1 Honors 300: Honors Seminar Spring 2010 Special Topic: Politics and Religion in Contemporary America Dr. John F. DeFelice Associate Professor of History University of Maine at Presque Isle Introduction: Since the time of colonial America, religion has been a major factor in its development and culture. This has not been without controversy. It is also not the only major factor in the development of American culture and politics. The Constitution has no place for a state religion, it guarantees religious liberty (for all religions) and it does not allow any elected government officer to be subjected to a religious test. Jefferson wrote of a “wall of separation” between church and state that allowed each to flourish and develop independently. This all seems to have ended over the past thirty years. The rise of new movements, whether they are called Christian Reconstruction, Dominionism, Theonomics, the Religious Right, or any other number of names have taken upon themselves to destroy Jefferson’s wall of separation. They argue that America is a “Christian Nation.” And should have every area subjected to Biblical law and Christian control. Proponents vary in their intensity and vision, they vary in their tactics, and they even vary in their trust in one another. Radical Protestant fundamentalists may make common cause with Roman Catholics politically over the issue of abortion but they despise each other’s foundational doctrines. Other groups are very pro-Israel but allied with anti-Semites. Some attend Black churches but are allied ideologically in some areas with white supremacists. Welcome to the culture wars! And what role should religion have in America? Is there a difference between influence and dominance? There has always been religious influence in America. What seems to be different now? We will explore this interesting and controversial topic looking at sources from past and current participants. We’ll also have a chance to meet and talk with individuals who have both helped establish the “religious right” and now critique it and one investigative journalist who lived under cover in the powerful C-Street group known as “the Family.” Together we will discuss their works and conclusions, conduct some research of our own, and discuss what we find among ourselves and publicly in a special forum on University Day. If you know little of religious faith and its intersection with politics or if you want to see some of the main features of the Christian faith, start your exploration here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/ To acquaint yourself with some church/state issues, start here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm We may see the film Jesus Camp. For information on Joel’s Army, look here http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=964
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Honors 300: Honors Seminar Spring 2010
Special Topic: Politics and Religion in Contemporary America
Dr. John F. DeFelice Associate Professor of History
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Introduction:
Since the time of colonial America, religion has been a major factor in its development and culture. This has not been without controversy. It is also not the only major factor in the development of American culture and politics. The Constitution has no place for a state religion, it guarantees religious liberty (for all religions) and it does not allow any elected government officer to be subjected to a religious test. Jefferson wrote of a “wall of separation” between church and state that allowed each to flourish and develop independently.
This all seems to have ended over the past thirty years. The rise of new movements, whether they are called Christian Reconstruction, Dominionism, Theonomics, the Religious Right, or any other number of names have taken upon themselves to destroy Jefferson’s wall of separation. They argue that America is a “Christian Nation.” And should have every area subjected to Biblical law and Christian control. Proponents vary in their intensity and vision, they vary in their tactics, and they even vary in their trust in one another. Radical Protestant fundamentalists may make common cause with Roman Catholics politically over the issue of abortion but they despise each other’s foundational doctrines. Other groups are very pro-Israel but allied with anti-Semites. Some attend Black churches but are allied ideologically in some areas with white supremacists. Welcome to the culture wars!
And what role should religion have in America? Is there a difference between influence and dominance? There has always been religious influence in America. What seems to be different now?
We will explore this interesting and controversial topic looking at sources from past and current participants. We’ll also have a chance to meet and talk with individuals who have both helped establish the “religious right” and now critique it and one investigative journalist who lived under cover in the powerful C-Street group known as “the Family.” Together we will discuss their works and conclusions, conduct some research of our own, and discuss what we find among ourselves and publicly in a special forum on University Day.
If you know little of religious faith and its intersection with politics or if you want to see some of the main features of the Christian faith, start your exploration here:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/
To acquaint yourself with some church/state issues, start here:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm
We may see the film Jesus Camp. For information on Joel’s Army, look here
You are required to attend all classes. Weekly classes require special attention. Missing one class is missing an entire week of instruction. If you miss three classes, you will be assigned an “L.” Requests for excused absences due to sickness or emergencies must be verified through the Dean of Students.
