American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

4-28-1976

Abstract

Twentieth century American evangelical Christians have not been known for their social and political involvement with the world. Chapter one of this study provides a brief explanation of evangelical historical non-involvement, showing that the primary reason for this inactivity has been the presence of theological dualisms in evangelical thought. The opening chapter also reveals that beginning in the 1940's and 1950's, evangelicals have rediscovered the social question, and that some are even turning their attention, for the first time, to politics as a possible area of Christian witness. The remaining chapters concentrate on one individual, Senator Mark O. Hatfield, Republican of Oregon, and his place within the contemporary evangelical social and political renaissance. This unconventional biography concentrates on the evolving integration of Senator Hatfield's faith life and political life, especially within the past quarter century of his public career. From an interdisciplinary approach, an attempt is made to confirm the initial observation that Senator Hatfield clearly stands out as the best example of an evangelical Christian who has synthesized the realms of faith and politics which have so long been separated by the evangelical community. Further, special attention is given to Senator Hatfield's avoidance of most dualisms which allows him to transcend conventional evangelicalism as well as both the conservative and liberal poles of contemporary American politics. Senator Hatfield's transcendence of religious and political conventionality is attributed to two interrelated forces in his life: neo-Hoover political theory and radical Anabaptist theology. These two forces, combined with his disillusionment with America and the American political system brought about by the Vietnam war, have pushed him toward an ever more radical posture, theologically and politically. The concluding chapters of this study examine the specifics of the Senator's radicalism, especially in the areas of political reform, economic theory and his opposition to an American civil religion. The strengths and weaknesses of his vision and proposals are analyzed, as are the theological and political implications of his new book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Since one important conclusion of this study is that the theology of radical Anabaptism seems to be the dominating force in his life in very recent years, a brief attempt is also made to disclose a few of the political implications of this theology for the Senator and for the general evangelical community. The study clearly shows that Senator Mark Hatfield has been and continues to be an insightful and prophetic leader unique to recent American political history. His integration of the Christian faith and politics is in such a forthright manner that it should interest those non-­Christians who are also concerned with morality and wisdom in public life.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

American Studies

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Charles DeWayne Biebel

Second Committee Member

F. Chris Garcia

Third Committee Member

Joel M. Jones

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