12.29.2003

Social justice and the social gospel: What is the face of modern mainstream religion? Is it represented by Jerry Falwell, who after 9/11 said, "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians, the ACLU, People for the American Way — all of them who have tried to secularize America — I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen'"? Unfortunately, to some degree, the answer is yes. But look further, to Rev. James Forbes of the famed Riverside Baptist Church in New York, for an engaged spirituality more hopeful for these rough times. "The church perhaps is the only institution in the nation that can ask: Okay, how are your policies squaring up, not only with the principles of the Bible, but with the principles found in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Everybody else is scared to do it. The Church had better be afraid not to do it." Now with Bill Moyers examines religious diversity and the role of progressives of faith in an era dominated by do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do Christians.

Also: The Christian Left?

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