April 27, 2023

#278 The Curious Rise of the Religious Left

28 minutes

The culture war in the United States has, to a large degree, been a contest between the religious right and a more secular left. No movement is a monolith, and this does not tell the whole story of the struggle for the soul of America. But the religious right/secular left divide has generally and accurately characterized American public life for some time. That is changing now with the rise (or, perhaps, resurgence; see comments below) of the religious left. Here is an analysis of this development and what it means for Christian citizenship moving forward.

The religious left is not new.

The religious left is rising.

The religious left is curious.

The religious left leaves us with a choice.

Key takeaways:

General definitions of the religious right and the religious left.

Examples of the religious left, such as Senator Raphael Warnock and President Biden and why they fall into this category.

Senator Warnock’s Easter tweet: “The meaning of Easter is more transcendent than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you are Christian or not, through a commitment to helping others we are able to save ourselves.”

President Biden’s statement on the Transgender Day of Visibility, “We want [transgender people] to know that we see you just as you are: Made in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect, and support.” The verse he is referencing there: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27.

The curious dissonance of a movement that has long argued for separation of church and state but now argues that God supports progressive causes.

An observation to think about: conservative churches argue over whether or not a Christian flag belongs on the church stage while progressive churches put rainbow flags on their church signs.

What this mean’s for the church’s role of conscience in public life and why pastors need to speak up.

America’s future may be less secular, but it does not mean it will be more Christian (without our involvement).

The post #278 The Curious Rise of the Religious Left first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

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By Joshua Hershberger: Attorney | Minister | Speaker

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