Keenanvin

Salutations,
As the Subject line may suggest, this topic is on the "Christian Right" and how it influences Politics in America. As we know, and can observe through polls taken by sociologists and other social scientists, America is being increasingly secular. Reliance on religion has been declining as education increases. But, despite the trends in the decline of religion, and increase in secularization, the “Christian Right” and other conservative movements have seemingly taken over some aspects of the government. It seems that the majority of society has accepted this. The recent “Ten Commandment” and “Under God” reactions by the majority, along with George W. Bush’s blatantly open Christian attitude threaten to undermine the secular base of our country, and tear down the wall of church state separation!
Now, I’ll get off of my soapbox. I would like some other people’s opinions on the ideas of the "Christian Right" and how it influences Politics in America. ~Thanks - Kv

Psycho Economist

Hey... I'm leaving for class. I'll try and come back. But don't be surprised if this gets transfered to Political Discussions.

lpetrich

This makes me wonder why there isn't a loudmouthed US "religious left". Where are those who denounce the Religious Right as a bunch of Pharisees in Xian clothing.

Tom Sawyer

Although the US is becoming gradually more secular, the vast majority of people here still consider themselves Christian, even if they're non-practicing. When people go around preaching and trying to pass lawes in the name of God, most figure that if it's Christians doing things for their God, then it must be fairly good, so they don't have a big problem with it. Even if they don't agree with it personally, having the law passed won't inconvenience them at all, since they are Christians. It's sort of like white people with racial profiling - even if they are against it, having it or not having it done wouldn't really affect them.

Also, a "return" to "Christian values" makes people think of the "good old days" when things were somehow better than they are now and is an easy way to fight against the downturn of society, or whatever they're fighting against this week without having to actually do the work involved in confronting the problem.

Keenanvin

So then, the problem lies with the societal values and beliefs? Also, what about people like Jerry Fallwell and Pat Robertson, and the other religious conversatists, how do they fit into this picture? (Besides the obvious, "bring god back into our country")
Since there is a high correlation between republican/Conservative beliefs and (Christian) religiosity, is it safe to say that most republicans are Christian?
If that is safe to say, then is it also safe to make the ascertains that since republicans have the majority in (House, Senate, both? [Someone correct me]) Then that means bills and laws with Christian inklings may now 'slip through the fingers' of the lawmakers in charge of catching such bills?
So, is it safe to assert that while our country as a whole is becoming less religious and more secular, the religious conservatism in the U.S. (as it relates to politics) is becoming more prevalent?
(Toss some ideas around, I'm writing a college thesis on this subject and was looking for new viewpoints or ideas)

~KeenanV

Just Another Infidel

A subject of great concern to me, but I haven't documented my meandering research.

I highly recommend you read "Eternal Hostility" by Frederick Clarkson. There's also tons of articles available online through any search engine.

The standard bearers. The guys who can raise money and mobilize letter writers, conference attendees and, most importantly, voters.

[QUOTE}Since there is a high correlation between republican/Conservative beliefs and (Christian) religiosity, is it safe to say that most republicans are Christian?[/QUOTE]

I believe so, but I'm sure you wouldn't state it as a fact without a good reference.


Nobody is in charge of this effort I am aware of until the laws get challenged and pushed up to the Supreme Court. Advocates of separation will be forced to spend tons of money and time to get these issues reviewed by the courts. Meanwhile, the conservative congress will be stacking the courts with "religion friendly" judges.

I don't think so. It may be a fine distiction, but they are gathering political power. Never underestimate the power of a committed and well funded minority. These guys are on a "mission from God". Abortion rights is the wedge issue. If they can overturn Roe vs. Wade or seriously restrict it they will move forward with the rest of their social agenda.

LOL, follow the money! Seriously though, Clarkson lays out the history of these religious groups and the connections between them in excruciating detail.

Hmmmm, exposing the reconstructionist attempt to rewrite American History could be a fruitful topic. Identifying the backgrounds and supporters of conservative legislators might be interesting. Connecting the dots between the conservative think tanks/foundations and the White House would be fun. Some predictions on how ready the US populace is to accept the religious social agenda could be interesting.

Good luck with your paper. I'd be very grateful for a copy of the final product.

JAI

southernhybrid

To put is very simply, the Xian right is highly organized and motivated. Historically, conservativves have more financial assets than liberals too. Currently the left is disorganized and seems to be lacking a general sense of purpose. It bothers me that even liberal members of my own family have stopped voting and seem apathetic towards government.

During the 60s, the left was highly organized and influential, largely as a result of the Viet Nam War and the Civil Rights Movement. What we may have lacked in finances, we made up for with high energy, outstanding leadership and large numbers of people dedicated to a cause. Personally, I think that the only way to limit the power of the religious right is by the development of an organized backlash movement by more progressive groups. Who or what groups will have the qualities of leadership to inspire such a movement is an enigma to me.

semyaza

Personally, I think that this is the root of the problem. Conservatives tend to vote out of fear, wether they realize it or not. They fear that their narrow view of the world will be marginalized by a secular government. They fear that secular ethics will somehow infect their children. Put simply, they tend to feel that the stakes are a lot higher for them, and consequently they are more likely to vote, and more likely to organize. The middle-of-the-road conservatives and the leftists have a far more realistic view of society. They understand that society is, and always will be heterogenous. Consequently, there is far less pressure to organize and vote. Until it's too late, of course.

Keenanvin

Thanks for the Ideas and the information, I appreciate the help that you have been.

Sem: do you have data to back this up? If there was some data to prove that conservatives voted out of fear, that could be the basis of a major connection point in my thesis. So, what you are saying is that conservatives ( since a majority are Xian ) vote for fear of secularization? The U.S. is ( by the data collected from numerous polls) becoming more secular... it's a sociological fact. Even though it may just be a trend ( I haven't looked into it yet completely ) would that suggest some correlation to the recent outpour of Xian support?


Since society isn’t threatened directly, more liberal ( or even moderate ) voters won’t get the mass turnout like the conservatists did? ( until, as you stated... It’s too late!)


Does anyone have the data ( or the links to said data ) to show the support of conservative views during financially difficult times in the U.S., and more liberal views in times of prosperity?

Also, one last thing before I get back to my work, does anyone have any ideas on other angles I could take with this?