Thursday, January 18, 2007

Through a Glass, Darkly
How the Christian right is reimagining U.S. history

by Jeff Sharlet
A chilling essay in Harper's if you have a few minutes & are wearing your thinking cap.
"The old theories have failed. The new Christ, fifty years ago no more than a corollary to American power, twenty-five years ago at its vanguard, is now at the very center. His followers are not anxiously awaiting his return at the Rapture; he’s here right now. They’re not envious of the middle class; they are the middle class. They’re not looking for a hero to lead them; they’re building biblical households, every man endowed with “headship” over his own family. They don’t silence sex; they promise sacred sex to those who couple properly—orgasms more intense for young Christians who wait than those experienced by secular lovers."

Comments:
I differ on two counts: That outside of Jersey they are neither a counterculture, nor separatists, & consider themselves the true American mainstream. We're largely insulated from them here in Jersey. But a stroll through Ocean Grove during camp meeting weeks is an eye-opening experience, because the thousands of people gathered there aren't fringe religionists; they're mostly just conservative Methodists. If Jersey ever has a "Defense of Marriage" amendment on the ballot, we'll realize how many of them there are in this state. & even more scary, so will they.
 
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