A Religious Uniter

April 25, 2008

In an America often focused on the polarization between Republican and Democrat, or between religious and secular, it’s easy to overlook the fact that significant differences exist within religious groups themselves. Paul Lichterman of the USC College’s School of Religion addresses the ideological chasm that yawns between conservative and liberal Christians — and the candidate best suited to deal with it.

“Obama would have a better chance than Clinton of bridging the gap between liberal Christians and conservative, evangelical Christians,” Lichterman says. “Obama’s theme of ‘hope’ is much easier to associate with the uplifting moral tradition of Martin Luther King Jr., whether or not he uses King’s religious language. And evangelical leaders officially endorse racial reconciliation, but do not all necessarily endorse non-traditional leadership roles for women.”

Lichterman is an expert in faith-based organizations and the author of Elusive Togetherness: Church Groups Trying to Bridge America’s Divisions.