Dr. J. Brooks Flippen explores the divergent paths of two influential Baptists, President Jimmy Carter and evangelist Jerry Falwell, against the backdrop of 20th-century American political and religious tensions. Despite shared Southern roots and Baptist faith, Carter and Falwell became emblematic of opposing ideological movements. The article delves into their conflicting stances on issues like feminism, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting their roles in transforming Baptist identity and the rise of the Religious Right. By examining their political and theological disputes, the article sheds light on the broader schisms within American evangelicalism and their enduring impact on church-state dynamics.
This article was published in the Fall 2013, Vol 48, No. 3 issue of Baptist History and Heritage Journal.
