For Thursday: Sin, Sex and Scandal on the Christian Far Right

I've added a couple more readings to the list for tomorrow, which I hope further flesh out the conservative political opposition to sexuality education and to the religious liberals and moderates that advocated it.  The readings are Janice Irvine chapter "Days of Rage" and an newspaper article by Billy James Hargis responding to the Presbyterian statement we discussed on Monday.

Our discussion will focus on understaninding Christian Crusade's campaign against sexuality education and the perplexing life of Billy James Hargis, director the the Christian Crusade, whose contribution to conservative causes was overshadowed by a scandal that erupted in 1974, when five of Hargis' students at American Christian Academy-- four men and one woman-- accused him of sexual misconduct.  Time magazine brought publicity to the charges in an article on "The Sins of Billy James", but Hargis was acquitted when the case came up to trial.  One of the readings-- a short article by Irvine-- examines this scandal.

Just as interesting as Hargis' accused indiscretions are his contributions to a nascent "Religious Right."  We will read the commentary of Janice Irvine, who credits Hargis for bringing attention to the rhetorical sway of calls to protect children and to protect sexual morality.

As a side note of interest:  the work of Christian Crusade has been carried on by Hargis' son, and the organization has an active website that stakes out the organization's views of current political and religious issues.

Leaflet denouncing sexuality education, reprinted in the Aug 4, 1969 U.S. News and World Report

Anti-sexuality education booklet circulated by the Christian Crusade