concern of Moody. He wrote to family in Massachusetts that, "God is the same here as in Boston."13 He became very involved and interested in Chicago's Protestant Evangelism, which was becoming increasingly popular among the city's Christians. In May of 1857, he became a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Chicago, and became highly involved in the city's YMCA. These associations further drew him into the realm of American Evangelicalism.14

      As Moody started making a name for himself both in business and the greater Chicago society, he started to take a much greater interest in becoming a leader of the Church. He rented a pew in the Plymouth Church and began filling it with anyone who would listen. He soon attracted a huge following, having to eventually rent over four pews at a time. As his following continued to grow, he rented a beer hall on North Market Street in area of Chicago known as "Little Hell."15 Each Sunday this old hall was filled with over 500 people. Moody himself, actively recruited children from the streets of Chicago, people on the streets, and individuals in local boarding houses to listen to his sermons. Moody served as both the teaching staff and recruiter for all of the children. The numbers in this church continued to grow, and Moody was able to acquire a sizeable staff. In 1859, regular classes were formed, and the existence of a permanent organization was intact.16

      In business, Moody was simultaneously making great successes as well. Working as a salesman on commission, Moody made $5000 over his salary almost every year since he arrived in Chicago. In 1860, with adequate funds, he decided to devote more of his energies to his religious endeavors. So, in 1860, he abandoned his profitable career as a shoe salesman, telling his boss, "I am at work for Jesus Christ now," 17. He continued preaching in the rented hall on North Market Street, and took an active role in the YMCA, a new organization in Chicago. He became the organization's librarian, and only full-time employee, later becoming its chief fundraiser. With the start of the Civil War, opportunities for recruitment of new members exploded. The YMCA became a valuable link between the evangelical Christian Churches and the Northern soldiers. Moody spent a great deal of time in the front lines, distributing song books and pamphlets to the young men. The YMCA also provided a great deal of relief work to the injured soldiers, giving care, spiritually, physically and emotionally. President Abraham Lincoln himself heard of Moody's success and work with the Church and the YMCA. In 1861 Lincoln visited Moody on his way from Springfield to Washington. Lincoln told the children at Moody's school, "put into practice what you learn from your teachers, some of you may also become President of the United States."18

      It was also during the war that Dwight Lyman Moody met and fell in love with Emma Revell. In 1862 the couple was married. When the war ended in 1865, Moody devoted an even greater amount of time and energy to both the YMCA and his Sunday School. He realized the importance of his work, and the size of his followers. For this reason, in 1864 he decided to build a new edifice to accomodate his substantial following. Moody, along with 12 charter members, opened the Illinois Street Independent Church later that same year in 1864. J.H. Harwood served as the Church's pastor, and Moody himself, as one of the deacons. This event marked the birth of what was to become the Moody Church.19

      Moody As Just One Part of the Nineteenth Century Revival in America

      The Nineteenth Century in America was an enthusiastic and exciting era for religion. It was during this time that huge movements of Protestant evangelical revivals swept across the nation. Frankl defines revivalism as, "institutionalized structures and forms used during revivals of religion." 20 It is also a distinctly American tradition, and borrows much of its structure from the surrounding American culture. The three most famous and influential Christian revivalists of this time period were Charles Grandison Finney, Dwight Moody, and Billy Sunday. Each of these figures developed a new form of introducing religion to the masses and sparking a renewed interest in Christ. These three men were highly organized, energetic, and charismatic. Although each adopted different styles in preaching to their audiences, their underlying structure of revivalism remained relatively similar.21 The following is a brief synopsis of the contributions of Finney and Sunday, and a discussion of Moody, his enterprise and his followers, will follow.

      Charles Grandison Finney

      Charles Grandison Finney was the first of the three great Christian revivalists in the nineteenth century. He was trained as a lawyer, and later became a professor at Ohio's Oberlin University.22 (33) Finney was the first figure to officially organize a set of rules and structures on how to conduct a Christian revival. He also believed that enthusiasm was key to bringing about a successful revival, and was willing to do just about anything to inspire his audience.23 His audience was also composed of all types of people, from the working class to the upper class. He gave stirring emotional sermons, and organized camp-style meetings in order to maximize group solidarity and religious fervor. It was Finney who revolutionized the role of religion in society. He provided an emotional appeal to the masses, providing a means for an exciting and public religious participantion in America.24

