The fall of fundamentalists & the rise of progressives?

Cmass · Post by **Cmass** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 5:12 am

I just heard a discussion on the Diane Rehm show with several pastors from different political viewpoints. It appears fundamentalists have become disillusioned with their political choices. It appears that the progressive Christian community is beginning to feel more emboldened....trying to shift the focus away from guns, gays and war and toward helping the poor and the planet.
Is this an example of democracy and secularism in action? The far right wing has not gotten their agenda completely implemented even though their party of choice has had all the reigns of power for quite some time now. Or, is it an example of the fundamentalists not being quite as sure as they once were that the things they have chosen to support are particularly "moral" after all?
(Post was edited to remove the word "fundies" which, is, apparently derogatory)

juliod · Post by **juliod** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:09 pm

progressive Christian

I'm sorry, but I have to say that this is a contradiction in terms. OK, there may be 6 or 8 progressive christians in the US, but they are easily tagged by the right as "closet atheists" and utterly marginalized.

Or, is it an example of the fundies not being quite as sure as they once were that the things they have chosen to support are particularly "moral" after all?

No, not at all. The fundies really car about guns, and gays (and abortion). But to the conservative politicians these are merely "wedge-issues" to motivate the ignorant. The political strategists car nothing for these issues aside from their ability to get the lower classes to vote Republican against thier true interests.

I don't see how this analysis can be doubted. The Republicans have not tried, even once, to repeal the National Firearms Act, nor have they tried to ban abortion. These objectives are clearly within reach.

The real objectives of conservative politics is 1) To support the rich against the poor; and b) To support the mega-rich against the merely-rich. The social issues they talk so much about are a means to an end and nothing else.

DanZ

Cmass · Post by **Cmass** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:16 pm

progressive Christian

I'm sorry, but I have to say that this is a contradiction in terms. OK, there may be 6 or 8 progressive christians in the US, but they are easily tagged by the right as "closet atheists" and utterly marginalized.

They make a distinction amongst themselves. For example, my mother is a member of the UCC. (United Church of Christ) These people simply emphasize different parts of the bible when espousing their beliefs than their Fallwellian counterparts.
They are VERY different politically - especially in what they like to focus on. The progressives may not feel particularly comfortable as "supporters" of gays but they are adamant that the "hate gay" issue should not be on the radar screen if it is competing with war, poverty and global warming.

I agree that ANY belief in ghosts and goblins and devils and angels and the tooth fairy and Santa Claus are throwbacks from an ancient, supersticious time....but I do believe the shift in focus could have profound consequences.

micatala · Post by **micatala** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 9:09 pm

I have to say, CMass is certainly a most interesting and active member to have around the forum.

Is this an example of democracy and secularism in action? The far right wing has not gotten their agenda completely implemented even though their party of choice has had all the reigns of power for quite some time now. Or, is it an example of the fundamentalists not being quite as sure as they once were that the things they have chosen to support are particularly "moral" after all?

Well, I don't think the last suggestion is correct. I would agree with Dan on this. I don't see those who are adamently opposed to abortion, gay marriage, gun control, etc., changing their views now or in the forseeable future. What I think might be happening, though is that some Christians, even some conservative Christians, who had some concerns about these issues and were 'avoiding the fray' are now speaking out.

I would disagree with Dan's suggestion that there are 'only 6 or 8' progressive Christians in the country. I have been to churches full of them. I think Dan just isn't noticing them for some reason or other, one of which might be that they have admittedly not been too vociferous, and when they are they have not managed to capture the spotlight like the right has. They probably also have next to no money compared to the conservative/fundamentalist/Republican group.

I would substantially agree with Dan's analysis of how the Republican's treat their 'religious base.' I think part of what you are seeing now is that some in this religious base are starting to catch on, and at some point, I think it is going to blow up in the Republican's faces.