Posted on 02/17/2007 6:23:04 AM PST by NYer
As I have traveled around the country, one line in my speeches always draws cheers: "The monologue of the Religious Right is over, and a new dialogue has now begun." We have now entered the post-Religious Right era. Though religion has had a negative image in the last few decades, the years ahead may be shaped by a dynamic and more progressive faith that will make needed social change more possible.
In the churches, a combination of deeper compassion and better theology has moved many pastors and congregations away from the partisan politics of the Religious Right. In politics, we are beginning to see a leveling of the playing field between the two parties on religion and "moral values," and the media are finally beginning to cover the many and diverse voices of faith. These are all big changes in American life, and the rest of the world is taking notice.
Evangelicals — especially the new generation of pastors and young people — are deserting the Religious Right in droves. The evangelical social agenda is now much broader and deeper, engaging issues like poverty and economic justice, global warming, HIV/AIDS, sex trafficking, genocide in Darfur and the ethics of the war in Iraq. Catholics are returning to their social teaching; mainline Protestants are asserting their faith more aggressively; a new generation of young black and Latino pastors are putting the focus on social justice; a Jewish renewal movement and more moderate Islam are also growing; and a whole new denomination has emerged, which might be called the "spiritual but not religious."
Even more amazing, the Left is starting to get it. Progressive politics is remembering its own religious history and recovering the language of faith. Democrats are learning to connect issues with values and are now engaging with the faith community. They are running more candidates who have been emboldened to come out of the closet as believers themselves. Meanwhile, many Republicans have had it with the Religious Right. Both sides are asking how to connect faith and values with politics. People know now that God is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, and we are all learning that religion should not be in the pocket of any political party; it calls all of us to moral accountability.
Most people I talk to think that politics isn't working in America and believe that the misuse of religion has been part of the problem. Politics is failing to resolve the big moral issues of our time, or even to seriously address them. And religion has too often been used as a wedge to divide people, rather than as a bridge to bring us together on those most critical questions. I believe (and many people I talk with agree) that politics could and should begin to really deal with the many crises we face. Whenever that happens, social movements often begin to emerge, usually focused on key moral issues. The best social movements always have spiritual foundations, because real change comes with the energy, commitment and hope that powerful faith and spirituality can bring.
It's time to remember the spiritual revivals that helped lead to the abolition of slavery in Britain and the United States; the black church's leadership during the American civil rights movement; the deeply Catholic roots of the Solidarity movement in Poland that led the overthrow of communism; the way liberation theology in Latin America helped pave the way for new democracies; how Desmond Tutu and the South African churches served to inspire victory over apartheid; how "People Power" joined with the priests and bishops to bring down down Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos; how the Dalai Lama keeps hope alive for millions of Tibetans; and, today, how the growing Evangelical and Pentecostal churches of the global South are mobilizing to addresse the injustices of globalization.
I believe we are seeing the beginning of movements like that again, right here in America, and that we are poised on the edge of what might become a revival that will bring about big changes in the world. Historically, social reform often requires spiritual revival. And that's what church historians always say about real revival — that it changes things in the society, not just in people's inner lives. I believe that what we are seeing now may be the beginning of a new revival — a revival for justice.
The era of the Religious Right is now past, and it's up to all of us to create a new day.
In the real world, not the fantasy one perpetuated by some here.
I need to see more detail on where all this support is coming from and how deep it is.
Yes, to most Americans, they are freedoms. To the RR, it's merely license to sin.
Oh please don't be so depressed! Buck up and soldier on friend! You and I and like-minded can't just watch and let these people who pretend to be our enlightened leaders lead us down the road to perdition. Truth wins everytime. At least you'll know in your heart of hearts that YOU ARE RIGHT, and your righteousness will be rewarded, if only in your own conviction
"Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword." - Matthew 10:35
Notice how those who cannot defend an argument, attack the poster.
But then tell me all about the social conservatives who helped eliminate segregation in schools, who helped pass the Civil Rights Act, who fought against those who would deprive all Americans of their basic right to privacy. If those are my true colors, I wear them proudly.
Well, your educator left out the part where "social conservatives" not only won our freedom, but they also wrote the Constitution that the current social conservatives are fighting to keep intact.
Haw. Next issue: "Is conservatism dying?", followed by "The death of the republican party", "Is socialism the only possible course for the future?", "Will democrats win all the seats in congress and the presidency in 2008?", "Does America really need a military?", etc.
Sodomy and abortion - that's what Giuliani stands for; that's what his followers stand for.
Popular opinion has all the durability of a week-old souffle.
Why, would that change your mind? At this point, fifteen months away from an election, I would question the depth of support for any presidential candidate. But what is happening here on FR is being laughed at on other sites, both left and right. FR is attempting to destroy its own best chance of winning an election. People here will do their best to destroy Rudi, McCain, Romney and yes, even Newt. The left doesn't have to spend a dime researching, it's all here.
People here have to gather a bit of realism to add to their "social" zeal. Hunter, Tancredo, Brownback and others simply do not have the money nor national backing to seriously entertain their candidacy. They do offer ideas that should be listened to by the major candidates, but as with the Democrat candidates in 2004, offer little more than entertainment to the electorate.
Good catch! ... something about having the form of but denying the power there of?
Well .. wait until they get a load of GOD in the Miggido Valley throwing rocks and destroying whole armies in one breath! They will be trembling in their boots, if not falling over dead from fear.
I can hardly wait .. I just hope I live to see it!!
The Religious Right will be the group picking up the pieces.
I wouldn't call it keeping intact, but rather keeping it relegated to their particular value system. And when it doesn't meet their value system, they have no problem changing it, either to restrict the 10th Amendment powers of the states, or the 1st Amendment freedom of speech.
Oh, really, and which other sites are those?
From an essay in your link by Wallis he uses the word, commodification, to describe how sex is used by the media; I submit that his entire theme here is exactly that in relation to politics and it is the church that is being led to accept his thesis and not the other way around.
My uncle is fond of saying that too many people are only comfortable with God when they have him on a leash.
There could be a few radicals, as there are in any segment. They don't speak for the whole.
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