ABSTRACT
The Lakehaven Baptists consider threats of the energy crisis, overpopulation, food shortages, and limited natural resources to constitute pseudo-problems. They believe these are tactics used by secular humanists to legitimate abortion, sterilization, euthanasia, and communism. The orientation towards a meaning system that explains simply the complexities of life affects the nature of their discourse. Dissonance between beliefs and behavior can create enough discord that people need to be reminded not only of the guidelines for living a Christian life, but also of the fact that they are doing better than many. Guilt and shame are fed with the hand of love and consolation offered to the discomforted. The members of Lakehaven come mostly from fundamentalist families. The Baptist fellowship disapproves of any alcohol consumption or attendance at movies or dances. The Baptist church represents less an exclusive, moral community or strictly speaking, fellowship, and more a socio-religious gathering or congregation.
