The Tea Party movement became an influential force in electoral politics in 2010 as it channeled widespread populist anger over the weak economy and a host of other issues, such as taxes, immigration and the role of government. But how friendly is the Tea Party to Christian ideals, especially those embraced by Christian conservatives?
While the Tea Party is widely characterized as a conservative movement, it is fueled by a reservoir of libertarianism that often puts economic conservatism over social conservatism. Many self-described Tea Party activists and leaders say they do not want to expend energy and resources fighting against gay marriage and abortion rights, for example, while others say that the movement is a natural ally for the religious right.
The differences have sparked an intense debate about the identity of the Tea Party movement, the role and influence of Christian conservatives in politics today, and what the conservatism of the future will look like.
Resources
-
“What the tea party cost the GOP”
Read a Dec. 18, 2012, article from CNN about how, over time, the tea party lost its appeal and ultimately became a detriment to the Republican Party.
-
“Tea Party Candidates Losing Steam in 2012”
Read a June 27, 2012, article from ABC News about how the Tea Party fared as the 2012 elections went on.
-
“Social conservatives put religious twist on ‘tea party’ message”
A March 11, 2010, Los Angeles Times story says Christian conservatives are trying to align themselves with Tea Party libertarians on the issues of small government and religious freedom.
-
“Tea Party Reps Want ‘Christian Nation’ View Of Constitution Taught”
Read a January 2011 article posted by Americans United for Separation of Church and State about the efforts of high-profile Tea Party members to promote in Congress the doctrine that America is a “Christian nation.”
-
“Is the Tea Party unbiblical?”
Read a July 22, 2010, Religion New Service story posted on the Washington Post site discussing whether or not the Tea Party is compatible with Christianity.
-
“Religion and the Tea Party Movement”
Read a June 7, 2010, blog post at Beliefnet.com by Mark Silk, Professor of Religion in Public Life at Trinity College about whether or not Christianity and the Tea Party are compatible.
-
“How Christian Is Tea Party Libertarianism?”
Read a May 27, 2010, column at the Huffington Post by Jim Wallis of Sojourners, a leader of the religious left.
-
“Tea parties stir evangelicals’ fears”
Read a March 12, 2010, story at Politico.com in which Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said he consider Tea Party supporters “additional allies and fellow travelers.”
-
“Render Unto Caesar? On Paying Taxes After Obamacare”
Read an April 5, 2010, column by R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a leading voice for Christian conservatism, rejecting suggestions of a “tax revolt” like that advocated by some conservatives and Tea Party supporters.
-
“Channeling the Populist Rage”
Read an April 6, 2010, column at Christianity Today by Charles Colson. He accuses the Tea Party movement of having no governing philosophy.
Surveys
-
“Tea Party Supporters: Who They Are and What They Believe”
See results from an April 2010 CBS News/New York Times survey on Tea Party supporters and their political, religious and demographic composition. A New York Times story on the survey says it shows that contrary to some perceptions, Tea Party backers are wealthier and more educated than the average American.
-
“Tea Partiers Are Fairly Mainstream in Their Demographics”
A March 2010 USA Today/Gallup Poll finds that Tea Party members skew to the right politically but are fairly representative of the American public demographically.
-
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life: Politics & Elections
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life provides a resource page on religion and politics. It includes links to relevant surveys and news items.