Please come to class prepared, with reading assignments completed. Written work must be turned in on time and you must do your fair share of group work.
This Syllabus:
Print out this syllabus and read it through the first week of class. But all links are active in the electronic version. Consult it often.
Books:
Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming. The Rise of Christian Nationalism. W. W. Norton, 2007 ISBN 9780393329766 James Rudin. The Baptizing of America: The Religious Right’s Plans for the Rest of Us. Basic Books, 2007. ISBN 1560258934 Frank Schaeffer. Crazy for God. DeCapo Press, 2008. ISBN1 00306817500 Jeff Sharlet, The Family. Harpercollins, 2008. ISBN 978006055979-3 Jay Wexler, Holy Hullabaloos, Boston: Beacon Press, 2009 ISBN 139780-8070044-1
Class Activities:
Discussions and Presentations: This is a seminar class, so there are few lectures. Most of your weekly activity will revolve around discussing our readings and engaging in conversations about the topic. Occasionally you will earn additional participation points by being the expositor on a particular article, issue, book chapter, or web page during our class. Due to the controversial nature of our subject, respect is the rule. Feel free to disagree and have lively debates. But remember we are a community of learners. Agree to disagree. No hitting, biting, or name calling. You may also post your observations on our discussion board on Blackboard.
Response Papers: You will write 5 papers that respond to the issues raised in our readings and research. Response papers may be handed in within a week of our discussion. After that you must choose another topic. In other words, a paper may be turned in Feb 2 for a discussion on January 26. A good response paper will discuss your reaction to a series of readings and its
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discussion, cite from the material you use, and is usually 2-3 pages long. Type, proofread, and print out your work. Do not send it to me electronically.
Presentation of Research: University Day! On April 14, our class will make presentations on specific aspects of our topic.
Research Papers: Students will put together individual research papers (12-15 pages) on topics related to their University Day presentations.
Prospectus: 5% of grade. Due in class February 23
1st Draft: 5% of grade. Due in class March 16
Final Draft: 15% of grade. Due in class April 2
Grade Percentiles:
Participation (500 Points) 25% University Day Presentation 25% Response Papers (5) 25% Research Paper 25% Total 100%
Schedule of Readings, Assignments and Class Activities
Tuesday Jan 19
Course Introduction
Movie Night: Jesus Camp OR Lake of Fire
Discussion: Defining the Issues
Reading Assignments for Next Week
Book: Jay Wexler, Holy Hullabaloos
Prologue Chapter 1 “Hasidic Hullabaloo (NY) Chapter 2 “Santeria Skirmish (FL) Chapter 3 “Amish Agitation” (WI) Chapter 4 “Religious Display Ruckus” (TX) Web: The Texas Freedom Network Texas is a state that many feel has been virtually taken over by the
religious right (and after Tom DeLay’s redistricting, the Republican Party). This is one group that has
decided to push back. Many cases, videos and articles are here to review.
Theocracy Watch: What are their major concerns? Are these concerns justified? Describe Dominionism and related fundamentalist movements. Consider the essay by the Yurika Report. How can you verify her research?
Tuesday Feb 2
Discussion:
Additional Church/State Issues with Wexler
Theocracy Watch: What are their major concerns? Are these concerns justified? Describe Dominionism and related fundamentalist movements.
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
Book: Rabbi James Rudin, The Baptizing of America Chapter I “Terminology Chapter II “Carry Me Back to Old Virginnie” Chapter III “Harsh Dominionism: the Christocrat Goal for America” Chapter IV “There’s a War Going on in Case you Haven’t Noticed” Chapter V “Who are the Evangelical Christians….” Chapter VI “Christian Communities and the Jewish Community” Chapter VII “The Battle of Camp David” (1991) Web:
Religious Clause: This is one of the better law and religion blogs on the web maintained by an emeritus
law professor (Howard Friedland) from the University of Toledo (Go Rockets!). Important legal cases
involving the first amendment are followed in a news format. And this coverage is extensive: not just the
juicy culture war cases.
Link: http://religionclause.blogspot.com/
Discussion for next week:
Why is Rudin concerned with religious changes in America? What qualifies him? Who originally stood for the separation of church and state? What are Christocrats and what is the war Rudin describes?
