Interview 109: The Ultimate Failure of the Moral Majority

Today we continue discussing our latest edition of FrontLine, the March/April issue focused on the topic, “Is Conservativism Enough?”This week, we are talking to Bud Steadman, who is now a “Missions Mentor” with Baptist World Mission, previously serving as the Executive Director of the Mission and before that spending many years in the pastorate. He is also currently Chairman of the FBFI Board and a good friend, as I too spent many years serving under Baptist World Mission.His topic is “The Ultimate Failure of the Moral Majority.” This is a look back at what seemed to be a burgeoning Christian movement into politics in the eighties. It succeeded in getting Christians involved in politics, but as an organization it collapsed in on itself, with its leaders spinning off into other related political organizations.Dr. Steadman evaluates the history of the movement and its problems as a lesson to Christians and their involvement in politics in our present day. If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you would share with us and with the Moral Majority in similar kinds of political concern. The question remains, however, how should we work to solve those political concerns?Dr. Steadman attempts to answer that question from the history of the Moral Majority. It provides at least a cautionary tale for us. We should not make the same mistakes now, and we certainly should be clear on the every day mission of the church. Jesus gave us our mission and we can’t sacrifice the mission for politics, no matter how admirable the political goals might be.I hope you find our discussion helpful.Bud Steadman’s article is available on our substack right away for paying subscribers. We have previews for everyone else. I hope you will join with us and support the ministry of the FBFI by becoming a paying subscriber.Bonus link: FBFI Statement on Christian Nationalism – Proclaim & DefendThe Contents & Editorial for the March/April FrontLine:Is Conservatism Enough? – Proclaim & DefendThe Article:The Ultimate Failure of the Moral Majority Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe