Forming a ‘circle of protection’: Christian activism and the budget

Abstract

Scholars have noted the rise of religious lobbying groups in Washington, as these entities have sought to influence the policy process and the discourse surrounding political issues. This article seeks to determine whether progressive groups are evolving into sophisticated political actors, focusing on how they promote values that would resonate in the current economic climate. Using a qualitative framing analysis, I examine the issue campaigns of progressive and conservative Christian organizations around the budget to determine how they use faith-based arguments to defend their positions on social welfare spending and the role of government. Drawing from interest group and social movement literature, particularly the use of collective action frames, I look at the ways these groups define problems inherent in debates about the budget or national debt, attribute blame, propose solutions and mobilize people of faith. My findings demonstrate that progressive groups have capitalized on the salience of economic issues and implemented public campaigns that encourage lawmakers to view the budget as a moral document. They have helped to ensure their long-term survival by appealing to potential members and re-defining the budget as a religious issue that merits political action from people of faith. This study also adds to our understanding of religious organizations and how they operate similarly to other lobbying groups by framing issues for their target constituency and mobilizing against competing interests.