Category Archives: culture war

The Worldviews of Donald Trump and Roy Moore

Posted on November 30, 2017 by politicaloptic

Recently, commentators have been making suggestive comparisons between Donald Trump and Roy Moore in the wake of the sex scandals uncovered in Moore’s Alabama senate campaign. The similarity between the two men in their personal misbehavior is apt and well … Continue reading →

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Putin-philia on the American Right

Posted on July 29, 2017 by politicaloptic

Trump’s adoration for Putin is not an anomaly in today’s American politics. Such at least is the gist of Jeremy Peters’ recent article in the New York Times , which shows that figures on the American right have been lauding … Continue reading →

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North Carolina’s Bathroom Law: Culture War Redux

Posted on April 29, 2016 by politicaloptic

North Carolina’ recent “bathroom bill” is a classic example of legislation that creates a problem rather than solving one. Not only does it make life excruciatingly difficult for a vulnerable minority, it seems to decree general chaos. Among other stipulations about discrimination, House Bill 2 requires all transgender … Continue reading →

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The Paranoid Mindset of the Religious Right and the “Worldview” that Fosters It

Posted on March 26, 2014 by politicaloptic

If one pays attention to the recent rhetoric of the Religious Right, one notices a predictable pattern. Not only does the movement loudly denounce things it doesn’t approve of, but it conjures up images of persecution. Its shrillness exemplifies a … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis’ Views on a Favorite Target of Culture Warriors: Secularism

Posted on September 27, 2013 by politicaloptic

Pope Francis’ recent statements urging restraint by the Catholic Church on hot-button issues is a hopeful sign that he may be looking to modify the Church’s behavior in the political sphere.  His words are likely a reaction to the hierarchy’s … Continue reading →

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The “Pro-Family Election Disaster”

Posted on November 14, 2012 by politicaloptic

For the Christian Right, there is no hiding from the drubbing it received on November 6. Unable to spin it away, movement leaders have taken to gnashing their teeth in recent days. Mike Huckabee described the election as a “humiliating … Continue reading →

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The Tale of Two Colsons

Posted on April 26, 2012 by politicaloptic

In the wake of Chuck Colson’s death, we hear a lot about the two Colsons. The theme usually comes in the form of a stark contrast: the Chuck Colson sullied by his early political misdeeds versus the Colson redeemed by his … Continue reading →

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For David Brooks, It’s All about Original Sin

Posted on March 23, 2012 by politicaloptic

Sigh. David Brooks is back at it again on original sin. It seems that whenever a heinous act is featured on the news, Brooks directs our attention to the dark underbelly of our own natures. Back in November, it was the … Continue reading →

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