num_pages: 304
description: Whether rising to power or falling from grace Jimmy Carters political fortunes were always tied to those of progressive Christianity. A former peanut farmer and born-again Christian Carter won the presidency in 1976 thanks in large part to Americas evangelicals who responded to Carters open religiosity and his rejection of the moral bankruptcy of the Nixon White House. But in 1980 evangelical voters overwhelmingly abandoned him in favor of Ronald Reagan and in doing so rejected the long and noble tradition of progressive evangelicalism Carter represented.Esteemed religious historian Randall Balmer presents a compelling new biography of the 39th President showing how Carters defeat signaled the eclipse of progressive evangelicalism and the rise of the Religious Right a political force that continues to reign today. In this fresh insightful look at Carters life and career Balmer reveals Carter as the embodiment of a liberal evangelical tradition now sadly overshadowed by right-wing militancy.
language: English
title: Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter
publisher: Basic Books