Fact: Paul Weyrich, was a leading light, some say the founder, of what is often called the Christian right, or the religious right.
Fact: Paul Weyrich himself said that the movement was NOT started in opposition to abortion, specifically, he referenced the Roe v. Wade decision.
Fact: Weyrich said the Christian right political movement was started to oppose the attempt on the part of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to rescind the tax-exempt status for Bob Jones University because of its racially discriminatory policies.
Fact: Bob Jones University did not enroll Africans or African-American students until 1971. From 1971 to 1975, BJU admitted only married African-Americans. In 1976, the university expanded rules against interracial dating and marriage.
Fact: Bob Jones University lost the case Bob Jones University v. United States (461 U.S. 574)[1983], and their tax exempt status was revoked retroactive to 1970.
Fact: The university chose to maintain its ban on interracial dating and chose to pay a million dollars in back taxes.
Fact: In the year 2000 Bob Jones U dropped its policy on interracial dating.
Please note that these are facts, not my opinion. You can look them up for yourself.
Here is a question to ponder:
If Paul Weyrich meant what he said, and the Christian right movement was started to support Bob Jones University in its struggle to maintain its racial policies in opposition to the federal government, how can the Christian right claim affiliation with, or allegiance to, the biblical Jesus?
Here is my own statement of faith, in case reading this causes doubt, consternation, offense, or anger in anyone, (which is NOT my intent) :
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
If you want to read more about this, check out Thy Kingdom Come: How The Religious Right Distorts Faith and Threatens America
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