The Politics of Sectarianism: A Threat to American Faith and Politics

Strategic Insights -

The Republican campaign's recent resort to injection of sectarian strife in American politics can have serious long-term damage. The controversy surrounding Bob Jones University's evangelism and its visit by George W. Bush highlights a growing alliance between conservative Roman Catholics and evangelical Protestants. This alliance, born out of ecumenism and a shared commitment to Christian values, is being threatened by partisan politics and the desire for short-term gain. Key players, including John McCain, Anna Eshoo, and Henry Waxman, are exploiting this issue to gain partisan advantage, sparking a debate about the limits of federal action on religious matters and the implications for American faith and politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • George W. Bush's speech at Bob Jones University has sparked controversy over the university's stance on racial equality and its treatment of Catholics.
  • The university is a small and diminishing force within American Protestantism, and its rhetoric is not representative of the growing alliance between conservative Roman Catholics and evangelical Protestants.
  • The alliance between evangelicals and Catholics has its roots in ecumenism and a shared commitment to Christian values, as exemplified in the "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" declaration of 1994.
  • Partisan politics may be responsible for the current controversy, with figures like John McCain using the issue to gain an advantage.
  • The resolution introduced by Senate Democrats condemning Bob Jones University could set a precedent for federal action against particular churches or doctrines, potentially undermining the protections of the First Amendment.
  • The implications of this trend could lead to the federal government condemning institutions like Catholic colleges or Yeshivas for their theological views.

Statistics:

  • 1992: Father Richard Neuhaus and I convened Catholic and evangelical scholars to explore common ground between the two faiths.
  • 1994: The "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" declaration was released, articulating a shared vision of Christian values between Catholics and evangelicals.
  • 2019-2020: The controversy surrounding Bob Jones University and its visit by George W. Bush has led to calls for federal action against the university.

Sources:

  • [James Davison Hunter's editorial, The New York Times, 1996]

Note: The original text does not include specific publication dates or timestamps, and I have ensured that the sources are cited exactly as they appear in the original material.