Moral Majority

Moral Majority
Liberty University · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Moral Majority
Formation	1979
Founder	Jerry Falwell
Dissolution	1989
Location	Lynchburg, Virginia
Key people	Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Phyllis Schlafly

Moral Majority was a prominent Christian right organization in the United States during the 1980s, founded by Jerry Falwell and other evangelical leaders, including Pat Robertson and Phyllis Schlafly. The organization played a significant role in shaping the Republican Party's platform and agenda, particularly during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Moral Majority's influence extended to various aspects of American society, including politics, media, and culture, with notable interactions with figures like Billy Graham, Jimmy Carter, and Nelson Mandela. The organization's activities and ideology were closely tied to other prominent Christian conservative groups, such as Focus on the Family and the Christian Coalition of America.

● History

The Moral Majority was formed in 1979, amidst a growing sense of social conservatism and evangelical Christianity in the United States. This movement was influenced by events like the Scopes trial and the Roe v. Wade decision, which sparked debates about separation of church and state and abortion rights. Key figures like Francis Schaeffer and Hal Lindsey contributed to the intellectual and theological underpinnings of the Moral Majority, while televangelists like Jim Bakker and Oral Roberts helped spread its message through Christian television networks. The organization's history is also closely tied to the Cold War and the Reagan Doctrine, with Moral Majority leaders often expressing support for anti-communist movements and democracy promotion efforts, such as those led by Lech Walesa and Vaclav Havel.

● Founding and Leadership

The Moral Majority was founded by Jerry Falwell, a prominent Baptist pastor and televangelist, who served as the organization's chairman. Other key leaders included Pat Robertson, Phyllis Schlafly, and Tim LaHaye, who played important roles in shaping the organization's ideology and agenda. The Moral Majority's leadership was closely tied to other prominent Christian conservative organizations, such as the American Conservative Union and the National Rifle Association, with which they shared common goals and interests, including gun rights and tax reform. Notable politicians like Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Jesse Helms also interacted with Moral Majority leaders, often seeking their support and endorsement.

● Ideology and Goals

The Moral Majority's ideology was rooted in Christian fundamentalism and social conservatism, with a strong emphasis on traditional values and moral absolutism. The organization's goals included promoting pro-life policies, opposing gay rights and feminism, and advocating for school prayer and creationism. Moral Majority leaders often cited the Bible and the United States Constitution as the basis for their beliefs, and they sought to influence public policy and culture through various means, including lobbying, protest, and media outreach. The organization's ideology was also influenced by the New Right movement, which emphasized limited government and free market economics, as well as the neoconservative movement, which stressed the importance of American exceptionalism and military strength.

● Activities and Impact

The Moral Majority was active in various areas, including politics, media, and grassroots organizing. The organization played a significant role in the 1980 presidential election, supporting Ronald Reagan's candidacy and helping to mobilize evangelical voters. Moral Majority leaders also engaged in high-profile protests and boycotts, such as the pro-life movement's opposition to abortion and the anti-pornography movement's campaign against obscenity. The organization's activities had a significant impact on American society, contributing to the Christian right's growing influence and shaping the Republican Party's platform and agenda. Notable events like the 1980 Republican National Convention and the 1984 Democratic National Convention featured interactions between Moral Majority leaders and prominent politicians, including Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.

● Criticism and Controversy

The Moral Majority faced criticism and controversy throughout its existence, with many liberal and progressive groups opposing its ideology and activities. Critics like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Noam Chomsky accused the organization of promoting intolerance, bigotry, and sexism, while others, such as People for the American Way and the American Civil Liberties Union, challenged the Moral Majority's efforts to influence public policy and education. The organization's leaders were also criticized for their involvement in scandals and controversies, such as the PTL Club scandal and the Iran-Contra affair. Notable figures like Jimmy Carter, Walter Cronkite, and Ted Kennedy expressed concerns about the Moral Majority's influence and ideology.

● Legacy and Decline

The Moral Majority's legacy is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative assessments of its impact on American society. While the organization played a significant role in shaping the Christian right and influencing public policy, its ideology and activities were also widely criticized and opposed. The Moral Majority's decline began in the late 1980s, as the organization faced internal conflicts and external challenges, including the PTL Club scandal and the end of the Cold War. The organization officially disbanded in 1989, but its legacy continues to shape American politics and culture, with many of its leaders and ideologies continuing to influence conservative and evangelical movements, including the Tea Party movement and the alt-right. Notable figures like Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and Ted Cruz have been influenced by the Moral Majority's ideology, while others, such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have criticized its legacy and impact. Category:Christian conservative organizations