Evangelical Christianity and conservative politics are today seen as inseparable. But when Jimmy Carter; a Democrat and a born-again Christian; won the presidency in 1976; he owed his victory in part to American evangelicals; who responded to his open religiosity and his rejection of the moral bankruptcy of the Nixon Administration. Carter; running as a representative of the New South; articulated a progressive strand of American Christianity that championed liberal ideals; racial equality; and social justice—one that has almost been forgotten since. In Redeemer; acclaimed religious historian Randall Balmer reveals how the rise and fall of Jimmy Carter's political fortunes mirrored the transformation of American religious politics. From his beginnings as a humble peanut farmer to the galvanizing politician who rode a reenergized religious movement into the White House; Carter's life and career mark him as the last great figure in America's long and venerable history of progressive evangelicalism. Although he stumbled early in his career—courting segregationists during his second campaign for Georgia governor—Carter's run for president marked a return to the progressive principles of his faith and helped reenergize the evangelical movement. Responding to his message of racial justice; women's rights; and concern for the plight of the poor; evangelicals across the country helped propel Carter to office. Yet four years later; those very same voters abandoned him for Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party. Carter's defeat signaled the eclipse of progressive evangelicalism and the rise of the Religious Right; which popularized a dramatically different understanding of the faith; one rooted in nationalism; individualism; and free-market capitalism.An illuminating biography of our 39th president; Redeemer presents Jimmy Carter as the last great standard-bearer of an important strand of American Christianity; and provides an original and riveting account of the moments that transformed our political landscape in the 1970s and 1980s.
#217645 in Books May; Elaine Tyler 2008-09-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.15 x .84 x 6.21l; .89 #File Name: 0465010202320 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Maybe Home Bound?By parallelOther reviewers complained that this wasn't history. If by that they meant it wasn't the nostalgia-soaked 1950s as Leave It To Beaver and Happy Days; they're right. It is; however; a well-researched and cogently presented window into the hidden marriage life of the time. This is a difficult view to find but Dr. May is able to mine the data and arrive at a more well-developed and complex vision of family life of the 50s. In effect; she shows how the dream of security; a husband and children were presented as the prize to be won; but once won often created a sense of loss that even the women that lived it had a hard time understanding. She is equally able in presenting the conflict and confusion men experienced. Particularly interesting was how she was able to compare views of individual husbands and wives using a 300 person anonymous study.The only complaint I had was the clunky last chapter which had virtually nothing to do with the topic and instead was a polemic on 9/11. Fortunately; it was short and didn't wash out the positive experience of the other 90% of the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent snapshots of American Life; esp from the 40's thru thre 70'sBy BeavisOriginal book written prior to 9/11 (2001). This is basically the same book with the addition of another chapter covering the 9/11 events and bringing the book more up yo date and is considered the 20th Anniversary issue. Book was well researched with Appendix as well as detailed NOTES section - I would highly recommend reading this bok for those who want a look behind the scenes of American Life; in detail; especially covering from WWII thru the 70's - eye opener. A lot a stats; lot of research; lot of analysis and well told (not boring!).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I feel like I already knew all this.By The Sassy CountessSo; apparently if I have seen something; then I still have to cite it from this era. Weird; because I saw all of this on television and read it in the magazines. If you have lived through this era; or even born in this era (like me); don't waste your money if you don't have to. However; if you don't know anything about this era; then this is the book for you.
