Why the Left Needs Religion

Abstract

As the culture wars of the last several decades unfolded, religion seemed to loom over every aspect of American life. Would public schools host classwide prayers, teach intelligent design, and require daily deference to the American flag? Would television shows deal frankly with sexuality, abortion, and unconventional families? Would Americans find hope and vitality in an increasingly secular, progressive future, or in an idealized Christian past? Today, as the fog of this protracted cultural struggle clears, it appears that religion—specifically Christianity—was itself contested, rather than merely serving as the moral bulwark of one particular side.