Written by Don Byrd
Today’s read of the day is from Associated Baptist Press, a report of historian Wayne Flynt’s presentation on “Baptists, Evangelicals and Modern American Politics.”
“Those who seek the origins of the deep polarization that has created red and blue America — where we live in neighborhoods of like-minded people, sip latte or wine in similar ideological coffee shops or bistros and attend churches surrounded either by Democrats or Republicans who hire a like-minded pastor — might begin by looking in the 1960s,” Flynt asserted.
…
“Politicized religion is really complicated,” he concluded. “Before generalizing about evangelicals, political pundits need to do lots more homework. Are the people they describe black, white or Hispanic — poor or rich — male or female?”
I find it difficult to get through a whole day of political coverage without being subject to some form of religion-based generalization or stereotype. Flynt’s perspective is a challenge to politicians, pundits and voters alike to resist.
Read the whole thing.
