Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Onward Christian Soldiers, NOT

I have no problem with individuals being concerned about the possible intrusion of religion, no matter the flavor, into politics.  Heck, even I have a bit of concern about it, especially when the state attempts to legislate my morality.

Ever since GWB got into that heralded office of President of the United States, though, the concern regarding the intrusion of religion into politics has risen to the highest heavens, led by the heavenly choirs of pundits on both the right and the left.  Hosanna!

The current indulgence is the impending coming of the theocratic state, complete with a Common Book of Prayer.  But is there actually a prayer that this kingdom of righteousness is descending on the land courtesy of a fluffy white cloud, or is it merely a loud gnashing of teeth and the groans of the overwrought?

Lacking a miracle, those who wail about, and those who petition the gods for, the coming of the new heaven, here on earth, led by the armies of GWB naturally, are simply experiencing visions.

I mention the above written because I just finished reading a piece written by Ross Douthat, titled, Theocracy, Theocracy, Theocracy. Published by First Things, which is a Journal of Religion, Culture and Public Life, Douthat’s piece delves into four books which purportedly have seen the future (Revelations anyone?), on the right naturally, of the coming kingdom.  Douthat deftly lifts the veil on all of them.  From Douthat’s piece.

This reality poses no particular problem if you simply disagree with religious conservatives about abortion or gay marriage or prayer in public schools. But if you’re committed to the notion that religious conservatives represent an existential threat to democratic government, you need a broader definition of theocracy to convey your sense of impending doom. Which is why the anti-theocrats often suggest that it doesn’t take mullahs, an established church, or a Reconstructionist ban on adultery to make a theocracy. All you need are politicians who invoke religion and apply Christian principles to public policy.

The piece is 5,620 words, so pour yourself your labation of choice and have at it, and let me know what you think, if you’d like.

A miter tip to The Raving Atheist. I’ll burn one for you.

Posted by John Venlet on 10/25 at 03:59 PM
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