In my travels in the US, and from all I have heard and read, I think it is a gross exaggeration to suggest that religious fundamentalism, or re-born Christianity is a majority viewpoint in the US. It is my belief that although many religious leaders have blindly followed and have been hijacked by this administration, they are far from the majority. Also, recent events no doubt have eroded much support, as we all have to examine our positions and beliefs based on the ever changing reality. Some of the revelations about the war and subsequent illegal and immoral conduct has driven the support for this administration to a very low level in a short period of time.
It is a problem of leadership and alternative policies which the Democrats, for some reasons, (some of which this thread have identified) simply cannot capitalize on. But that too can change very quickly. I wouldn't yet write the epitaph for the American constitution, although the ease with which this administration has ignored and twisted it is worrisome to say the least.
Time will tell if the damage done is of a temporary phenomenon or not, and if the direction of internal and foreign policy will change, back, closer to what it once was.
But my main point was to refute the statement about the ascendancy of religious fundamentalism. Also, your description of reborn Christianity as a new "cult" is completely wrong. First of all, there is nothing new about "reborn" Christianity. It is as old as the New Testament. And to equate it to a cult is insulting to many thoughtful people. Not all Christians are war mongers and neo-conservatives, but they all consider themselves as reborn. And I suspect, as previously stated, that many belonging to fundamental Christian churches are begining to re-examine their unequivocal and enthusiastic support for this administration.
Walk the streets of America, (and I suspect Europe too), and you will not find any of the religious fundamentalism you suggest. In fact, quite the opposite! |
