Evangelical Response to Political Defeat on Same-Sex Marriage

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Keywords

Evangelical, same-sex marriage, political defeat, rhetoric, framing, political activism, content analysis

Department

Political Science

Major

Political Science

Abstract

This paper compares evangelical Christian political rhetoric on the issue of same-sex marriage across three time periods: 1995-1997, 2003-2005, and 2013-2015. These periods represent key moments in political debates on same-sex marriage. Using content analysis, I examine the use of political rhetoric in documents from four important Evangelical Christian groups (Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, Christian Coalition, Southern Baptist Convention & its Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission). The study aims to explain how evangelical groups that opposed same-sex marriage have reacted to their recent political defeat. The paper finds that evangelicals continue to oppose same-sex marriage but through different rhetorical approaches that characterize homosexuality less negatively than arguments made in the past. Interviews with evangelical pastors and organizational leaders confirm these findings. Based on the research, I conclude that evangelical opposition to same-sex marriage will remain, but that the framing of the issue will continue to change based on changing social values related to these relationships.

Faculty Mentor

Chris Soper

Funding Source or Research Program

Political Science Honors Program

Presentation Session

Session A

Location

Plaza Classroom 189

Start Date

3-4-2015 5:00 PM

End Date

3-4-2015 5:15 PM

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Apr 3rd, 5:00 PM Apr 3rd, 5:15 PM

Evangelical Response to Political Defeat on Same-Sex Marriage

Plaza Classroom 189

This paper compares evangelical Christian political rhetoric on the issue of same-sex marriage across three time periods: 1995-1997, 2003-2005, and 2013-2015. These periods represent key moments in political debates on same-sex marriage. Using content analysis, I examine the use of political rhetoric in documents from four important Evangelical Christian groups (Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, Christian Coalition, Southern Baptist Convention & its Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission). The study aims to explain how evangelical groups that opposed same-sex marriage have reacted to their recent political defeat. The paper finds that evangelicals continue to oppose same-sex marriage but through different rhetorical approaches that characterize homosexuality less negatively than arguments made in the past. Interviews with evangelical pastors and organizational leaders confirm these findings. Based on the research, I conclude that evangelical opposition to same-sex marriage will remain, but that the framing of the issue will continue to change based on changing social values related to these relationships.