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Home Front: Politix
Democrats plan to inject spirituality into agenda
2006-05-17
A conference geared to help Democrats infuse God into their politics begins tomorrow at All Souls Unitarian Church in the District with the unveiling of a "spiritual covenant with America."
How appropriate.
The "Spiritual Activism Conference" aims to equip liberals to operate in a political arena where religion has played a more prominent role since 2000, says Rabbi Michael Lerner, founder of the Jewish magazine Tikkun and a chief conference organizer. "While we support the liberal agenda, we are going to a much deeper level with this spiritual critique," he said. "We want to bring in a nonutilitarian framework that sees other human beings as embodiments of the sacred."
How about a utilitarian framework that sees human beings as individuals, rather than as members of "the masses"? I realize the Publicans have difficulty getting large amounts of votes with this approach, but people with genuine religious beliefs react well to it, which is why the Dems are trying to line up their votes — as a bloc.
After some 1,200 conferees receive copies of the covenant -- an alternative to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's successful 1994 "Contract With America" that led to a Republican takeover of the House later that year -- they are expected to discuss it Thursday in meetings with members of Congress.
And they talk about generals fighting the last war...
"We're not taking the liberal agenda and sticking on some Bible quotes," Mr. Lerner said. "It's a whole rethinking on how to do liberal and progressive politics in a whole different language." One element of this rethinking was to come up with a new term, "spiritual progressives" for the religious left. Next was to come up with some sort of document that expresses their values.
"Spiritual progressives" sounds like the same old pig with a fresh coat of lipstick.
Posted by:Fred

#16  -- "We want to bring in a nonutilitarian framework that sees other human beings as embodiments of the sacred." --

Except if your a fetus......especially if you're to be aborted 1 minute before birth........
Posted by: anonymous2u   2006-05-17 23:20  

#15  Frank, my idea of purgatory for any self respecting heterosexual redblooded american male is singing "here i am lord" over and over while flanked in a pew by the hildebeast and ward churchill......w/sermon provided by the reverend jesse jackson.......of course it will be religious out reach day and lou farakhan will be the guess speaker.
Posted by: Broadhead6   2006-05-17 22:06  

#14  They'll be lining up to join Opus Dei...they read all about it in the Da Vinci Code and it's just what they were looking for.
Posted by: KBK   2006-05-17 21:53  

#13  BH - how about a churchy Global Warming? you KNOW it's coming
Posted by: Frank G   2006-05-17 21:45  

#12  I want to listen to these half-wits talk about "spirituality" about as much as I want to go to mass to hear the priest talk about nuclear proliferation and opening dialogue w/Iran.
Posted by: Broadhead6   2006-05-17 21:42  

#11  At least they're staying away from Buddist temples this time.
Posted by: Pappy   2006-05-17 21:04  

#10  Jim Jones - you wuz decades too early
Posted by: Frank G   2006-05-17 20:28  

#9  inject spirituality into agenda

Is there a new recreational drug with a street name of "spirituality"?

Just wondering.
Posted by: 3dc   2006-05-17 20:13  

#8  The New Democratic Party! Now...with God!
Posted by: tu3031   2006-05-17 13:53  

#7  I could give a rat's ass about their religious beliefs. If they're not going to try to secure the border, minimize govt spending, and reduce taxes they won't get my vote, period. That goes for both sides. Our founders are turning in their graves.
Posted by: Broadhead6   2006-05-17 13:51  

#6  Sin? The left uses hefty doses of 'guilt' to sell their programs. You are evil because you or your forbears were successful. The only way to relieve that guilt is to do as they say. Now give me 80% of your earnings and property.
Posted by: Jetch Jerenter8926   2006-05-17 10:47  

#5  Leftist spirituality is nothing new. From crystal gazing to metaphysics to 'Earth Day', the list goes on and on. The only thing missing is the concept of SIN. Let 'em try. Without the basic understanding that some behaviors are reprehensible simply because God says so, the truly spiritual will see right through them. Same old pig with lipstick indeed, Fred.
Posted by: mcsegeek1   2006-05-17 09:21  

#4  What? The Rev's Jackson and Sharpton too busy?
Now tell me about the actions of 'right wing' churchies. If they're left wing, its OK.
Posted by: Jetch Jerenter8926   2006-05-17 09:16  

#3  I noticed the donks held their first spirituality event in a Unitarian church.

When I was in my 20s, the 'word' was that going to a Unitarian church was one of the best ways of getting laid. Perhaps the culture has changed.
Posted by: mhw   2006-05-17 08:54  

#2  I was trying to find a new church to go to and I can say that the Dems have found their home in many a pulpit. The sad thing is that you can tell these most of these churches when you walk in the doors. They have the same feel as a store going out of business. But they often do good charity works.

It's not all bad. These people are lost souls and in need of something more meaningful that the culture of self. As a Christian - I can't help but think that if you get them interested in The Message(TM) - and they will benefit - even if The Message(TM) is buried deep inside a paid poltical advertisment by a pig wearing a new coat of lipstick.
Posted by: 2b   2006-05-17 00:19  

#1  Oh, this'll be good. Fish, meet Bicycle.
Posted by: mojo   2006-05-17 00:15  

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