Examining the Real Agenda of the Religious Far Right
Co-sponsored by the NY Open Center and CUNY Graduate Center Public Programs
with Karen Armstrong, Joan Bokaer, Chip Berlet, Katherine Yurica, John Sugg, Hugh Urban, Frederick Clarkson, Jeffrey Sharlet, Skipp Porteous, Charles Strozier, Robert W. Edgar, and Joseph C. Hough Jr.
“Until progressives come to understand what [fundamentalists] read, hear, are told and deeply believe, we cannot understand American politics, much less be effective.” - Joe Bageant
Most Americans outside the Bible Belt have little idea of the beliefs held by millions of fundamentalist churchgoers. We have an almost total lack of awareness of the rise of Dominionism and Christian Reconstructionism, forms of theology that advocate a biblical vision of God’s kingdom on earth. Some fundamentalists also foresee events such as The Rapture, the Times of Tribulation, Armageddon, and the Second Coming of Christ as we enter The End Days.
This conference will give rigorous attention to the worldview of Dominionism, its influence in contemporary political culture and its agenda for America. While not all Christian fundamentalists are Dominionists, Dominionism’s influence is powerful and growing. Its adherents play a significant role in secretive organizations such as The Council on National Policy, which exerts a strong influence on the strategy of the religious right.
The 2004 election tells us that socially conscious citizens need to awaken to the ambitions of this influential religious movement. What do fundamentalist theologies advocate regarding theocracy, abortion and homosexuality? What is the nature of the world order under God’s law that they anticipate? How do many fundamentalists interpret the role of Israel? How does this affect U.S. policy? Why are so many fundamentalists opposed to environmentalism and the UN? Why are millions in America drawn to this form of belief, and how can we come to understand them?
Join us for this important conference as America grapples with the growing influence of fundamentalist religion and its political goals. Clearly, something within this movement addresses the need for spirituality and community in an America submerged under materialism and consumerism. The time has arrived to take the ambitions and prophecies of extreme Christian fundamentalism seriously, and to examine the compatibility of these beliefs with democracy as we currently know it.
Registration Information:
Friday evening, April 29, 7:30-10pm
Saturday, April 30, 10am-5:30pm
05WEC58TZI Full Conference
Nonmembers $85/Members $75
05WEC58TAI Friday only
Nonmembers $22/Members $20
05WEC58TBI Saturday only
Nonmembers $75/Members $65
Limited scholarships are available
Supporting donations are welcomed!
Location:
CUNY Graduate Center (Fifth Ave & 34th St, Manhattan)
I'd swap my soul to go to that conference, but the fees alone are more than I could afford right now, let alone the cost of travel from Texas to NY and lodging.
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