Southeastern history professor writes book on Jimmy Carter and the Religious Right

Press Release Date: 3-1-2011

DURANT, Okla. – Eight years of research has resulted in the publication of "Jimmy Carter, the Politics of Family, and the Rise of the Religious Right."

Published by the University of Georgia Press, this is the third book authored by Southeastern Oklahoma State University history professor J. Brooks Flippen. Although the book’s official release date is March 15, it is already generating positive reviews.

"A clear, accurate, balanced account of both Carter's appeal in 1976 and his fall from grace in the eyes of the hyper-evangelicals," wrote John B. Boles, William P. Hobby Professor of History at Rice University. "Flippen's treatment of the rise of the hot-button issues that fueled the Religious Right is a model of objective reporting with sensible analysis scattered throughout. I believe those on the political left and political right can read this book, learn from it, see its value, and appreciate its judiciousness."

In describing his book, Dr. Flippen notes, "it explores Carter’s handling of issues such as abortion, feminism, and homosexuality without drawing conclusions on the merits of his policies. Rather, it gauges his political effectiveness and the ramifications from his actions, most notably in motivating the modern Religious Right."

Flippen conducted extensive research at both the Carter and Ronald Reagan Presidential Libraries. In order to gain additional perspective, he also interviewed a number of high-ranking officials in the Carter presidency, along with evangelists such as Jerry Falwell.

Flippen’s previous books were "Nixon and the Environment," and "Conservative Conservationist: Russell E. Train And the Emergence of American Environmentalism."

He joined the Southeastern faculty in 1995. Flippen holds degrees from the University of Maryland (Ph.D.), the University of Richmond (M.A.), and Washington & Lee University (B.A.)