The conservative movement was a response to what conservatives saw as the excesses of liberalism and the perceived threat of communism. Conservatism championed conservative principles such as limited government, free markets, and traditional values.
Carl McIntire was “an activist, a preacher, and, most importantly, a highly charged symbol of the conflict in the 1960s and ’70s between old-time religion (and politics) and the forces of modernity”. He played a significant role in the formation of the Christian Right. As a radio broadcaster and pastor, he used his platform to promote conservative Christian values and political views. He founded the American Council of Christian Churches, a key organization in the rise of the Christian Right. McIntire also supported political candidates who shared his beliefs and encouraged his followers to do the same. His influence helped shape the movement and laid the groundwork for its continued growth in the following decades. He also strongly supported Senator Joseph McCarthy and his anti-communist campaign. McIntire’s radio program, The Twentieth Century Reformation Hour, reached millions of listeners and helped spread his conservative views. Overall, McIntire played a significant role in promoting conservative values and beliefs during his time.
The relationship between neo-evangelicalism and conservatism is one of the shared values and a common goal, both a commitment to traditional values and a conservative worldview. Neo-evangelicalism rejects the fundamentalist approach of strict separation from the world and instead seeks to engage with it in a way that is both faithful to scripture and relevant to the modern context. This movement has had a significant impact on American Christianity and continues to shape the beliefs and practices of many churches today. Neo-evangelicalism played a crucial role in the rise of the conservative consensus in U.S. politics. Its emphasis on individualism, traditional values, and free-market economics aligned with the conservative movement’s agenda. Additionally, neo-evangelical leaders such as Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell mobilized their large followers to support conservative candidates and causes. This alliance between neo-evangelicals and conservatives helped shape the political landscape of the United States in the latter half of the 20th century.
Will Wright 