The Moral Majority Movement Analysis

The 1960s was a liberal time period in America characterized by open beliefs. Following the development of new inventions and changing sentiments after World War 2, American popular culture supported a more leisurely pace in life and acceptance and integration of all people into society. Women, blacks, scientists and homosexuals viewed this period as an opportunity to gain personal rights. While women rallied for such rights as abortion, blacks gained social victories, such as the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Contrary to many religious beliefs like Christianity, scientists sought to introduce the concept of evolution to schools, and homosexuals wanted to assert their equal rights as an American. In retaliation to these changes,
Falwell was staunchly pro-American and utilized his political power to recruit potential members. While Conservative Evangelical Christians were the chief supporters of the sentiments expressed by this organization, and therefore composed of most of its members, Falwell “invited all "morally conservative" Americans who believed in its tenets, including orthodox Jews, and Mormons to join in its political battles” (Right Web, 2). Being a non-profit organization, the Moral Majority leaders relied on mail donations as a funding source. They prospered whilst utilizing this system for multiple years, and “In 1984, Moral Majority raised $11.1 million dollars thorough the mail”(Albright, 2). Well-organized campaigns contributed to the generous amount of donations the organization received. Advertisers tailored monthly reports discussing news updates to millions of supporters, urging recipients to make small donations, which quickly added up. The Moral Majority Movement sparked interest and support across the United States upon its emergence in
In efforts to reform society into traditional policies, the Moral Majority “…addressed a broad range of issues. The group opposed abortion, equal rights for homosexuals, sex education in the schools, pornography, and the Equal Rights Amendment”(Right Web, 2). Based upon their literal interpretation of the Bible, these conservative Christians believed God hoped to condemn any of these new policies, and that it was their duty return the nation to its original theories. Since they worried society was morphing uncontrollably, members of the movement constantly read the bible , and encouraged peers that it “should be read literally whenever possible and that believers should lead their lives according to the moral precepts it contains, especially the Ten Commandments”(Britannica, 2). Most members and organizers argued that sex education and evolution should not be taught in school, and rallied to promote in-school prayer as a replacement. The Moral Majority Movement did not consider the opinions of opposing beliefs, maintaining that it must regenerate the nation into a society supported by stern Christian