Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics

What the Religious Right Got Wrong: Evangelicalism (1945 - 1960)

Oct 20, 2021

Exploring the evolution of evangelical beliefs and identities, from theological concepts to political labels. Historical implications of the Supreme Court ruling on state-led prayers in public schools. The intertwining of anti-communism and religious beliefs in the Cold War era. President Eisenhower's partnership with Billy Graham and the rise of 'God and country' sentiment. Legal battles and societal tensions surrounding prayer and Bible reading in public schools.

48:51

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Quick takeaways

Evangelicalism in the 1950s blended anti-communism with Christian values, led by influential figures like Billy Graham, contributing to a cultural shift towards America as a Christian nation.

The 1962 Supreme Court ruling against state-led prayer in public schools sparked intense reactions, seen as 'banning' God from the US despite the prayer being innocuous.

The 1963 Supreme Court decision against a Pennsylvania law mandating Bible readings in schools escalated religious tensions, laying the groundwork for the emergence of the religious right.

Deep dives

The Rise of Religious Influence

In the 1950s, America experienced a rise in the merging of God, country, and civic religion. This was fueled by influential figures like Billy Graham, who combined anti-communism with Christian values. President Eisenhower emphasized spiritual renewal and prayer in his administration, leading to a cultural shift towards America being seen as a Christian nation.

Introduction

2min

Navigating the Evolving Perceptions of Evangelicalism

17min

Evangelicals and the Pro-Life Movement Post-Roe vs. Wade

15min

The Ideological Clash: God vs. Godlessness in the Cold War Era

2min

Eisenhower's Spiritual Leadership and America's Christian Revival

6min

Evolution of State-Led Prayer in Public Schools Leading to Legal Challenge

2min

The Ingal versus Vital Case

3min

Tensions Rise over Prayer and Bible Reading in Public Schools: Anticipation of Societal Shifts

2min

This week's episode is the first of a three-part series about the rise of the religious right. Today, we focus on Evangelicalism as we go through history to discuss what it means to be evangelical and why it can be both theological and political. We then dive right into what led evangelical Christians to become political and the effect of the Supreme Court ruling that stated it's unconstitutional to have state-led prayers in public schools. Listen now!

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Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics

What the Religious Right Got Wrong: Evangelicalism (1945 - 1960)