The Religious Right is a growing political force. Its members are committed to transforming the social and cultural landscape. They are highly organized and motivated. In a system dominated by the command of money, the Religious Right has plenty of power. Its adherents hold top positions at city, county and state levels. A significant part of the Republican Party is now subordinated to the fundamentalists. When Falwell, Robertson and Reed speak, their cohorts in Congress listen. Their control over TV, radio and print media is expanding. Their rhetoric is laced with homophobia, racism, misogyny and jingoism. The Religious Right's immediate agenda ranges from school prayer to outlawing abortions, but ultimately it seeks to establish a Christian theocracy.

Chip Berlet
Chip Berlet is senior analyst with Political Research Associates, the Somerville, Massachusetts-based organization. PRA monitors and reports on the political right wing. His articles appear in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and The Progressive magazine. He is the editor of "Eyes Right: Challenging the Right Wing Backlash" and co-author of "Right-Wing Populism in America."