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Interesting essay on the Christian fundamentalist movement(s) in America Please read!!!
- Mar 6, 2008 at 1:26 PM
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- Comments (8) Total Views (170) Everyone can see this journal post.
The Danger of 'Warrior Images'
Author: Iona
Posted: March 2nd. 2008
Times Viewed: 1,002
The other night I watched the CNN special “God’s Warriors” and felt truly nervous. The Christian segment of this 3 part Christiane Amanpour special should be truly terrifying to anyone who is not part of the Christian fundamentalist segment of American society.
The special focused on several areas where Christian fundamentalists are actively working to change America to suit their moral view. This caused me to think about what such changes would mean, not only to Pagans and other religious minorities, but also to anyone who does not espouse these extreme views.
Then I began to think about what could be done to ensure that the true vision of America’s founding fathers was protected.
For those who may not have seen the program, let me briefly explain what was covered in this segment. Ms. Amanpour showed several areas where Christian fundamentalists are actively working to get their views on the national stage. One overriding image throughout the program was that of the warrior – battles, fighting, warriors all for Jesus and for their view of morality.
They want to change laws, the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court and public policy to meet their moral views. Over the past 30 years they have mastered how to lobby and influence lawmakers from the grassroots to lobbying groups to creating law schools where the graduates learn law in a “Christian framework” (Amanpour, 2007).
Members of these groups continue to espouse the idea that their beliefs are “native” to America and that moderates and the separation of church and state is somehow a recent development and not the true intent of American policy (Amanpour, 2007). The danger is that this machine is so well formed now that they have not only changed local politics in many locations; they have also changed national politics.
The rise of the Republican Party in the late 20th century, the confirmation of very conservative justices on the Supreme Court and the tidal wave of local ordinances such as marriage definition laws have changed American politics. While America as a country is far more open regarding religion in the political arena than other areas such as Europe; it is important that we not lose sight of the true meaning of the Constitution.
The fundamentalists are actively working to not only change local and state politics; they want to change the nation to fit their view. And the next national election will have a critical impact on the nation. Not only in terms of what types of policies the next president will support, they will also affect the makeup of the Supreme Court.
At this point we have a court that is almost equally divided on conservative vs. liberal issues. The two most liberal justices are among the oldest.
The next president has the potential to affect the Supreme Court for decades. If the Court becomes more conservative then laws in America will change radically.
It is entirely possible that abortion will be made illegal in many areas of the country, that the rights of the GLBT community will be curtailed and that the line between church and state will be deeply blurred (Amanpour, 2007).
What does all this mean for Pagans and for Americans who value diversity, in all its forms?
What it means is that each of us needs to make this our issue. One thing we can learn from the Christian fundamentalists is how much difference can be made by small groups of people. What started as a small, regional movement has forever changed American politics.
Those of us who value diversity, who believe in the true intent of the founding fathers, need to embrace the idea that we can make a difference. There are many things we can do. To paraphrase a common quote – fundamentalists flourish when good men do nothing.
First, there are many moderate and liberal policy and lobby groups already formed. Join them, support them and actively work with those groups in whose work you believe. Don’t just send a check, volunteer. Planned Parenthood, People for the American Way, the ACLU, and the Sierra Club are but a few. Find the ones that call to you and become active.
Secondly, make the effort to make your local, state and federal legislators know your name and your views. If they are voting on an issue where you disagree, such as gay marriage or ecologically unsound development, then write them, call them and make sure they know your opinion. Ask your like-minded friends to do the same. Volunteer for those legislators you support.
Thirdly, if you feel called then run for office yourself. Remember that local politics affect you on a daily basis. If you believe that your local schools are encouraging school prayer and you disagree – then run for the local school board.
Fourth, volunteer in local groups whose work is important to you. Reading to kids, helping at risk youth, conservation groups, manning a phone bank, volunteer at a hospital, work with a prison ministry…. There are many ways in which we can each get involved that provide support to those areas we feel are important.
Remember, the way that the Christian right became so influential in American politics is by being visible. As long as those who disagree with the views of extremists fail to speak up, there is no balance to the strident calls of fundamentalism. A message of inclusion can be just as powerful as one of discrimination.
But no message will be heard if those who believe in it fail to speak up.
Talk and keep talking. If you can do your work out of the closet, then be open about your path. Remember that this is not a one-time activity. This is a process and a series of actions that we need to continue, through failures and successes.
America began as a country for those fleeing religious persecution. The great men who created the vision of the United States did so to allow all groups equal access to the freedoms and possibilities of this country.
For that to continue we have a duty as citizens to vocally and actively support diversity.
Author: Iona
Posted: March 2nd. 2008
Times Viewed: 1,002
The other night I watched the CNN special “God’s Warriors” and felt truly nervous. The Christian segment of this 3 part Christiane Amanpour special should be truly terrifying to anyone who is not part of the Christian fundamentalist segment of American society.
The special focused on several areas where Christian fundamentalists are actively working to change America to suit their moral view. This caused me to think about what such changes would mean, not only to Pagans and other religious minorities, but also to anyone who does not espouse these extreme views.
Then I began to think about what could be done to ensure that the true vision of America’s founding fathers was protected.
