Christian right

Jerry Falwell portrait

Christian Right refers to a coalition of Christian political factions that are characterized by their strong advocacy of socially conservative policies. Christian right groups are predominantly found in the United States, where they exert significant influence on the Republican Party, but similar movements exist globally, particularly in Canada, parts of Europe, and Latin America. The movement is closely associated with evangelical Christianity, though it also includes parts of the Roman Catholic Church and other Protestant denominations.

Beliefs and Objectives

The core beliefs of the Christian Right center around a conservative interpretation of Christian teachings and the Bible. Key issues for the movement include opposition to abortion, opposition to same-sex marriage and other LGBT rights, support for school prayer and the teaching of creationism or intelligent design in public schools, and advocating for laws that reflect their interpretation of Christian morality. Economic policies are not uniformly agreed upon within the movement, though there is a general trend towards supporting free-market principles.

History

The rise of the Christian Right in the United States can be traced back to the 1970s, with the formation of groups like the Moral Majority founded by Jerry Falwell. The movement gained political momentum in the 1980s with the election of Ronald Reagan, who, despite not being a fundamentalist Christian, aligned himself with Christian conservative values and sought the support of the Christian Right. Since then, the Christian Right has played a pivotal role in American politics, influencing the selection of Supreme Court justices, shaping social policy, and affecting the outcome of elections.

Criticism and Controversy

The Christian Right has been a subject of criticism and controversy, both within and outside the Christian community. Critics argue that the movement's efforts to impose its values on public policy infringe on the separation of church and state and discriminate against those who do not share their beliefs. There is also debate within the Christian community about the interpretation of Christian teachings and the appropriateness of political activism in achieving religious goals.

Global Perspective

While the Christian Right is most prominent in the United States, similar movements have emerged in other parts of the world, adapting their goals to their specific cultural and political contexts. In Latin America, for example, Christian Right groups have focused on issues like abortion and the influence of liberation theology. In Europe, Christian conservative movements have often centered around issues of immigration and national identity, in addition to traditional social issues.

Influence on Politics

The Christian Right has had a significant impact on American politics, particularly within the Republican Party. It has been successful in mobilizing voters, influencing policy decisions, and shaping the national debate on key issues. The movement's influence is evident in the strong stance against abortion and LGBT rights adopted by many Republican politicians, as well as in the party's platform and policy priorities.

See Also

• Religious Right
• Social conservatism
• Evangelicalism
• Culture wars