Resurrection of Jesus; Christ’s miracles; and the
inspired Bible), these CONSERVATIVEbelievers rejected
several tenets of MODERNISM. The movement caused
splits in the American Protestant churches between
conservative (mostly Baptist and evangelical) and lib-
eral (“mainline,” Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist)
denominations. By the 1950s fundamentalism had
become more narrow and contentious, viewed by
many Christians as extremist.
Politically, fundamentalism has been associated
with the CHRISTIAN RIGHTor Religious Right and its
attacks on LIBERAL welfare policy, radical feminism,
HOMOSEXUALITY, ABORTION, and humanist education.
They have supported conservative political candidates
(such as Ronald REAGAN) and conservative political
parties (primarily the REPUBLICAN PARTY).
The future of fundamentalism as a political influ-
ence is uncertain. Often ridiculed by the media and
liberal groups, its staying power has surprised many
and its effect of moving certain churches and political
policies to the RIGHTis widely acknowledged. Having
lost power at the national level with the election of Bill
Clinton as U.S. president, fundamentalists became
increasingly active in state politics, where they affected
changes in policies concerning education, crime, wel-
fare, and family law.Further Reading
Watson, Justin. The Christian Coalition: Dreams of Restoration,
Demands for Recognition.New York: St. Martin’s Press,
1997.fundamentalism/fundamentalist 117