Impact of Evangelism on the U.S. Politics - Research Paper Example

? Impact of Evangelism on the U.S. Politics Inserts His/Her Inserts Grade Inserts 17th November 2011 Introduction Evangelism refers to the act of spreading information about a particular set of beliefs to people who do not subscribe to them. From the initial English settlement in America to the Declaration of Independence, Christian beliefs have played a very significant role in American politics. America became the new world in which the protestant reformation was to be completed and Christianity would build a new world order. The relationship between the church and the state has always been a tumultuous one and this relationship was carried on into the New World. Whilst evangelism is concerned with spreading the “good news” and proper ideals congruent to the Christian religion, its influence to American politics has been a positive one in which religion has long defended the values and norms of American democracy. Evangelism is a term mainly used by Protestants. Since Protestantism reigned at America’s founding, its impact on the politics of the nation is immense. When America was still young, Presbyterians, New England Congregationalist and Anglicans held a predominant position in the young’s country religion, social and political affairs. However, over time, the Methodist Episcopal Church grew at a very fast rate introducing new ideas and new methods in spreading the gospel. Methodism in the country embraced competition, pluralism and marketing of religion in every sphere of life (Cromartie 4). Evangelism was adopted by Methodist and soon different religions adopted this mode of preaching in order to survive in the new competitive religious environment. American Culture-Secular and religious Ever since the English settlement, Americans have always considered themselves as part of the great stream of salvation (Lambert 17). In the New World, the settlers were totally engrossed in their mission to complete the protestant reformation. The early experiences and victories of European settlers in America extended and strengthened the idea of Americans as God’s chosen people. The Protestants who settled in British North America were very diverse. People all over Europe sailed to America to escape the Catholic persecution in the 17th century. Dissenters from England, Lutherans and Calvinist from the Rhineland and Switzerland, Quakers and Anabaptists from different corners of Eastern Europe all flooded America for a better future (Lambert 18). North America turned to become a home and a refuge for individuals who covered the full spectrum of Protestantism. When the Puritans arrived, the new world was not only a refuge where they could practice their religion freely, they also considered in the Promised Land in which they could build a new covenant undisturbed by the corruption in the old world (Fowler 3). They named their mission “an errand in the wilderness” and considered it as divined by God. Americans have long carried out the puritan legacies by performing special missions and destinies. When the protestants arrived in the country, they embarked on setting up a different system of government and religion than that they had lived through. Due to previous dealings with the Roman Catholic Church, the new settlers craved religious freedom and a differentiation between church and state (Lambert 21). The Declaration of Independence in 1776 drafted by Thomas Jefferson was highly influenced by both the Protestant religion and from the Enlightenment (Lambert 23). Jefferson proclaimed that the country was forged by free individuals who were possessed several rights conferred to them by the creator. By acknowledging this, America foundation was thus based on religious freedom and politics in the country would be thus closely interlinked with religion. Although religion was quite important to the country, several important issues were raised by the evangelical movement. The first issue was the role that religion should play within American public life (Thiemann 2). The separation between church and state was also an important issue that had to be resolved. Religious confrontation also arose with various religious groups questioning the presence of prayers in the Supreme Court and Congress but not in other public bodies such as schools. This issues portrays the extent religion had infiltrated American life and how politics was being changed from within. The Politics of Evangelism In America, evangelism started with the puritans. Although the Puritans, did not use the word evangelism, there methods and techniques definitely defines them as evangelists (Guetin 13). When the Puritans arrived in the New World, they endeavored to spread the good word and civilize the natives. Evangelism has had several impacts on the politics of the country. Though some of the impacts may be negative, the majority of the influences evangelism has had on the politics of the country have shaped America for what it is today, differentiating it from all the rest. The first main impact Evangelism had on the politics of the country was to establish self-governance. When the Puritans arrived in the New World, they rejected the old doctrine that held that kings had divine rights to rule (Fowler 4). According to the Puritans, political leaders did not gain the right to rule from God. They thus articulated the covenant theology that rejected this doctrine. They preferred a form of government based on America’s covenant with God. Their churches were self governed and autonomous and this doctrine was inducted into the early American society (Fowler 4). The Puritan idea of democracy highly differed from what it is considered today. Only a special group of