Faithful Politics
Dr. Robert P. Jones on What White Christians Have Wrought in American Politics
Dec 14, 2024
Robert P. Jones, president of the Public Religion Research Institute and a leading scholar on religion and politics, discusses the profound impact of white Christian nationalism on American democracy. He highlights how white Christians shifted allegiances from the Democratic to Republican Party and their overwhelming support for Trump. The conversation delves into the historical roots of these political dynamics, revealing how faith intertwines with racial identity and voting patterns, and stresses the need for greater moral accountability in the Christian community.
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Quick takeaways
- The emergence of the Christian right was driven by a defensive reaction against federal intervention in racist policies during the civil rights era.
- White Christian support has remained steadfast for candidates like Trump, revealing a deep-rooted political allegiance that shapes contemporary American politics.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Christian Right Movement
The Christian right movement emerged not primarily due to issues like abortion or LGBTQ rights, but rather in response to the federal government intervening in the racist policies of Bob Jones University during the civil rights movement. This conflict ignited Jerry Falwell's involvement in politics, leading to a strong opposition against the Carter administration, which championed civil rights. By choosing to align more closely with Reagan, evangelical leaders effectively shifted the political landscape in the U.S. This realignment marked a significant moment where white evangelicals began to prioritize their political affiliations over traditional Christian values, perpetuating systemic racism.
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