      Billy Sunday

      Billy Sunday was a follower of Moody, becoming popular in 1896, in Moody's old age.25 Like Finney, Sunday was an energetic and charismatic leader. He was often very flamboyant, providing religion with an entertainment value never before a part of the American tradition.26 Scholars have compared Sunday's style of preaching as the first precursor to the great televangelists. Frankl describes Sunday's style of preaching in the following way, "Sunday acts out his religiosity, a technique well suited for the visual arts, and takes revivalist preaching one step closer to television. What we see on television today is reminiscent of Sunday's visual storytelling."27 Sunday, however, was not without his critics. Many people were wary of Sunday's devotion to Christ. He was criticized heavily for his dramatic performances on stage, religious commercialism, and his equally flamboyant and wealthy lifestyle. 28 However, he is responsible for putting religion into a new context. He provided an entertainment medium to religion, making it popular and accessible to the masses.29

      Moody's Life As a Christian Revivalist

      Moody had many things in common with Finney and Sunday. Like the other two, Moody believed that religion should be accessible to the masses. However, he was not as extravagant as Sunday, and stressed education as the primary means of religious participation. He treated the Church and the organizations that followed as a highly organized business. Meetings and get togethers were always organized with a stated purpose and plan. The organizations which he founded, such as the Moody Bible Institute and schools, were created to maximize the amount of people touched by religion. He also targeted the youth of America, reasoning that the fate of America's religious future was inevitably in their hands.30

      Moody continued as a deacon at the church he founded with 12 other charter members. Continuing to preach and teach, he stressed the importance of a personal relationship with God. At the same time, he ardently spoke out against both denominationalism and institutionalized practices. Just as Moody had taught himself much about Christian doctrine and teachings, he urged his followers to acquaint themselves with scripture, for both personal and spiritual growth. He criticized churches with elite ritual traditions, encouraging instead popular practices that could be enjoyed by all. In these ways, Moody followed in the revivalist tradition of Finney, another prominent Christian evangelical.31

      Moody traveled to England in 1873 with his music director, Ira Sankey. Moody learned a great deal while abroad in England. The trip taught him many practical skills which he would later apply in his famous urban revival meetings. He was also exposed to a culture which openly welcomed evangelical style churches, active church publicity, and many church social meetings, including prayer meetings and musical get togethers.32 Upon returning to the United States two years later, Moody was determined to start a great Christian revival in the U.S. as well.

      Moody and Sankey immediately organized a series of revivals to occur in major American cities. Moody believed that the moral integrity of America was in dire need of a revival. The Civil War, like all wars, had devestated the social and political climate of America. People were attracted to easy get-rich-quick antics, while neglecting the fundamental role of religion in their daily lives. In addition, corruption was rampant in both high political offices and big business. Moody decided to target the major cities of New York, Brooklyn, Boston and Philadelphia on the East Coast first. Campaigns in the Midwest followed, with Moody travelling to Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinatti, Denver, Colorado Springs, and as far south as Richmond.33

      Moody's Use of Business Tactics in Marketing Religion

      Many scholars have focused on Moody's application of business practices and organizational methods in bringing about his urban evangelical revival. Dwight Moody's experience as a successful businessman obviously had a profound influence on his later work as a Christian missionary and influential evangelical. It was as a shoe salesman that Moody learned the fine art of communication, persuasion, and most importantly how to appeal to the masses.34

      In the year 1870, four years after opening his church on Illinois Street, Dwight Moody was introduced to Miss Emma Dryer. Emma was a principal and teacher at Illinois State Normal University.35 Dryer was also deeply devoted to teaching the youth of Chicago about Christian doctrine and Scripture. In 1871, after a terrible fire which devestated much of the Chicago area, Moody began to simultaneously minister to the needs of those damaged financially and physically by the fire. Moody invited all the youth to his Church, and Miss Dryer was invited to teach Bible Study classes to these masses of people. Dwight Moody persuaded the young Miss Dryer to remain in Chicago and continue with her teaching endeavors within the Moody Church. This fueled Moody's interest in educational purposes, which would later lead to the birth of the influential Moody Bible Institute.

      In 1883, Emma Dryer, with the permission of Moody, organized and headed what was known as the "May Institute." These were weekly meetings in which church members would meet and pray. Most importantly however, would be the open discussions facilitated among the church members. Dryer was especially interested in heightening the role of women in the greater Christian community, as well as in their families. She led a women's Bible Study, and urged women to take an active role in their children's education and upbringing, by providing an influence of active mission in the greater community. Many of the church members began to request that Moody open up a new school. This school would serve as a training school for the youth of the Church, a place where future evangelists could learn the skills necessary to carry on in the Revivalist tradition. On January 22, 1886, Moody addressed church members with the following, "I tell you what, and what I have on my heart I believe we have got to have gap-men, men to stand between the laity and the ministers; men who are trained to do city mission work, Take men that have the gifts and train them for the work of reaching the people."36 This formal meeting, held at Farwell Hall, resulted in the group founding the Chicago Evangelization Society, which was later renamed the Moody Bible Institute after its illustrious founder.

