Beyond the 'Christian Right'
Christian Twentysomethings in Politics
Tom Giles
July 1, 1996
• In Littleton, Colorado, an alliance of Christian activists meet in March to find what they call a new way for Christians to be involved in politics. • In Washington, D.C., an even larger group of politically active people of faith converge the following month in the hope of forming a Religious Left. • In Boston, Massachusetts, a handful of ministers meet throughout the year to look for solutions to the problems facing the inner city. OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, people across the country and across the political and theological spectrum have been organizing, campaigning, and hammering out visions of what they think is the best new way for people of faith to be involved in politics. And while these groups may have little else that unites them, they share a common goal: presenting an alternative to the Religious Right. They are becoming increasingly vocal about a simple truth many Christians have known for years but have lacked enough political will, courage, or strength to state— that groups that tether Christian belief to a right-of- center political agenda, such as the Christian Coalition, Focus on the Family, or Concerned Women for America, do not speak for all Christians. This message is finding a receptive audience with people of faith in their twenties and early thirties who are fed up with the ways the most prominent elements of the Christian establishment have been waging politics in this country. In many cases, young people are the driving force behind segments of this alternative-to-the-Right movement, this religious political reformation. "The Christian Right's goal is more the acquisition of power than the advancement of a specific ethical agenda," says Gordon Aeschliman, head of the Christian Environmental Association. ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
