Bible Fanatics Sway Polls (Press, 10 September 1980)

On 10 September 1980, a report from NZPA in Washington highlighted the growing influence of evangelical groups in the United States amid the presidential election campaign. These well-organised activists, known for their Bible-toting and quoting, are striving to "return America to God" and are seen as a significant force that could impact the election's outcome. Political analysts noted that an estimated 21 million American voters identify as "born-again Christians," a demographic that the leading presidential candidates—Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Independent John Anderson—are keen to connect with, despite disassociating from the more extreme elements of the movement. The evangelicals have already demonstrated their political power by successfully defeating several congressional candidates in primary elections who they deemed too liberal, including former US Ambassador to New Zealand Armistead Selden. The "new Christian Right" is firmly against issues such as abortion, gay rights, sex education, drugs, pornography, détente, and defence cuts, aiming to reinstate traditional Christian values in American governance. Critics of the movement likened it to the John Birch Society, a far-right group cloaked in religious rhetoric. According to a Gallup poll, roughly one in five American adults identifies as an evangelical Christian, with a notable concentration in the South, often referred to as the Bible Belt. The evangelical movement played a crucial role in electing Jimmy Carter, a Baptist, in 1976. However, tensions have arisen as many among the evangelical community believe Carter has betrayed their values, accusing him of being lenient on social issues like abortion and rights for women and homosexuals. They also criticise him for not opposing a Supreme Court decision that banned compulsory school prayers. Prominent figures leading the evangelical political movement include television evangelists such as Reverend Jerry Falwell, James Robison, and Pat Robertson, whose shows attract an audience of around 50 million weekly. Although they claim to remain non-partisan, their ideologies align more closely with those of Ronald Reagan. Organisations like Christians for Reagan have emerged, with Moral Majority and Christian Voice engaging in voter registration and supporting evangelical candidates across various political levels. The campaigns spearheaded by these evangelical groups are extensive, employing large numbers of volunteers to reach out to voters directly, often outpacing traditional political party efforts. However, some critics have accused these groups of using un-Christian tactics, including distortion and falsification, to achieve their goals. Despite concerns about a potential takeover of American politics, Jerry Falwell has dismissed such claims, asserting that they aim to influence rather than control, stating, “We’re not religious fanatics who have mounted a Khomeiny-type religious crusade to take over the government.”

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