Blogcritics: Comments on Dumpster Bust Keeping It Real Politik: Religion, Religiosity, & the New Culture Wars

Comment by //kikbwoy//@!

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 13:12:44 EST

Don't feel bad,Jim don't either.

Comment by Eric Berlin

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:54:17 EST

Jim - I'm afraid I don't know quite what you mean. Can you elaborate please?

Comment by Jim Carruthers

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 22:38:14 EST

Given the Exited States is becoming known as a theocracy, high-lighted by a "I'm with stupid" t-shirt instead of the burka or a turban, all of this quibbling over the proper way to observe a pagan feast is just further evidence that you really need to pay attention to real problems.

Comment by Eric Berlin

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 20:12:29 EST

Since I'm Jewish, I'm probably the wrong person to ask that question of, Tim! But as I stated, across all denominations, regular house-of-worship attenders have preferred the GOP in increasing numbers. So this is by no means a Christian-only phenomenon. Indeed, many Jews, including outspoken liberal actor Ron Silver, supported Bush this time around based on security concerns (I could counter-argue that one, but I won't here) and the staunch support of the Bush Administration for Israel.

Comment by Tim Hall

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 06:57:18 EST

What I want to know is, where are all the left-leaning Christians? Why are they not challenging the 'God is a Republican' meme? Why aren't more people questioning the 'prosperity gospel' and Millenial Dispensationalist heresies? I don't understand how anyone can read the New Testament and come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was a conservative.

Comment by Eric Berlin

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 14:00:45 EST

I think that opinion can and will galvanize all it wants. However, political strategists, pundits, and policy makers will continue to use the Religion Card and, at times, push a religious agenda until election results tell them different (or tell them that they've been retired). This debate is also a manifestation of the erosion of the Great Middle in American politics. Karl Rove smartly picked up on this political polarization and used it to slightly widen Bush's margin of victory by going after regular church attendees. So what I'm saying is that I see a continuation of this trend. Will there come a point where people say enough-is-enough and we'll see some kind of normalization? I really hope so.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 13:50:08 EST

All a matter of perspective: look at all the complaints right here about the secularization of Christmas and the fact that even saying "Merry Christmas" is questionable in the public arena. And the current debate, raised by a relatively small minority of maybe 20% is focusing the attention of the other 80% on the matter and galvanizing opinion.

Comment by Shark

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 13:31:56 EST

Today's Quiz: Christian Fundamentalists... Islamic Fundamentalists... What do they have in common? ======= Bonus (Rhetorical) Question: *Can humankind survive on this planet as long as they dominate? *hint: the answer is "No." Have a nice day!

Comment by Eric Berlin

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 12:47:51 EST

Eric - You seem to imply that some great backlash is forthcoming. What evidence do you see of that? I see religion as playing a greater role in public life today and for the foreseeable than at any time in my (relatively short) lifetime. This manifests itself in political strategy: who possesses the most Family Values, the most Faith. And it will also play a large role in public policy during the next four years (or 48.5 months, as I like to say): abortion rights, court appointments, same-sex partner rights, faith-based initiatives and on and on. I see a weakening of church and state, which I'm very concerned about.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 07:53:40 EST

good points Eric, thanks, but I see all of this attention on the place of religion in Amerian society and politics as ending up strengthening the boundry between church and state, which is a basic founding principle of our nation and an issue that needs to be seen as separate from religiosity