church elders was allowed to participate in the parish elections. The only way that people could be accepted into the church was to convince the leaders of the church that they were fated for salvation. Although the colonies were highly theocratic, they cultivated a mode of self-governance from the onset. When England and its churches continued to assert their authority over the colonies, they met resistance as the puritan colonies had already governed themselves for over a hundred years and as such fought for their independence and the independence of the country (Guetin 42). The Puritans believed that humans were predestined to be attracted to sin. This belief also shaped American politics as it led to the fear of a concentrated government (Fowler 5). They cultivated the belief that if political leaders were attracted to sin as their subjects, then safety measures against abuse had to be incorporated into the system. So scholars have thus identified proof that this Puritan doctrine had residual cultural influence in Madison’s apprehension about checking and diffusing power in the constitution of the country. According to Fowler (6), a deep-sited recognition of sin thus forged the practice of popular democracy in the country. The Puritans also forged the country’s belief to control individual sin so that the community can succeed. The American society adopted the Puritan belief that freedom did not mean a right to act as one pleases but rather to act in a manner that is right and good. This led to the fashioning of morally intrusive laws that were meant to deliver man from slavery to sin (Adeney 46). Puritanism also gave America a large amount of moral zeal that usually did not accept that shades of gray are necessary in a political system. It has been noted that American politic sometimes begs for an infusion of religious conviction (Fowler 4). The American religion evangelical dimension stems from both puritan heritage and religious freedom that the country boasts. Major churches across the country have been forced to adopt evangelical strategies to survive in America’s religious field (Wesley and Laceye 61). Since evangelical Protestantism has been actively trying to gain more converts, it has become the model of religious growth in the country. The close relationship between culture and politics often results in political fallout. Evangelism was a big player in motivating fighters during the American civil war. Religious revivals in the North led to the growth of antislavery movements that ultimately led to the revolution against slavery. When the Kansas-Nebraska bill was passed, countless ministers and churches sent petitions opposing the bill to congress (Guetin 73). Southern evangelist on the other hand held the view that the protection of their institutions and land was divinely ordained, and that slavery was justified in the bible. This led to many debates about the issue until the war began. During the war, evangelical preachers from both sides portrayed their cause in biblical terms. They invoked the wrath of God on each other while seeking to motivate the soldiers by recounting that their cause was the right cause. Another way in which evangelism has changed American politics can be viewed from the temperance movement (Fowler 25). The temperance movement was a crusade against intoxicating drinks. The crusade began in the 1800 and carried on well into the 20th century. The crusades were a landmark attempt by the churches to influence American politics. The movement began due to the excessive consumption of alcohol that was noted to have started during the colonial period and lingered on. The Anti-saloon league created during this time employed various strategies that ultimately led to political success. Understanding that they would face opposition from state legislatures, the league employed lobbying, education and electioneering. It was able to bridge the gap between different protestant division with a democratic appeal to join together in order to close down saloons. They were able to get local option laws to be passed that enabled local governments to set their own alcohol policies (Lambert 56). They then focused on communities and local governments. When they were unable to shut down saloons, they focused on regulating their operating hours, gambling and locations. They avoided state legislatures and focused communities urging them to decide their own alcohol policy through state referenda. They were able to get several prohibitions in various states all over the country. Finally, the league turned to the federal government managing to get congress to pass the 18th amendment to the constitution prohibiting production and sale of intoxicating beverages. Evangelism has also help a lot in the fight against racial discrimination. Before and during the American Civil War, several evangelists from the North argued about the issue of slavery and united others to share and rebel against this practice (Guetin 82). The 20th century, it was evangelist who had helped Martin Luther with his cause. During the late fifties, evangelist and other preachers were able to help the growth of black Nazarene and other groups since they enjoyed more autonomy and could pool considerable number of people together. The evangelists also afforded hope to many people during this time. Another way evangelists have influenced American politics is through voting and the control they had over their congregation (Thiemann 102). Prior to the 1960s, evangelicals had sworn not to back any political party and vowed not to accept secular solutions to their problems. When they began to vote, they supported the most conservative of the given candidates. Evangelists have held considerable control on