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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Squandering A Legacy, And Building One: How Robert H. Schuller Lost The Crystal Cathedral, And How The Catholic Church Captured It., Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr, Terri Manley
Squandering A Legacy, And Building One: How Robert H. Schuller Lost The Crystal Cathedral, And How The Catholic Church Captured It., Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr, Terri Manley
Douglas J. Swanson, Ed.D APR
This case study shows how a failure to follow accepted strategies for organizational crisis management preceded and contributed to the demise of Robert H. Schuller’s Christian ministry and the loss of its iconic church, the Crystal Cathedral. The case study illustrates how the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which had already engaged in strategic planning for a new house of worship, was able to take advantage of Rev. Schuller’s situation and acquire his ministry’s property for a fraction of its value. Data gathered through a narrative analysis of news media stories and interviews shows the clear superiority of the Catholic …
‘Where All Things Are Pure And Of Good Report’: The Doctrinal Theology, Religious Practice, And Media Manipulation Of The Christian Science Church, Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr
‘Where All Things Are Pure And Of Good Report’: The Doctrinal Theology, Religious Practice, And Media Manipulation Of The Christian Science Church, Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr
Douglas J. Swanson, Ed.D APR
The Church of Christ, Scientist is 21st century religious movement that is facing considerable challenges to its existence on many fronts. The church is bound to an unalterable religious theology and intractable management structure established by Mary Baker Eddy, its 19th century founder. For more than a century, the church has followed Mrs. Eddy’s example and successfully manipulated the media to control dissemination of information. Recent financial crisis and legal dissent has generated unprecedented dissent, both inside and outside Christian Science. This research looks at how church leadership struggles to address 21st century problems with its 19th century frameworks.