In his analysis of the conservative movement that continues to make headlines, Walter H. Capps examines why the fundamentalist Christian viewpoint has struck such a resonant chord with present-day Americans. Exploring the movement through the actions and intentions of its charismatic leaders--Jerry Falwell, Francis Schaeffer, Bob Jones, Pat Robertson, and Jim and Tammy Bakker--he assesses the significance of the New Religious Right and places it in a larger sociopolitical and religious framework.

Based on candid interviews with New Religious Right protagonists and visits to the regions where the movement originated, Capps presents the theology of those leaders and considers whether this counter-cultural movement is becoming more centrist and acceptable to American society.