Evangel University - Lancer Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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Robin Hilton Reagan: by a Moral Majority Christians influence mock and actual elections hristians made it into the political scene in a significant way during the 1980 elections. A new Christian conservative political movement became directly involved in politics. Conservative Christians, feeling as though government was threatening their moral values of God, the country, and the family, formed a political active group. Under the leadership of Jerry Falwell, Moral Majority succeeded in removing many liberals out of office and replacing them with its own conservatives. Several opportunities for involvement developed for students. The two political groups, Young Democrats and College Republicans, actively participated in the rallies of both Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan when each of the candidates appeared in Spring- field. Pi Gamma Mu, the poli- tical science club, sponsored a mock debate and election in the middle of October. Ap- proximately 36 per cent of the student body voted. Of the 658 votes, Reagan won with 75 per cent of the votes, Carter 18 per cent, and John Anderson received seven per cent. Compared with the na- tional results, 53 per cent of the eligible voters gave Reagan 51 per cent of the votes and 41 per cent to Carter. The land- slide of the student body, though not evident by the popular vote, was clearly seen in the electoral vote which gave Reagan 489 votes and Carter 49. Government officials were upset by the Christians' invol- vement. They said this violated the separation of church and state. Larry Williams, assistant professor of biblical studies, thought there was a danger of the church being identified with politics and government. On the other hand, Cam- pus Pastor Bert Webb said Christians should take a stand on the issues and participate fully in government. Falwell commented, What bothers the critics is that we don't agree with them. The Christian conserva- tives definitely demonstrated their influence and power in the election. Moral issues became a major factor of the presidential election. The show has just begun. e + 'Kent Moody Ho ward Tripp President jimmy Carter and Senator Thomas Eagleton display the false headlines of a generation ago. These election results symbolized the defeat of the republicans at a Carter rally in Springfield the day before elections. President Iimmy Carter addresses Springfieldians who gathered for his speech. This was one of the last stops for Carter's campaign drive before election day. Mike Hard Rosalyn Carter, former first lady, is escorted to the plane at Springfield International Airport. Mrs. Carter spoke at a local church in the fall semester. Elections 7 1

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u m. Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan shakes hands with lisa Abiiah, sophomore, as Don Ander- son, junior; Stacy Rothganger, senior; and Rodney Roggow, sophomore, wait their turn. Before his departure from Springfield, Evangel's College Republicans pray with Governor Reagan. Juniors Bryan Sanders, John Heger, Brian Frost, and Darin Brannan requested to pray with the presidential candidate as an alternative to a handshake. hW Robin Hilton Nancy Reagan, wife of the Republican presidential nominee, smiles her apprecia- tion for flowers received dur- ing the GOP Convention in Detroit. 70 Elections Robin Hilton x V Robin Hilton R eat Chr hristia the pt signifi the 1980 el Christian con movement I involved in p Conserve feeling as thc was threaten values of God the family, ft active grou leadership 0 Moral Major removing ma office and re; its own conSt Several t involvement students. Th groups, Youn College Rep participated both Jimmy C Reagan whe candidates ap field. Hogauw' Vripp

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The construction progress on the new chapel by fall semester evidenced eight months of work. The structure is located between the Administration building and Scott Hall. Sophomore Helen Riley points out her identification number to chapel checker Tim Berg, sophomore, while Ruth Maasbach, freshman waits her turn. Students were allowed 20 chapel cuts each semester. .WM.,W 72 Chapel On EnroH very week E or 10 worked tlr chapel buildin shouts and W! student identi This scent part of an iml student life si of classes in Changesel since that firs but students the same pointed out professor of p and 24-year fa the school. At the st auditorium, ar ing library bui to conduct se a series of barr side-by-side a removed to CI chapel. A new construction to be ready f0 1981. Chapel se formalized t personal typ1 were geared h or small group however, cha an expression worship and I Jim lum tended Evang in 1972. He ex had more ex more revivals, that the Spiri Now it has thoughtful am S