Judging from the popularity of Pat Robertson, Tim LaHaye, James Dobson, and Jerry Falwell it seems that in the United States being a "true" Christian is associated with being a social conservative and a Republican. When did this happen? Why did this happen? What does Christianity have to do with tax cuts, abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty and other social issues held dear by social conservatives?
2007-03-21 23:26:45 · 17 answers · asked by Cacaoatl 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Christians are people who follow without thought. The conservatives have learned how to lead them.
2007-03-21 23:30:15 · answer #1 · answered by I_am_me___ 3 · 2⤊ 6⤋
The socially conservative, pro Vietnam war, anti hippie movement was called the "silent majority in the late 1960's. The coining of the term "moral majority" by Jerry Falwell in 1979 tied Christian evangelicals to the social and political backlash that began 10 years earlier.
There was a concerted program to turn the formerly politically apathetic evangelicals into loyal Republicans. The Republican party could not represent the economic interests of these people, but it could pretend to represent their social and religious concerns about abortion, gay marriage, capital punishment, etc. Kevin Phillips wrote a great insider book which basically explains it all!
http://www.americantheocracy.net/
2007-03-22 06:36:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Republican Party has come to embrace the prophets of the GOP, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson and others. Look at the GOP candidates for president all seeking to have an audience with the prophets.
Newt confesses his actions of adultery during impeachment of Clinton. Falwell gives forgiveness and invites Newt to speak at graduation.
2007-03-22 08:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It happened gradually. As liberalism has begun to morph into all out socialism all religion is being ridiculed. You see, in a socialist system there can be no religion. The government has to be omnipotent. Religion is dangerous to socialism because it places God above the government.
In America, morality was always defined as being honest, caring, modest, etc. Now you are being taught morality is recycling aluminum cans. Before immoral was to be sexually promiscuous now it is wearing fur coat. This bastardization of the language of morality is necessary in socialism. You see, socialism is all about what is best for the State. Not about what is best for the individual. That is why they support euthanization of the elderly and the handicapped. Such people are a drag on the system. People who speak out are summarily arrested and exiled or executed.
All of these changes are part of an overall socialist strategy to eventually take over America. It started after the 1960's and continues today. Since that time in schools, American History is receives only cursory review with emphasis on the negative parts, Civics is not even taught at all nor for the most part is Geography. Only by dumbing down the average American and filling them with propaganda like how the rich are stealing from the poor, how capitalism is evil, how everyone deserves free this or free that, how the government is supposed to provide these services etc.
This is why you hear such hatred from the young people who are embracing the liberal philosophy. They are being taught that it is ok to be intolerant to anyone who does not agree with the liberal mind set.
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2007-03-22 07:29:36 · answer #4 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Social conservatism is more in tune with the Christian scriptures on things like abortion( women do not own their own bodies; they were bought at a price), homosexuality which was punishable by death in Leviticus. The Republicans usually get their vote because the Democratic party goes out of their way to embrace abortion rights activists, gays, and other fringe groups. Tax cuts help everyone and have been used by both Democrats and Republicans to stimulate the economy. I don't know anyone who wants their taxes to go up In fact, most of my family members are Christians and Democrats. I am Christian and independent but did vote for Reagan in 1984.
2007-03-22 06:58:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not all Republicans are Christian and not all Christians are Republicans or even conservatives for that matter.
I do think we tend to identify more with the Conservatives because of causes like abortion and gay marriage. Those issues are diametrically opposed to our beliefs.
There are liberal Christians who believe that these causes are not necessary for the religious people to speak out against because God will deal with them.
I can see both sides of that.
2007-03-22 06:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You've got that backwards. These days, being Republican has become synonymous with being a Christian. This is a sweeping generalization, of course, and not at all accurate. But it is being propogated by the numbers of Republicans who use the bible as their guideposts with respect to issues concerning abortion and gay rights.
2007-03-22 07:57:31 · answer #7 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I must've missed something you saw? Separation of Church and State? remember.
Besides, the United States is founded on religious freedom,isn't it? So, some Christians are Republicans and some aren't. Where I live ALLLLLL the Christians are democrats. Lots of Southern Baptists types are VERY conservative anyway and have been living very stoic lives regardless of political affiliation. So what are really asking? What is a 'social' conservative, anyway?
2007-03-22 06:54:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Christianity has EVERYTHING to do with ending Abortion, the Sanctity of a Family consisting of a Marriage between one Man, and one Woman, Consequences for Crime, and reducing the Tax Burden on People. Caring about and Protecting the Innocent, and Defenseless is what Jesus Christ Taught, and what the Demon Craps don't want to do !
2007-03-22 06:41:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because liberals are comfortable with separation of church and state, and have not, up to now, been willing to make use of religion for political purposes.
Liberals are challenging the religious-right for leadership of the evangelical in the news this week - pointing out that concern for the poor and care of the environment are more central Christian concerns than legislating morality through the government.
2007-03-22 07:27:17 · answer #10 · answered by oohhbother 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't, in my opinion. Being a Christian is about having a relationship with your personal savior, Jesus Christ.
Those things are just stereotypical christian.
2007-03-22 06:30:39 · answer #11 · answered by Josh H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