What is the goal of the Religious Clause web page? What is their point of view in church/state issues? What is the qualification of the blogger?
Why is Rudin concerned with religious changes in America? What qualifies him? Who originally stood for the separation of church and state? What are Christocrats and what is the war Rudin describes?
What is the goal of the Religious Clause web page? What is their point of view in church/state issues? What is the qualification of the blogger?
Task:
University Day Group and Topic Formation
Reading Assignment for Next Week After Break:
Book: James Rudin, The Baptizing of America Chapter VIII “The Bedroom” Chapter IX “The Schoolroom” Chapter X “The Hospital Room” Chapter XI “The Courtroom” Chapter XII “The Newsroom” Chapter XIII “The Library Room” Chapter XIV “The Public Room” Chapter XV “The Work Room”
Web:
The Interfaith Alliance: Members of this group want to see all religions in America protected and free,
not just one. Very open about what they believe, they follow cases that seem to favor one religion over
another or are a threat to everyone’s religious liberty.
http://www.interfaithalliance.org/about
Some Websites About Gay Marriage:
Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the motives. A pro gay marriage site
http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm
The Pew Forum on Gay Marriage. Numerous links.
http://pewforum.org/gay-marriage/
From the Religious Tolerance site
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marr.htm
No Gay Marriage Web site with their Ten arguments:
Rudin looks at eight areas that the religious right wants to control in American society. Be prepared to discuss each area of controversy.
What are the goals of the Interfaith Alliance? How do they differ from Theocracy Watch and Religious Cause?
Consider the political debate over gay marriage and it religious participants. Are the religious activists imposing their beliefs on the state? Are they opposed to civil rights for gays? Are their concerns fear mongering or legitimate? Why?
Rudin looks at eight areas that the religious right wants to control in American society. Be prepared to discuss each area of controversy.
What are the goals of the Interfaith Alliance? How do they differ from Theocracy Watch and Religious Cause?
Consider the political debate over gay marriage and it religious participants. Are the religious activists imposing their beliefs on the state? Are they opposed to civil rights for gays? Are their concerns fear mongering or legitimate? Why?
University Day Organization Meeting
Reading Assignments for Next Week
Book: Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming Introduction Chapter 1 “This is a Christian Nation” Chapter 2 “The Protocol of the Elders of San Francisco: The Political Uses of Homophobia” Chapter 3 “The Lord of the Library: Intelligent Design and the War on the Enlightenment”
Web:
A Christian Manifesto: This is one of the founding documents of the religious right given by Francis
Schaeffer. His son Frank will in our class in April and here for University Day.
Goldberg delineates some of the major features of the Dominionists and their work to dominate politics and science. Describe some of the key people involved in Dominionist politics and their goals
Francis Schaeffer was the father of Frank Schaeffer. His Christian Manifesto is considered by many to be the foundation of the religious right. Schaeffer was not a Dominionist and viewed the movement with some suspicion. Later his son Frank rejected Dominionism altogether (as you’ll see later this semester). How does this document manifest the goals of the religious right? How does it seem to be different from Dominionism as we have seen it thus far?
And in addition, see this: the Seven Mountain Mandate: Is this a mandate for a takeover?
Goldberg delineates some of the major features of the Dominionists and their work to dominate politics and science. Describe some of the key people involved in Dominionist politics and their goals
Francis Schaeffer was the father of Frank Schaeffer. His Christian Manifesto is considered by many to be the foundation of the religious right. Schaeffer was not a Dominionist and viewed the movement with some suspicion. Later his son Frank rejected Dominionism altogether (as you’ll see later this semester). How does this document manifest the goals of the religious right? How does it seem to be different from Dominionism as we have seen it thus far?
The Seven Mountain Mandate: Is this a mandate for a takeover?
Reading Assignments for Next Week
Book: Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming Chapter 4 “The Faith Based Gravy Train” Chapter 5 “AIDs is not the Enemy: Sin, Redemption, and the Abstinence Industry” Chapter 6 “No Man, No Problem: The War on the Courts” Conclusion “Exiles in Jesusland” Solidarity Epilogue “After the Fall: the Future of Christian Nationalism”
Web: The World of Christian Revisionism: David Barton and Wallbuilders
David Barton: Wallbuilders: This is a Dominionist home school curriculum site and the center of
controversy for fundamentalist historical revisionism. There’s a lot of commentary available.
