Discuss Ronald Reagan’s anti-communist rhetoric in his Speech to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida on March 8, 1983.
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Reagan focusses on the Christianity of America to build his anti-communist rhetoric in his speech to the National Association of Evangelicals. He centers his argument around the strength of Christianity, deeming that the “real crisis we face today is a spiritual one; at root, it is a test of moral will and faith”. Reagan often criticized the Soviet Union’s lack of religion, equating their atheistic beliefs with immorality. Because of this, he continuously mentions how with God’s help, the “sad, bizarre chapter” in history of communism can be defeated. He also states how Christianity and freedom go hand in hand, and that “freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged”, which he uses to further demonstrate how a strong belief in Christianity further sets apart the United States from the Soviet Union. He states, “we will never abandon our beliefs in God”, implying all Americans’ love for God and uses this as a way to unite all American citizens against communism. Although it is clear why Reagan would use this rhetoric in a speech given to the National Association of Evangelicals, using Christianity as a way to spread ideas of anti-communism was ubiquitous throughout Reagan’s presidency.