Christian right facts for kids
The Christian right is a name for political and social groups, mostly in the United States. These groups are made up of Christian people who have strong conservative beliefs. They believe that the United States was founded on a strong belief in God. Because of this, they think that American laws and policies should follow what is written in the Bible.
While these groups exist in other countries like Canada, the term "Christian right" is most often used when talking about the United States.
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Who is part of the Christian Right?
Even though people from any Christian group can be part of the Christian right, it usually refers to Evangelical Christians, Fundamentalists (like those who are Born-again), and Mormons. Some Catholics are also part of these movements.
About 15 out of every 100 Americans say they are part of the Christian or religious right.
History of the Christian Right
People who hold conservative religious views have been involved in American politics for a long time. For example, in the 1920s, people with similar beliefs were involved in the famous John Scopes trial. This trial was about teaching evolution in schools.
However, the term "Christian right" became popular in the 1970s. It was first used by Jerry Falwell, a well-known religious leader.
Some United States Presidents have received support from the Christian right. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush were elected partly because of this support. The only President who was a member of the religious right himself was George W. Bush.
Images for kids
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Jerry Falwell, whose founding of the Moral Majority was a key step in the formation of the "New Christian Right"
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Demonstrators at the 2004 March for Life in Washington, D.C.
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The Roberts Court in 2020. This court oversaw the landmark United States Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in 2022.
See also
In Spanish: Derecha cristiana para niños
