Evangelical Right

Definition

The Evangelical Right is a political and social movement in the United States that seeks to promote and uphold conservative Christian values, often aligning with right-wing politics. This movement has played a significant role in shaping political discourse, especially regarding issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom, particularly after 1900 as advances in technology and communication facilitated the spread of its influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Evangelical Right gained significant momentum during the late 20th century, particularly after the 1970s, as it became increasingly involved in American politics.
2. Advances in technology, like television and radio, allowed the Evangelical Right to broadcast their messages widely, reaching audiences beyond traditional church settings.
3. Key figures in the Evangelical Right include Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, who played pivotal roles in organizing and mobilizing voters around conservative Christian issues.
4. This movement has been influential in various political campaigns, most notably supporting candidates who advocate for anti-abortion laws and opposing same-sex marriage.
5. The Evangelical Right has also been a driving force behind efforts to promote 'faith-based initiatives' that aim to integrate religious values into social policy and government programs.

Review Questions

• How did the advances in communication technology after 1900 contribute to the growth of the Evangelical Right?
  • Advances in communication technology, such as television and radio, played a crucial role in the growth of the Evangelical Right by allowing leaders to disseminate their messages widely. This enabled them to reach audiences far beyond their congregations and engage potential supporters across the nation. The ability to broadcast sermons, religious programming, and political rallies helped unify conservative Christian voters and mobilize them around key issues like abortion and marriage.
• Evaluate the impact of the Evangelical Right on American political policies related to social issues since the late 20th century.
  • The Evangelical Right has significantly impacted American political policies related to social issues since the late 20th century by influencing legislation on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. Their advocacy has led to increased restrictions on abortion access in several states and efforts to promote religious education in public schools. By aligning closely with Republican candidates, this movement has shaped party platforms around traditional family values and has been instrumental in mobilizing voters during elections.
• Critically analyze how the Evangelical Right's focus on conservative Christian values reflects broader societal changes and challenges faced by America in modern times.
  • The focus of the Evangelical Right on conservative Christian values reflects broader societal changes such as increasing secularization, demographic shifts, and cultural clashes over issues like gender identity and reproductive rights. As America became more diverse and progressive in its social attitudes, the Evangelical Right positioned itself as a counter-movement that seeks to preserve traditional values. This dynamic reveals deep-rooted tensions within American society, showcasing how religious beliefs intersect with political ideologies amidst rapid social change.

Related terms

Fundamentalism: A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically characterized by a literal interpretation of religious texts, often associated with evangelical movements.

Religious Right: A political coalition of right-leaning Christian groups that emerged in the late 20th century, aiming to influence public policy based on their religious beliefs.

Moral Majority: A prominent political organization founded in the late 1970s that aimed to mobilize conservative Christians to engage in politics and advocate for traditional family values.