"Christianity Today" and American Public Life: A Case Study

'Christianity Today' has developed since its inception a view of American evangelicalism's role in public life. It has found biblical rationale for some political convictions such as anti-communism and support for capitalism. Its anti-Catholicism and positions on women and Israel were grounded both in evangelical interpretation of the Bible and in cultural influences. Evangelical support for the status quo was thus strengthened by both biblical interpretation and cultural assumptions, making it harder to bring about change. Although the journal's theology remains conservative, it has matured somewhat with time.