Church and State and Activists

Cross-Posted to The Juggler

Cliopatria has an amazing one-two punch on the role of religion in progressive movements and society. Much of this is prompted by the withdraw from blogging of Allen Brill from the Village Gate (a politically progressive religious site) who are trying to build a coalition of those on the “religious left”. While I applaud Brill’s efforts (I visit the site often) and while I also believe that religion does have an important role to play in social change I also think it’s somewhat odd to be put off by secular progressives like Atrios who don’t see the point.

Maybe it’s because I’m not one of the big three but I never expect secularists to take my faith and the role it plays in politics seriously. I have been involved in local activist groups and my faith is usually the last thing that I mention, but that doesn’t mean that my faith isn’t important in social change or that I don’t find religious leaders who work for social change truly inspiring.

The important thing about sites like The Village Gate is that it creates a safe place for lefty people of faith to hammer out ideas and the chance to get inspired to take their personal values beyond the pew and pulpit (not to convince secularists of our importance). If you are doing that, then have done enough. Eventually secular lefties and progressives will have to approach those of us who are motivated by faith to build their coalitions and we can tell them in truth, that we have been there all along.

Oh, and building a truly inclusive faith coalition means making room for those of us who reject the trappings of monotheism and have found greener pastures elsewhere.

A Rather Political Reversal

It looks like the State of Texas has reversed it’s decision that the Unitarian Church isn’t eligble for tax-exempt status. Considering the fact that the case against the UU’s was going to fall apart the reversal seems a bit self-serving and smacks of damage control.

Thanks to Wren’s Nest for the link.

The Link!

What links Troy with The Passion? They are both participants in the wail fad.

The Kids Are Alright (for now)

This weeks Nation reports on that pesky youth culture and who they will vote for, complete with heavily tattooed and pierced guy on the cover to let you know that these people are one the fringe (some of them even voted for Nader)! But they MAY vote for Kerry so therefore worthy of attention. But beware, young people are angry! Grrr!

“Anger at Bush may only get Kerry as far as Election Day. “On the first Tuesday of the month, we may be voting for you,” warns Lazu. “But on the second Tuesday, it’s your ass.”

“As Lazu tells pissed-off nonvoters, “If you want to be an anarchist, that’s fine, but then we’ll all still be here. Could you just not be an anarchist on voting day?”

Rar! Grrr! Young voters! Will they calm down long enough to enter the voting booth?!?