The death of Jerry Falwell, the critical illness of Tammy Faye, and the lack of a viable conservative Christian in the Republican presidential race are all signs that the era of the Religious Right is fading in the United States.It feels like the end of an era for me personally as well, since one of the main reasons I became involved in progressive Christianity many years ago is to oppose the Christian conservatives who were attempting to hijack the faith and, in my opinion, ruin the beauty of following Jesus Christ by equating it with being in lockstep with the Republican party. In many ways, that's what I still consider myself doing today.
Conservative Christianity is obviously still a strong force in the United States, but from my perspective in Canada where things are much less polarized, it appears the conflict between liberal and conservative Christians is (thankfully) waning and a political center ground is forming.
The emerging battle in the church appears to be one that is much less defined with politics. Hopefully all of us---liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans---have learned from the mistakes the Christian Right made by tying themselves to a political party in the effort to further their spiritual agenda.
In coming years, I see the struggle in the church as being between those (whether liberals or conservatives) who are asking new questions about their faith and seeking a new way to be church in the 21st century postmodern context and those who hold steadfast to the rule- and tradition-based church that reflects the era of 20th century modernism.
I'm sticking with those who believe Jesus came to set us all free.
Amen !!
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