For those who may not have seen the program, let me briefly explain what was covered in this segment. Ms. Amanpour showed several areas where Christian fundamentalists are actively working to get their views on the national stage. One overriding image throughout the program was that of the warrior – battles, fighting, warriors all for Jesus and for their view of morality.
They want to change laws, the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court and public policy to meet their moral views. Over the past 30 years they have mastered how to lobby and influence lawmakers from the grassroots to lobbying groups to creating law schools where the graduates learn law in a “Christian framework” (Amanpour, 2007).
Members of these groups continue to espouse the idea that their beliefs are “native” to America and that moderates and the separation of church and state is somehow a recent development and not the true intent of American policy (Amanpour, 2007). The danger is that this machine is so well formed now that they have not only changed local politics in many locations; they have also changed national politics.
The rise of the Republican Party in the late 20th century, the confirmation of very conservative justices on the Supreme Court and the tidal wave of local ordinances such as marriage definition laws have changed American politics. While America as a country is far more open regarding religion in the political arena than other areas such as Europe; it is important that we not lose sight of the true meaning of the Constitution.
The fundamentalists are actively working to not only change local and state politics; they want to change the nation to fit their view. And the next national election will have a critical impact on the nation. Not only in terms of what types of policies the next president will support, they will also affect the makeup of the Supreme Court.
At this point we have a court that is almost equally divided on conservative vs. liberal issues. The two most liberal justices are among the oldest.
The next president has the potential to affect the Supreme Court for decades. If the Court becomes more conservative then laws in America will change radically.
It is entirely possible that abortion will be made illegal in many areas of the country, that the rights of the GLBT community will be curtailed and that the line between church and state will be deeply blurred (Amanpour, 2007).
What does all this mean for Pagans and for Americans who value diversity, in all its forms?
What it means is that each of us needs to make this our issue. One thing we can learn from the Christian fundamentalists is how much difference can be made by small groups of people. What started as a small, regional movement has forever changed American politics.
Those of us who value diversity, who believe in the true intent of the founding fathers, need to embrace the idea that we can make a difference. There are many things we can do. To paraphrase a common quote – fundamentalists flourish when good men do nothing.
First, there are many moderate and liberal policy and lobby groups already formed. Join them, support them and actively work with those groups in whose work you believe. Don’t just send a check, volunteer. Planned Parenthood, People for the American Way, the ACLU, and the Sierra Club are but a few. Find the ones that call to you and become active.
Secondly, make the effort to make your local, state and federal legislators know your name and your views. If they are voting on an issue where you disagree, such as gay marriage or ecologically unsound development, then write them, call them and make sure they know your opinion. Ask your like-minded friends to do the same. Volunteer for those legislators you support.
Thirdly, if you feel called then run for office yourself. Remember that local politics affect you on a daily basis. If you believe that your local schools are encouraging school prayer and you disagree – then run for the local school board.
Fourth, volunteer in local groups whose work is important to you. Reading to kids, helping at risk youth, conservation groups, manning a phone bank, volunteer at a hospital, work with a prison ministry…. There are many ways in which we can each get involved that provide support to those areas we feel are important.
Remember, the way that the Christian right became so influential in American politics is by being visible. As long as those who disagree with the views of extremists fail to speak up, there is no balance to the strident calls of fundamentalism. A message of inclusion can be just as powerful as one of discrimination.
But no message will be heard if those who believe in it fail to speak up.
Talk and keep talking. If you can do your work out of the closet, then be open about your path. Remember that this is not a one-time activity. This is a process and a series of actions that we need to continue, through failures and successes.
America began as a country for those fleeing religious persecution. The great men who created the vision of the United States did so to allow all groups equal access to the freedoms and possibilities of this country.
For that to continue we have a duty as citizens to vocally and actively support diversity.
Comments:
1-8 of 8 comments
1
Mar. 6, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Thank you! I'm hoping that it does get read a bit more. People have a tendency to overlook that which might make them uncomfortable. Thank you for taking the time to read it!
Mar. 6, 2008 at 5:29 PM
HI, great post. Often people become complacent and don't believe that a lot of the good work that has been fought for over the past decades can be undone. It is vitally important to speak up when you see something that is not right. No matter how small it may seem to be.
Mar. 6, 2008 at 9:49 PM
The word 'Fundamentalist' attached to anything raises my anxiety levels, especially religion.
I completely agree that people should not be complacent and need to be aware of this momentum that is 'not so slowly' gathering great force.
Mar. 6, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Did I tell you how awesome you are today?
Thank you 100 times over! I didn't see this one, so I am so glad you posted it.
Members of these groups continue to espouse the idea that their beliefs are “native” to America
This statement kills me! So the Native Americans were Fundamentalists????
Mar. 6, 2008 at 10:45 PM
LMAO! I guess so :P
Thank you. I'm glad you thought I was awesome today. That makes me feel much better in a not so awesome of days.
Mar. 7, 2008 at 12:51 AM
excellent post. defenders of freedom need to remain ever vigilant!
Mar. 7, 2008 at 1:41 PM
All it takes for things to change in any direction is for any narrow-minded group to shape majority views. We cannot go back to the oppressive ways of the past. Thanks for another inspiring post!
All it takes for things to change in any direction is for any narrow-minded group to shape majority views. We cannot go back to the oppressive ways of the past. Thanks for another inspiring post!
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