ReligionDispatches.org

Daniel Schultz.

Not only does a new study point to a thriving religious left, but the impact may even be greater than the numbers suggest.

Candace Chellew-Hodge.

A new study dispels some common myths and should help the religious left understand its growing political power.

Daniel Schultz.

US News and World Report’s Dan Gilgoff implies that only those with access to the White House are worth writing about.

Christopher H. Evans.

Religious progressives might be arguing now over whose voices are heard in Washington, but it takes more than an ability to gain an audience with national political elites to spawn a movement; it requires the concerted effort to build a following.

Frederick Clarkson.

Mark Silk's recent analysis of the rift between the "prophets" and the "priests" of the left hinges on the assumption that reaching out to centrist evangelicals will help Democrats. But will it?

Hussein Rashid.

In the debate over what it means to be a religious progressive, the terms of the religious right have been adopted and a new way must be forged.

Mark Silk.

A public row threatens to break out between the DC-based “Religious Industrial Complex,” which seeks new Democratic voters, and a small group of rabble-rousers who claim that they’ve compromised their progressive souls in reaching out to religious conservatives. How did it come to this?

Candace Chellew-Hodge.

As the disagreement heats up between "religious progressives" and the "religious left" on the nature of compromise with centrists and conservatives, Candace Chellew-Hodge argues that you can respect your opponent and still refuse to compromise.

Steven Jacobs, Carlton Veazey, and Frances Kissling.

What could possibly be wrong with finding “common ground” on abortion, as a recent Cleveland Plain Dealer op-ed suggested? A closer look at the “commongroundniks” leaves a lot to be desired for those who don’t compromise on respect and support for women.

Frederick Clarkson.

For several weeks a debate has been taking place between an author of a document seeking to “end the culture wars” and the editor of a collection of essays on the Religious Left. In this installment the editor responds to criticisms and details their divergent goals.

Daniel Schultz.

The differences among religious folk in this country—once these issues make their way into politics—manifest in real divisions of money and power and security. To think that these conflicts can be resolved with mild-mannered compromises between Third Way and centrist evangelicals underestimates their importance.

Robert P. Jones.

“Come Let Us Reason Together,” which focused on building bridges between white evangelicals and progressives, unleashed strong criticism from the religious left, much of which challenged the initiative’s definition of "progressive." Robert P. Jones, an adviser to CLURT, responds.

Anthea Butler.

With the choice of Rev. Warren to make the inaugural invocation, the president elect has proven himself tone deaf to the nuances of American religious life.

Sarah Posner.

Since the 2004 defeat of John Kerry, a handful of religious Inside-the-Beltway Democrats—called the religious left by some—have seen their influence rise dramatically. But how progressive is their “broader agenda?” And what of religious left leaders who include reproductive justice and LGBT civil rights on their list?

Daniel Schultz.

Pastor Dan addresses the Religious Left with suggestions, words of caution, a plea for compromise and a more broadly-conceived coalition than any to date.

Robert P. Jones.

With the success of We Believe Ohio et al., progressive religious voices are breaking through...

Evan Derkacz.

By “celebrating” liberal victories years after they’re even remotely controversial, the religious right rewrites itself into history’s good book while continuing to play to the worst elements in our contemporary culture.

Laura R. Olson.

A crop of new books on the waning influence of conservative Christianity in American politics.