      The Moody Enterprise Grows and Becomes Established in Society

      The Chicago Evangelization Society went to work immediately. Moody treated and organized it using his managerial and strategic business skills. Like a business, in 1887, the society adopted a formal constitution, appointed officers, and a board of directors, selecting Mr. Moody as President of the organization. In 1889, after petitioning the city of Chicago, construction began on the first building the society was to hold its meetings. In addition to this building, the society purchased a second lot, and three empty houses adjacent to it. The school was officially completed that same year, and classes began promptly on September 26. Moody selected Rev. Ruben Archer Torrey, a fellow evangelist and friend, as school superintendent.37

      Throughout the next decade, Moody continued to make public appearances and speak in the Moody Church and School. However, as he was getting on in years, much of his work was devoted to making sure that proper leaders would continue the work that he had begun. Dr. Torrey was chosen for this reason. On December 22, 1899, Dwight Lyman Moody died.38 He was buried in his hometown of Northfield, Massachussetts. At their next meeting, the trustees of the Chicago Evangelization Society unanimously voted to change the name of their organization to the Moody Bible Institute, in loving memory of their energetic founder.

      One of the most unique and lasting impacts of Moody's work was his creation of Christian Schools and Institutes to carry on his evangelical mission in the younger generations. These schools, particularly and most notably the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago educate and train younger generations. Students are instructed to carry on in the tradition of Moody and other influential Christian revivalists. Today, these Christian schools serve an important role in the social infrastructure of religious vocations. The Moody Bible Institute continues to be a major stepping stone for many popular young televangelists in their attempts to influence the secular world.39

      Moody's Successors and the Survival of Moody's Church

      After Moody's death, the Board of Directors of the Moody Bible Institute voted Dr. Torrey to succeed Moody as President. Torrey possessed excellent leadership skills and is responsible for a great growth in the Institute. Torrey immediately set out to obtain a regular resident faculty of distinguished scholars, establishing a competitive curriculum, and organizing and developing the Practical Christian Ministries Program. It was also under his direct guidance that the evening and correspondence classes/programs were developed to suit the needs of working students and those who could not live near the Institute. It was also under his guidance, that the Moody Bible Institute began to publish its monthly magazine, known as the Moody Magazine.40

      Reverend Torrey was succeeded by Dr. James M. Gray in 1904. He had been a frequent lecturer at the school, and was highly educated and intelligent. Dr. Gray found it imperative to heighten the reputation of the institution relative to other institutions of higher learning, religious or public. For this reason, he made it a requirement to have a High School diploma before entering the school. He also used the growing influence of the media throughout World War I and the Depression to heighten interest and awareness about the school to the greater Chicago area. WMBI, the Moody Bible Institute's first radio station was developed during his term for this purpose.41

      Throughout the decades of the 1930s and 40s, the school was headed by Dr. Will H. Houghton. Houghton expanded the ministry greatly, raising a great deal of funds to pursue these purposes. A large Auditorium and 12-story hall were built, as well as the Moody Institute of Science. The Biblical Institute of Colportage Association was also founded during Houghton's leadership. This organization would later become the Moody Press. Upon the death of Houghton in the late '40s, Dr. William Culbertson became President. The curriculum continued to strengthen and broaden beyond standard courses, a degree program was developed, and missionary technical courses were adopted to keep up with the changing technological nature of American society.42

      Dr. George Sweeting became the only president to have attended the school in 1971. His main focus was Christian outreach to the greater community. He also began to implement changes that could meet the needs of individuals in a changing world, including women entering the labor force, and more young people attending college. Under Sweeting's leadership, 21 off-campus locations were opened to better meet the needs of the public. The MBI Pastor's Conference was also adopted, and the number of radio stations owned by MBI and the Moody Broadcasting Network continued to expand greatly. Sweeting served as president for seventeen years, only to be replaced by the current leader, Dr. Joseph M. Stowell III. Stowell, a former pastor himself, strives to heighten the influence of the Moody Bible Institute and Church throughout American society.43

      The Church Today

      The Moody Church today remains an independent congregation similar to the one the Dwight L. Moody founded in 1864. The Church continues in the tradition set forth by Dwight L. Moody. It remains evangelical in nature, and is non-denominational, meaning that it does not belong to any other larger group of churches. The Church most closely resembles Christian Prostestant Churches which hold the Bible as their main source of dogmatic and spiritual authority.

