As atheists in the U.S. watch this debacle, one of the primary sources of intrigue is the role which Christian extremism is taking. If a recent article in "The New Republic" is to be believed, it is an expanding role.Well, this time, the Tea Partiers brought their Bibles with them. "It's a bailout for the abortion industry!" one speaker on the steps of the Capitol cried. And before Bachmann took the stage, a preacher from Maryland led an opening prayer that praised the Almighty for "the torch of liberty lit in this land," followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. "One nation, UNDER GOD, indivisible..." the protesters chanted, yelling out the phrase that deserved special emphasis.This is precisely the sort of observation of which atheists should sit up and take note. If you are like me, you are growing somewhat weary of the whole anti-health care spectacle. It is stressful to be reminded day after day that one is surrounded on all sides by idiots. One needs to turn off the news every so often and escape. And yet, if this article is correct, we may be seeing the early stages of something that should be cause for great concern.
As Christian extremists, led by those opposed to reproductive rights, enter the already volatile mix, we are forced to wonder how much worse things may get before they begin to improve. In the last week, I have found myself starting to ponder what I believe may soon become inevitable questions. What happens if the U.S. continues to become increasingly divided along political lines? Is there a point of no return beyond which there will be no clear way forward?
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Tags: Bachmann, Palin, Christian extremismCopyright (c) 2013 Atheist Revolution.
