New opposition to the religious right arises

[SecularMotion]

Today's secular movement, though still flying under the radar of many Americans, is unquestionably producing results, as numerous indicators reflect a growing, empowered nonreligious demographic.

For example, for the first time ever a majority of Americans would now vote for a qualified atheist for president, according to a recent Gallup report. Meanwhile, the Secular Student Alliance, the national umbrella organization for college atheists, has expanded from just a few dozen campus groups in 2007 to over 350 today, and is now venturing into high schools.

Secular activists like to describe their movement in terms of what it stands for — reason, critical thinking, science and ethics — but the movement can perhaps best be understood by what it stands against: the overbearing influence of religious conservatism in America. In fact, the fast-paced growth of the modern secular movement in many ways reflects a new form of opposition to the religious right.

Although the religious right has always had opposition, most of its adversaries have not been very effective. Since Jerry Falwell's newly formed Moral Majority helped elect Ronald Reagan in 1980, politically engaged religious fundamentalists have exerted more influence with virtually every election cycle, while few efforts to slow down the juggernaut of the Christian right have been successful.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120710/OPINION/207100302

[cbayer]

1. Good article with some interesting points

About why secular organizations can be most effective against the religious right.

Glad to see this kind of organizing happening.

[longship]

2. Great article! Puts things in perspective.

The main argument is that combating the religious right by professing ones religion may not have been too productive. It may have actually played into the right's hand. Recent gains by secular people in the argument may be having a positive influence in the battle.

Now here's my take away on this. I think that this battle can only be won by exploiting the diversity of people who could unite against the right. This cuts off the claim that the religious right invariably makes that secular thought is the enemy of religion. (Although I would agree that it very well be the enemy of fundementalism.)

I recommend a click through to read the entire article. It's a good read on a very iPhone friendly site.


R&K

[dimbear]

3. Interesting article. Particularly the idea that change can be motivated by Americans observing

the greater success of other more secular countries. I have an idea that minds in Latin Europe are going to be similarly influenced.

Interesting times.