      The current building remains located in the heart of the Chicago's Northside Community. It continues to host major Christian events and forums. The total capacity of the Church is huge, with over 7,500 people able to fit into all the buildings of the Church. The Church's main auditorium itself with a capacity of 4,000, is a very popular site for many Christian events. People from all over the nation, as well as the country, have been welcomed in the Church's doors. Anyone is welcome to attend the Church's weekly Sunday mass, which occurs at 10:30 a.m.44

      The Moody Bible Institute Today

      Today, the Moody Bible Institute is a huge organization which encompasses a wide variety of activities, events, conferences. It has expanded greatly since the small school that Moody founded, and continues to serve an active role in the Chicago community and surrouding areas as well. The Institute houses a series of Conference Ministries, Moody Broadcasting Network, Moody Book Store, Moody Magazine, Moody Press, and the recently added Moody Video. All of these programs follow in the tradition of Dwight L. Moody, who sought to expose religion to everyone who desired to hear it. The Institute's stated mission is as follows: "Our vision for Moody Church and Institute is to be known in Chicago as a caring, culturally diverse community that seeks to transform lives through clear witness for Christ, quality programming, and the lifestyle of each believer."45

      The Moody Bible Institute (MBI) refers to the school and not the Church. The Church and MBI are sister institutions, but are not tied together organizationally. The work of both bodies is seen to benefit each other simultaneously. The following is a synopsis of each of the components to MBI's huge enterprise.

      MBI: Center for External Studies: Moody Extension studies provide teaching and training in Christian doctrine. Classes in continuing education are offered as well as a variety of different degrees. Seven different regions offer these courses including Chicago, Florida, Milwaukee, Northwest, Ohio, and Peoria. One is able to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, an Associate of Biblical Studies, or an Adult Continuing Education Certificate.46

      Independent Studies: Correspondence courses and distance education is also offered to those individuals who would like to study on their own. The Center for External Studies operates internationally to fit these needs. It is one of the oldest study-by-mail schools in the world. A variety of courses in Christian doctrine and theology are offered to anyone living anywhere in the world.47

      Graduate Educational Programs and Degrees: MBI offers three degree programs at the graduate level. These include the MABS (Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and the MA, (Master of Arts in Ministry) degrees. The Graduate Studies Program (GSP) is a one-year, non-degree program which leads to a certificate. Each course, however, receives graduate-level credit.48

      The Moody Broadcast Network (MBN): Three radio programs are broadcast as part of MBI's Radio Ministries programs. These include three regular programs, The Moody Church Hour, the Sunday morning worship program, Running to Win, which is a daily Christian inspirational program, and Songs in the Night, a Sunday evening broadcast which combines biblical messages with the Church's orginal music and hymns. These programs are available to cities and communities throughout North America which have access to Moody stations via satellite.49

      The Moody Press: This organization is one of the most prominent of MBI's associations. It is highly funded by public and private enterprises and is responsible for the publication of many books, pamphlets, journals, articles, and the Church's monthly magazine, Moody Magazine.50

      Moody Video: Moody Video, or otherwise known as Moody Institute of Science, produces films of religious and Christian nature. As one of the newest additions to the Institution, it has already been awarded over 60 awards from many distinguished motion picture associations. It strives to produce scientific, educational and photographic materials that are of the highest caliber and can convey a Christian message to its viewers. Many of its films have been judged as the best film of the year at recent international film festivals.51

      These components of the Moody Bible Institute have followed in the tradition of the energetic leadership provided by the Church's original leader and founder, Dwight L. Moody. By developing a wide range of educational and entertainment activities, MBI strives to reach a wide variety of people, and to spread the teachings of Christ to a magnitude of people. In developing literature, radio, and television mediums in reaching people, MBI's leaders have sought to keep up with the changing society, and to meet the changing needs of the American people.

      | Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |



      III. Beliefs of the Moody Church:

      The early Moody Church, as founded by Dwight L. Moody, was based on a traditional American Evangelical tradtion that was sweeping the nation in the mid to late 19th Century. American Evangelicalism most closely resembles the theological teachings of traditional Protestant Orthodoxy. It encompasses a wide variety of Christian faiths and traditions however. Borrowing from the teachings of the early Prostestants in America, traditional American Evangelicals hold the Bible to be the highest authority. They shun control of the Church through formal bodies, and emphasize voluntary Church membership, with equality among all members. Evangelicalism is also based on a missionary tradition. Converts, however, must be won voluntarily and of their own will, and not coercively.52

