Pastor Jerry Falwell was instrumental in the formation of the Christian Right as he connected social conservative Christians to economic conservatives. As political scientist, Corwin Smidt, was quoted in Williams’s article, the economic conservatives often ignored social issues that the Christians and the Moral Majority were focused on (125). Jerry Falwell was a Baptist pastor in the Sunbelt states. Growing up during the post-WWII, the Cold War, and the defense economy eras, he advocated for a moral regulation aligned with conservatives’ beliefs (128). Additionally, Falwell was more than just a pastor; he was an entrepreneur and businessman within his church. He strove for the creation of a Megachurch, created what is now Liberty University, and more. Through radio programs and television shows, Falwell reached broader audiences (130). To his audience, he preached numerous things that connected politics to faith.
After reading the article, I felt as though Falwell changed his political commitments over time to fit what would serve him best at the moment. During the 60s, he preached fundamentalist beliefs and was committed to segregation. But, by the 70s, he distanced himself from segregation in order to better align with the local republican business leaders (133). And, by the 80s, he was openly expressing regret over his past racism. From there, he began recruiting Black Americans into his church and admitting Black students into his schools (134). To me, this was not personal growth, but rather a business one. To expand his church (business) and gain broader support, he changed what he preached. As Williams put it, he was relentless in his enterprise and sought its continued growth (135). He saw suburban America in Sunbelt states as a way to grow this enterprise, and so he began embracing more of their political ideology, such as a conservative economic stance (136).
In his embrace of the Sunbelt suburbanites, the overt racism of the past turned into critiques of the welfare state, and he held the belief that the church, rather than the government, should act as a welfare program. Thus, Republicans’ calls for tax cuts resonated with his opinions, as large amounts of tax money went to welfare programs. He additionally abhored the federal regulation of business as it impeded the private sector (137). Falwell also connected with republicans on defense spending. He helped blend ideas of faith and patriotism with conservative politics. He connected his Moral Majority with economic conservatives and helped form this Christian Right, which is still seen today in politics (138). Through his shift from Southern Democrats to pro-business Republicans, he continued to focus on social issues, speaking out against abortion and gay marriage (140). Thus, through Falwell’s preaching, a connection between conservative Christians and the Republican Party was solidified by the 1980s.
Will Wright 
Hi Emma,
I enjoyed reading your blog post! In particular, I appreciate your argument that Falwell’s shifting political commitments was not a personal decision, but pure calculation rooted in business and self-interest. The article highlighted the day-to-day functions of Falwell’s mega-churches; not only did they preach the gospel, but workshops were hosted on how to run television ministries, a training session on IBM computer skills, a class on church mailings, and one on how to be an effective church business manager. When I think of attending church, I do not envision attending training workshops rooted in capitalist principles. If anything, I feel like this runs counter to that age-old question of “what would Jesus do?” Really great breakdown of the article!
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