We finish Goldberg with this discussion. She addresses issues that Rudin covers as well. Come prepared to discuss faith-based initiatives, abstinence only programs, Justice Sunday and Supreme Court, and the whole concept of “Jesusland.” (One of many maps on the web is below)
David Barton and historical revisionism: why is this controversial, considering that his curriculum is used primarily in home schools with no state academic review? Comment on this “Conservative Bible”
We finish Goldberg with this discussion. She addresses issues that Rudin covers as well. Come prepared to discuss faith-based initiatives, abstinence only programs, Justice Sunday and the Supreme Court , and the whole concept of “Jesusland.” (One of many maps from the web is above)
David Barton and historical revisionism: why is this controversial, considering that his curriculum is used primarily in home schools with no state academic review or supervision?
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
Book: Frank Schaeffer, Crazy for God Part I: Childhood Part II Education We’ll discuss Frank’s book when he visits us!
Web: Lot of Resources here. You do not need to explore them all, but explore ones of DIFFERENT POSITIONS for each topic.
Special Section: Abortion and Abstinence Programs
These are the culture war issues that seem to drive the others. There are thousands of sites out there!
Here are a few that are interesting
Abortion:
Religious Tolerance: this Canadian site tries to honest show all sides of the issue in a rational way.
Consider it an oasis in the culture wars:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm
AbortionFacts.com: is an anti-abortion site that uses a series of links to discourage abortion sponsored
by Heritage House ’76. A link to their mission statement is here:
http://www.hh76.com/mission.asp?site_id=
Their information is clearly anti-abortion. They are anti-violence and do not approve of the murder of
abortion doctors.
Operation Rescue: A powerful anti-abortion group.
Here’s one of their tracts. You’ll note several times that it says to make sure you vote Republican and
Reproductive Rights Prof Blog: What do you get when a CUNY law professor enters the fray? This is n
interesting site. She documents her sources. Its clear she doesn’t like abstinence programs.
Planned Parenthood: Well know advocated organization for reproductive health. Lots of links
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Discussion for next week: Abortion, abstinence only, and church and state interaction. There are lots of resources here. Review Goldberg Chapter five as well. Drag out your notes from the film Lake of Fire. Let’s see if we can work out some ideas on how to heal the rift in our country. And we’ll discus what you feel is unproductive.
Discussion: Abortion, abstinence only, and church and state interaction. There are lots of resources here. Review Goldberg Chapter five as well. Drag out your notes from the film Lake of Fire. Let’s see if we can work out some ideas on how to heal the rift in our country.
Assignment for Next Week After Break:
Book: Frank Schaeffer, Crazy for God Part III Turmoil Part IV Peace Web:
The Institute for Christian Economics: If you search this site you will find all kinds of books, articles,
newsletter and commentary of Gary North and company. Most are from the late 1970’s to early 1990’s
but these are an excellent tool to see how Dominionist/ Theonomy/Christian Nationalists think and
develop their ideas. Much of this material is not accessible without some background information (i.e.
you really need to know the Bible and its major teachings). These are in pdf, html or a program called
Divu. We may search through this site to find the best writings to use as sources.
Tactics of Christian Resistance:
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/sidefrm2.htm
To get to this book, click on the link above. Look to the register on the left and you’ll find the listing: “Books.” Click on: “Year Published.” Look to “1983” and you’ll find our object of study, “Tactics of Christian Resistance.” Chapters are listed below.
This book (and the site in general) is long and dense. It talks around the issues with Bible-talk before it outlines the Reconstructionist platform. When it does, you have to think about what this implies for most American citizens. The table of contents is on (web) pages 7-8. The web pages do not correspond with the actual pages of the scanned book so look around. I found Section III “Christian Offensive Tactics of Christian Resistance,” (starts on page tab 350) illuminating, especially “The Church as a Shadow Government,” (page tab 359) and “Tools of Political Resistance.”(page tab 478 ). If you like Sun
Tzu, “Apologies and Strategy” (page tab 146) in Part I will interest you as well as its critique of Schaeffer’s A Christian Manifesto. You will notice, as in the readings from more recent Reconstructionists, their heavy use of Calvin. You will also notice these are literate men. They are not uneducated nor are they ignorant of the works of the classics and of their adversaries.
