The Alignment of Christianity with the Republican Party in the United States

The question of how Christianity became aligned with the Republican party in the United States is a complex one that has its roots in a combination of historical events, political strategies, and social psychology. This alignment is not as straightforward or long-standing as one might think, and its origins can be traced back to specific points in time and strategic political maneuvers.

Historical Context and Initial Alignments

The roots of the current alignment between Christianity and the Republican Party can be found in the early to mid-20th century. During this period, the Democratic Party embraced and was influenced by communist ideas, which were particularly strong in the early 1920s. Although the Democratic Party was not as liberal as it is today, the Great Depression turned the party into a dominant force in U.S. politics for the next five decades. This shift did not go unnoticed, and communist influence led Hollywood, for example, to embrace atheism and anti-religious sentiments, driving many religious individuals away from the Democratic ranks.

The Role of Political Strategy and Social Psychology

However, the real catalyst for the alignment between Christianity and the Republican Party was not direct ideological influence, but a strategic political move. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Republican Party faced significant political challenges, notably the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon's resignation. During this time, liberal Democrats were influential in American politics. In an attempt to reclaim their standing, the Republican Party sought to court and align with conservative Christians, particularly evangelical Christians, as part of a broader strategy to regain power.

This strategy was based on the insights from social psychologist Theodor Adorno's research during World War II. Adorno identified a profile of authoritarian followers, and it turned out that many evangelical Christians fit this profile. The goal was to bolster the Republican Party by adding conservative Christians to its ranks, a move that was facilitated by promising that abortion would be made illegal. This strategy led to the famous scene at the Republican National Convention in 1980 where President Ronald Reagan and Jerry Falwell, a prominent evangelical leader, appeared together, solidifying this alliance.

Key Players and Literature

The strategic alignment between Christianity and the Republican Party is well-documented in John Dean's book, "Conservatives Without Consciousness." Dean's work expands on the political strategies and social psychological insights that led to this alignment. Additionally, his work contrasts with the philosophies presented in Barry Goldwater's book, "The Conscience of a Conservative," which advocated for a non-interventionist approach to politics.

Beyond Dean's work, the insights of Robert Altemeyer, a Canadian professor of social psychology, have also contributed to our understanding of this phenomenon. Altemeyer's research further supports the idea that authoritarian followers, such as many evangelical Christians, were courted by the Republican Party to fill a strategic need in the party's political positioning.

Complexity and Diversity

It is important to note that the alignment of Christianity with the Republican Party is not absolute or universal. Just as not all brown-haired people are Republicans, not all Christians are Republicans. The political leanings of religious individuals in the United States are diverse and complex, with many factors influencing their political choices beyond their religious affiliations.

The historical context, strategic political maneuvers, and social psychological insights all play a role in understanding the alignment of Christianity with the Republican Party. However, it is crucial to recognize the diversity and complexity of political beliefs and affiliations within the Christian community and beyond.

For a deeper understanding, readers might want to consult John Dean's book, "Conservatives Without Consciousness," as well as Robert Altemeyer's work on social psychology and the insights provided in Whitaker Chambers' book, "Witness."