The Catholic-Protestant Alliance and the Future of Christian Extremism

Äbtissin Adelheid II. von Büren (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was not that long ago that one could find a fair bit of animosity between Catholics and some Protestant denominations, especially the Southern Baptists. I still see some evidence of this divide here in the South, but this is rapidly changing, according to Fredrick Clarkson (Political Research Associates), as Christian extremists are coming together to fight their common enemy (i.e., secularism).

Clarkson notes that the Christian Right is rallying around opposition to reproductive rights for women, opposition to marriage equality, and a defense of what they describe as "religious liberty." Evidently these common points of agreement have been enough to pull many Catholics and Protestants together.

Clarkson points out that while the Christian Right has experienced many setbacks lately, it would be a mistake to count them out or underestimate their continued influence.

Given the Christian Right’s recent defeats in the realm of marriage equality, it might seem that its power is diminishing and that the so-called culture wars are receding. But “We Stand in Solidarity” is one of many indications that its resolve has deepened rather than dissipated in the face of recent political setbacks. This dynamic, multifaceted movement—one of the most powerful in U.S. history—aims to become a renewed, vigorous force in American public life, and it continues to evolve even while maintaining its views on core issues.

According to Clarkson, it is this alliance between conservative Catholics and evangelical fundamentalist Protestants that is key to understanding their plans and their continued power.

Clarkson's article is lengthy, but I believe it provides a much needed wake up call to all who have declared Christian extremism and the Christian Right to be dead or dying. They are not about to sit by passively as their influence declines.

The Christian Right, stung by recent losses in the culture war, is publicly doubling down on its antichoice and antigay positions. Evangelicals and Roman Catholics have found common ground—and the motivation to set aside centuries of sectarian conflict—by focusing on these issues while claiming that their “religious liberty” is about to be crushed. The movement is mobilizing its resources, forging new alliances, and girding itself to engage its enemies. It is also giving fair warning about its intentions. It may lose the long-term war, but whatever happens, one thing is certain: It won’t go down without a fight.

It seems to me that those of us who value secularism would be wise to prepare for a fight that is likely going to last awhile. It is great to see that public attitudes on marriage equality are finally beginning to change, but this battle between secularism and theocracy is not over just yet.