Commenting on her curious selection as one of what Newsweek is calling the "faces of the Christian Right", former BJC Counsel and chair of the White House's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Melissa Rogers correctly suggests the magazine "should correct the title of this feature to make it more accurate."
I'm a Christian, but I'm not part of the "Christian Right." That's partially because the terms "Christian Right" or "Religious Right" suggest that a person holds a set of positions, a number of which I have actively opposed. Indeed, I have spent a good part of my career advocating for the principles embodied in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. No one familiar with my work would describe me as a member of the Christian Right.
At the same time, I don't claim to be part of the “Christian Left.” Part of my concern with both of these titles is that they often describe situations in which political views define religious views.
By suggesting that the Religious Right now has reasonable goals and accepts a diversity of opinion when it comes to the separation of church and state, Newsweek does its readers – not to mention Melissa Rogers – a disservice by misnaming this piece. But, hey, don't take my word for it – or even hers! – make plans to come hear for yourself what Melissa has to say, as she is the speaker at the 2011 Shurden Lectures, April 4-5 at Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY.