Discussion for next week: Gary North now leads a significant part Christian Reconstruction movement. What do they want and what are their tactics? What do their own writings reveal about their ambitions? Finally, after reading this, do you feel the concerns of Rudin and Goldberg are justified?
Gary North now leads a significant part of the Christian Reconstruction Movement. What do they want and what are their tactics? What do their own writings reveal about their ambitions? Finally, after reading this, do you feel the concerns of Rudin and Goldberg are justified?
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
1. Ivanwald 2. Experimental Religion 3. The Revival Extreme 4. Unit Number One
Web: The web sites I list here are updates and additional information on “The Family”
Rachael Maddow on MSNBC criticized for reporting on the secretive “Family”
Discussion for next week: What is this group? How are they connected with other Dominionist/Christian Reconstructive movements? We’ll also formulate questions for Jeff Sharlet, who will be joining out class via teleconference or by videoconference shortly.
Discussion: What is this group? How are they connected with other Dominionist/Christian Reconstructive movements? We’ll also formulate questions for Jeff Sharlet, who will be joining out class via teleconference or by videoconference shortly.
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
5. The F Word 6. The Ministry of Proper Enlightenment 7. The Blob 8. Vietnamization
Discussion for next week: Continue reading The Family, but your main preparation is two- fold:
1. Work on questions for Frank Schaeffer, our guest next week. You can ask him about his book Crazy for God or one of his other books, the religious right in general, or his position on a complex list of issues.
2. Prepare for your dress rehearsal next week. Get ready!
Discussion for next week: The Family. What is this: A church, a cult, or a political action group? Explore this group and recent anti-gay laws in Uganda. Look at its connection with Youth with a Mission. Research how this group is manipulating health care reform. Where does the Family’s platform seem to line up with the goals of Christian Reconstruction? Does their history raise any concerns about their political ideology? For those theologically minded what is the problem with Jesus + 0 = X?
The Family. What is this: A church, a cult, or a political action group? Explore this group and recent anti-gay laws in Uganda. Look at its connection with Youth with a Mission. Research how this group is manipulating health care reform. Where does the Family’s platform seem to line up with the goals of Christian Reconstruction? Does their history raise any concerns about their political ideology? For those theologically minded what is the problem with Jesus + 0 = X?
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
12. The Romance of American Fundamentalist 13. Unschooling 14. This is not the End
Web: The Rise of the Christian Left
Liberals Like Jesus: an interesting site. This is one of the few that digs into the connection between Sun Myung Moon and Christian conservatism. It is unashamedly biased.
http://www.liberalslikechrist.org/index.htm
An interesting compromise is on this web site. Explore this. Does it make sense?
Andrew David King, from Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, Calif., has been awarded First Place for his essay, "Principles and Practice: The Dilemma of Faith Versus Politics," which was judged to be the best essay from all of those submitted. King won a $2,500 scholarship to DeSales University. I s an intelligent set of ideas, with room for debate.
Second: Politics will not go away. Neither will religion. But is the current perpetual animosity healthy for America or the churches? Here are a few ideas to consider but we as a class, diverse as we are, need to come to a consensus. One that does not diminish the value of faith, but one does not usurp the independence of the church from the state and the state from the church. Even the phrase church is misleading. It should be churches! And if it stays church, which church? Our final discussion will center on what we’ve learned. Can we agree on a platform? Can we draw conclusion? And what kind of action should we take?
Second: Politics will not go away. Neither will religion. But is the current perpetual animosity healthy for America or the churches? Here are a few ideas to consider but we as a class, diverse as we are, need to come to a consensus. One that does not diminish the value of faith, but one does not usurp the independence of the church from the state and the state from the church. Even the phrase church is misleading. It should be churches! And if it stays church, which church? Our final discussion will center on what we’ve learned. Can we agree on a platform? Can we draw conclusion? And what kind of action should we take?
Reading Assignments for Next Week:
None. Prepare a 5 to 10 minute presentation of your research and conclusions!