voting issues such as abortion and war (Smidt et al. 121). They are able to pool considerable support from their congregation in order to sway their voting agendas. Evangelists have been able to ensure that they can draw the collective conscious of their churches towards a common goal. If an issue needs back up or a political candidate needs supporters, they have to contend with modern American evangelist as they sometime hold considerable power. Over the years, several contentious issues have arisen in the country. Gay rights, women rights and reproductive rights have been the center of numerous debates over the ages (Adeney 47). The issue of gay rights and abortion have been vigorously debated and led to intense reaction from their respective supporters. Evangelicals and the general Christian community have always held that life is precious and as such, abortion is a capital crime. They also believed in the sanctity of marriage and as such ca not fathom homosexuality or the idea of gay rights. Evangelists have been able to sway support to their cause and have offered compelling arguments on why these issues should be faced with a religious outlook. Evangelicals and other protestant groups believe that America is in the brink of plunging into darkness and thus need to embrace Christian values in which the country was founded (Lambert 112). Political contenders and policy makers have to deal with evangelism, as it comprises a very large pool of voters. In political debates, candidates have to voice their position on these issues and usually utilize evangelist in order to draw believers to their sides. They explain and expound why they hold a particular position against a given contentious issue and what changes they may bring to the religious community. Evangelism has enabled people and groups of people to travel throughout the country and garner support for a particular cause or for a given candidate. Policies enacted in congress usually meet stiff opposition from Christian parties if the go against basic Christian beliefs (Guetin 85). Conclusion The history of evangelism in the country can be traced back to the initial settlement of the new world by the puritans. Upon entering the continent, the Puritans sought to create a new system that was different and better from the one they had escaped from. One of the issues they wanted to change was the doctrine that a king had the divine right to rule. From witnessing various misgivings and failed monarchies, these early settlers did not believe that God gave certain people the authority to rule others. They thus sought a better method of leadership that became the father of modern democracy. Upon witnessing various atrocities carried out by people with power, early Christian settlers discovered that the new system required checks and rules to ensure that those in power did not misuse their position for selfish and evil gains. This was important as America slowly changed to become a true democracy with standards that separated it from the rest of the world. Evangelism has enabled the spread of particular ideologies over large distances of land. This is an important political advantage as support for a given cause can be easily achieved. Evangelicals all over the country had in the past avoided interacting with political issues. After noting that the country was heading in a downward spiral, evangelical leaders felt that it was time to interact with the fallen world and tried to reclaim it before it destroyed itself. Evangelical leaders sought to protect their world from the ills of the world by tackling issues that secular minds interpreted erroneously. The lobbied, preached and educated people about different political issues winning support that affected the final outcome of the policy making process. American politics is usually influenced by many factors. Evangelism has been a constant factor that has shaped American politics over the years. It has affected American politics since the beginning of settlement and until now. Voting on presidential candidates and political issues has been an important area of focus for most evangelicals. In order to enact policies, congress and its policy makers have to contend with evangelicals as they can be able to sway public support and influence the outcomes of voting. Evangelism has been a tool of good for the country and has afforded the country many gifts that have shaped it to be what it is today. For the good of future American politics, it can be noted that evangelism needs to be a constant presence. Works Cited Adeney, Frances. Graceful Evangelism: Christian Witness in a Complex World. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishers, 2010. Print Cromartie, M. Religion and politics in America: a conversation. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 1995 Fowler, Robert. Religion and Politics in America. Philadelphia: Westview Press, 2010. Print Guetin, Nicole. Religious ideology in American politics: a history. North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers, 2009. Print Lambert, Frank. Religion in American Politics: A Short History. New jersey: Princveton University Press, 2008. Print Smidt, Corwin E., Lyman Kellstedt, John Green, and James Guth. "The Characteristics of Christian Political Activists: An Interest Group Analysis." Christian Political Activism at the Crossroads. Ed. William R. Stevenson. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1994. Print Thiemann, Ronald. Religion in Public Life: A Dilemma for Democracy. Washington DC: Georgetown University Press, 1996. Print Wesley, Paul and Laceye Warner. The study of evangelism: exploring a missional practice of the church. Cambridge: William Eerdmans Publishing Company. 2003.   Read More