Christian right

Christian right. The Christian right is a major political and social movement within American politics that seeks to apply Christian principles to law and public policy. Emerging as a potent force in the late 1970s, it is primarily composed of evangelical Protestants and, to a lesser extent, socially conservative Catholics. The movement has profoundly influenced the Republican Party, shaping national debates on abortion, LGBT rights, education, and foreign policy.

History and origins

The modern movement coalesced in the late 1970s in response to perceived threats from secular humanism and cultural shifts following the counterculture of the 1960s. Key catalytic events included the Internal Revenue Service's scrutiny of segregationist Christian schools, the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, and the failed Equal Rights Amendment. Pioneering organizers like Paul Weyrich, Jerry Falwell, and Phyllis Schlafly mobilized previously apolitical evangelicals, leading to the founding of groups such as the Moral Majority in 1979. This mobilization was crucial to the electoral success of Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election. Earlier roots can be traced to opposition to the Scopes Trial and the rise of fundamentalism, as well as the anti-communist activism of figures like Billy James Hargis and the John Birch Society.

Political positions and ideology

Core positions are rooted in a platform of social conservatism and traditionalist conservatism, advocating for policies it believes reflect biblical law. It strongly opposes abortion rights, supporting the appointment of judges who might overturn Roe v. Wade and endorsing measures like the Hyde Amendment. The movement champions heterosexual marriage and has opposed LGBT rights advancements, from the repeal of sodomy laws to the legalization of same-sex marriage following Obergefell v. Hodges. It promotes school prayer and public funding for private religious education through mechanisms like school vouchers, while often opposing the teaching of evolution and comprehensive sex education. In foreign policy, it has been a staunch supporter of Israel, influenced by Christian Zionism, and historically held a hardline anti-communist stance.

Influence and activism

The movement has exerted significant influence through electoral politics, voter mobilization, and shaping the Republican Party platform. Its ability to deliver large blocs of voters has made it a key constituency for candidates from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Activism extends beyond voting to include extensive lobbying in Washington, D.C., litigation through groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom, and mass media outreach via networks such as the Christian Broadcasting Network and Trinity Broadcasting Network. It has successfully pushed for judicial appointments, most notably influencing the composition of the Supreme Court of the United States, and has driven state-level legislation on issues like abortion and transgender rights.

Organizations and key figures

Major organizational pillars have included the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition of America, and Focus on the Family. Influential contemporary groups are the Family Research Council, the American Family Association, and the Alliance Defending Freedom. Prominent historical leaders were Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson. Significant political figures aligned with the movement include former officials like Mike Pence and John Ashcroft, senators such as Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, and activists like Ralph Reed and Tony Perkins. Media empires built by Pat Robertson (Christian Broadcasting Network) and James Dobson have been instrumental in disseminating its message.

Criticism and controversy

Critics, including many within mainline Protestant and progressive Christian circles, accuse the movement of promoting theocracy and undermining the constitutional separation of church and state. It has faced allegations of homophobia, anti-intellectualism, and fostering Christian nationalism. Controversies have surrounded leaders like Jimmy Swaggart and Ted Haggard over moral failings, and statements by figures such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell have been widely condemned. Some historians and theologians argue its political focus distorts core Christian teachings on poverty and social justice, while its strong alliance with the Republican Party has drawn criticism for compromising spiritual witness for political power.

Category:Christian political movements Category:Conservatism in the United States Category:Right-wing politics in the United States