Crusaders on campaign: religious issues in the presidential campaign of 1984.

Abstract

During the presidential campaign of 1984 religion became a topic of national debate. The issues which emerged included abortion, prayer in public schools, the imposition of religious tests, anti-Semitism, and a controversy regarding the relationship between religion and politics. These issues drew forth a variety of responses from the American religious community, the candidates of both parties, and a large number of concerned citizens. This thesis describes the events and the differing perspectives which contributed to the issues mentioned above. Voting statistics are also analyzed to determine how religion affected the voting habits of Americans. The source material for this work has been taken primarily from newspapers and periodicals written during the campaign. The first chapter, a review of religious issues in previous presidential campaigns, was written with the aid of secondary sources. Conclusions have been drawn sparingly in the writing of this thesis. Instead, the reader is invited to weigh the actions and viewpoints of those involved in the debate. Each reader, no doubt, will arrive at his or her own conclusion regarding the religious issues in the presidential campaign of 1984.