      The main beliefs of the existing Moody Church of today are found in the Church's "Articles of Faith." Most of the statements in the "Articles of Faith" are taken directly from scripture in the Bible. This Doctrinal Statement of beliefs contains nine different sections. All members voluntarily submit themselves to these beliefs.53

      The "Articles of Faith": A Brief Overview

      The "Articles of Faith," contain nine different sections, each corresponding to a different aspect of the Church and its teaching. The sections refer to their belief in God, Scripture, Man, Salvation, The Second Coming, The Holy Spirit, Christian Living, and Church, respectively. The articles assert that, "in subscribing to these Articles of Faith, we affirm that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are God's own written Word, given to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The knowledge of a belief of the truth as stated in our Articles of Faith we deem necessary to sound doctrine and therefore requisite for Christian fellowship."54

      The Moody Church on the Bible

      The Moody Church is Protestant in its beliefs, although 20 percent of the Church's members were raised Catholic. Although the Church itself is independent, and non-denominational, it shares in the tradition of all Christian religions that accept the Holy Bible as their primary source of authority. Members must believe that the Bible is an accurate and reliable revelation of God's direct words. Although, it is popularly believed that membes take the Bible literally, this does not mean that all members interpret every word in its exact sense. Instead, members concede that the Bible contains a variety of figures of speech that can be interpreted historically and figuratively. Church members however, must believe that the authors of the Bible did so under the direct guidance and revelation of God. Thus, the message contained in the passages of the Bible, although interpreted in many different ways, will still be clear and free from error.55

      The Moody Church on Its Role in the Community

      The Church is highly committed to helping all individuals achieve spiritual growth, and to become closer to God. Education and outreach are two of the primary ways that church members try to accomplish these goals. These means follow in the tradition of the Church's founder, D.L. Moody. The Church encourages its members to take an active role in their communities as well. Organizations to help the poor, educate those in prison, and provide emotional and spiritual comfort to those suffering from diseases such as AIDS are highly publicized and encouraged within the Church's walls. Educational initiatives are extremely organized and encouraged. MBI, the Church's sister organization provides an abundance of educational, vocational, and entertainment mediums in cities across the United States. MBI targets the youth of America especially, just a Moody originally preached to the multitude of Chicago's youth in his early religious career.56

    | Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |



    IV. Links

      Church Sites

      The Moody Church Homepage
      The Moody Church Homepage contains information on the current church located in the heart of Chicago. It also contains a brief history of the Church's founder, Dwight L. Moody and the Church itself. The main beliefs of the Church are also found on this site, as well as commonly asked questions about the church's teachings, and the current activities of the Moody Church today. Links to the Moody Bible Institute, Moody Broadcast Network, Moody Press, and the Moody Literature Ministries are also provided on this site.
      http://www.moodychurch.org

      Faith Bible Baptist Church, (F.B.B.C.) Homepage
      The Faith Bible Baptist Church is an evangelical Christian Church with similar missions and objectives to that of the Moody Church. The site contains a page about influential and famous Christians. Moody Church founder, Dwight Lyman Moody, is included on list of influential Christian leaders as one of the greatest evangelicals of his time. A thorough and useful biographical sketch of Moody's life and mission are included on this page.
      http://www.digicon.net.fbbc/Moody.htm

      Education Sites

      The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage
      This site contains the Moody Bible Institute's home page. The address provides all relevant information about the Institue, it's faculty, facilities, alumni associations, and other school-related information. In addition, a brief history of both the school and its founder, Dwight L. Moody, is provided, as well as current the current mission and objectives of the school. Links to associations tied with the Moody Bible Institute are also provided.
      http://www.moody.edu

      Northfield Mount Hermon School Homepage
      This address is the homepage for the Northfield Mount Hermon School located in Northfield, Massachusetts. It is a co-educational preparatory school. The school was founded by Dwight L. Moody. A brief history of both the school, its founder, and the legacy of Moody today is included on this site.
      http://www.nmh.northfield.ma.us/

      Other Related Sites

      Saints Alive in Jesus
      Saints Alive is a ministry web site. It is also an Apologetics group, which is evangelical in nature. It seeks to generate research and study materials and make them available to the general public. The site compares what they call, "cult groups," and compares them to already established, traditional and Orthodox Churches. Many religions are discussed and analyzed on this site. A short synopsis of the Moody Church is provided.
      http://saintsalive.com

      Christian Word Ministries Homepage
      This site includes the address for Christian Word Ministries, a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation, located in the state of Kentucky. The site contains links to sermons and sayings made by prominent Christian leaders. A sermon entitled, "Why God Used D.L. Moody," by R.A. Torrey, is included on the page.
      http://www.christianword.org/sermons/

      Wholesome Words Homepage
      The Wholesome Words Homepage is a non-denominational Christian-based organization which provides the general public with influential quotes, sermons and sayings made by famous Christian leaders. The site contains various biographical sketches and contributions of prominent Christian leaders, evangelicals, and missionaries. A short synopsis of the life, objectives, and contributions of Dwight L. Moody is included on this site.
      http://www.wholesomewords.org/

      Public Information Research Site
      This web address is the Public Information Research site. It contains links to various other sites including the Group Watch page. The files on this page were compiled by the Interhemispheric Resource Center, which researched anti-communist groups in America. IRC sent these files to PIR and others. With over 5,000 names in them, these files reveal an important aspect of U.S. history. The web site provides a description of The Moody Bible Institute and its activities. The organization suggests that both the M.B.I. and Moody himself, had anti-communist sentiments.
      http://www.pir.org/gw/mbi.txt

      | Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |


    V. Bibliography

      Chartier, Stanley N. 1969.
      The Social Views of Dwight L. Moody and their Relation to the Workingman of 1860-1900. Hays: Fort Hays Kansas State College.

      Chapman, John W. and Pennock, J. Roland. 1969.
      Voluntary Associations, New York: Atherton Press.

      Findlay, James F. 1969.
      Dwight L. Moody, American Evagelist, 1837-1889, . Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

      Frankl, Razelle. 1987.
      Televangelism: The Marketing of Popular Religion. Chicago: Southern Illinois University Press.

      Fry, A.J. 1984.
      D.L. Moody: The Chicago Years 1856-1871. Amsterdam: Free University Press.

      Gundry, Stanley N. 1976.
      Love them in: The Proclamation Theology of D.L. Moody Chicago: Moody Press.

      Mott, John R. 1944.
      The Larger Evangelism. New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press.

      Northrop, Henry Davenport. 1899.
      Life and Labors of Dwight L. Moody: The Greatest Evangelist,n.p.

      Robertson, Darrel M. 1989.
      The Chicago Revival, 1876: Society and Revivalism in a Nineteenth Century City, Metuchen, N.J.:Scarecrow Press.

    | Profile | History | Beliefs | Links | Bibliography |


    References


      1. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      2. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/dlmoody.htm
      3. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/dlmoody.htm
      4. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/churchhistory.html
      5. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/churchhistory.html
      6. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      7. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      8. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/churchhistory.html
      9. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      10. The Moody Bible Institute Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      11. Christian Biography Resources Homepage http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biomoody.html
      12. The Moody Bible Institute Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      13. Gundry, Stanley N., 33.
      14. Findlay, James F., Jr., 90.
      15. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/dlmoody.html
      16. Findlay, James F., Jr., 88.
      17. Gundry, Stanley N., 36.
      18. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/dlmoody.html
      19. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/dlmoody.html
      20. Frankl, Razelle., 28.
      21. ibid. 30.
      22. ibid. 33.
      23. ibid. 34.
      24. ibid. 41-42.
      25. ibid. 51.
      26. ibid. 52.
      27. ibid. 55.
      28. ibid. 54.
      29. ibid. 55.
      30. ibid. 50.
      31. ibid. 49-50.
      32. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      33. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org
      34. Frankl, Razelle., 43-50.
      35. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      36. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      37. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      38. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      39. Public Information Research Site http://www.pir.org/gw/mbi.txt
      40. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      41. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      42. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      43. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      44. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/churchhistory.html
      45. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      46. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      47. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      48. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      49. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      50. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      51. The Moody Bible Institute, (M.B.I.) Homepage http://www.moody.edu/about/history_inst.htm
      52. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/questions.html
      53. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/quick_doctrine.html
      54. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/quick_doctrine.html
      55. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org/church/quick_doctrine.html
      56. The Moody Church Homepage http://www.moodychurch.org

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    Created by : Shelby Trollinger
    For Soc 257: New Religious Movements
    University of Virginia
    Spring Term, 2000
    Last Updated: 05/25/00