Micki Bear
March 4, 2013
In the Pew Forum
article, the participants mainly discussed the different perspectives of
looking at the concept of a culture war, as well as the implications of
religion in politics. James Hunter discussed the four approaches to looking at
the apparent culture war: conceptual and methodological, theoretical,
empirical, and perspectival. During his monologue, he discusses his evolution
of thought over the American culture war. Having originally been skeptical of
the concept, he soon came to believe the culture war was really a divide of
methodological individualism; social scientists would need to look at the
preferences of individuals. Hunter believes public conflict is derived from the
beliefs of the elite. Surveys often average American really do not reflect
public culture and opinion accurately. Those surveys are not truly active and
motivated to participate in public politics or for the public good. Overall,
Hunter sums up his article in stating "the debate over the culture war in
some respects is a debate between those who take the politics of culture
perspective versus people...who take the culture of politics perspective."
From this argument he is claiming there really is no debate.
Alan Wolfe's
monologue focuses on the importance of the individual. He discusses the
difference between traditionalists and modernists. This theoretical confliction
is imbedded in the conflicting religious views. He discusses how different
religions are able to separate church from state to create a better state
system. But, there are religions who still tie the church to state in little
ways, which truly make a big impact. His most straightforward statement
discusses how politics became so important to people in the United States that
their political views greatly influenced their religious and theoretical views.
The discussion
portion of this article really focused on Alan Wolfe's opinions. Many of the
journalists were curious to hear more relating to the conservative perspective
of Protestants in relations to Catholics, as well as the religious influences
in politics. Also, they discussed the onset of a cultural war in England.
There
really is no culture war. Many journalists perceive the differing views of
Americans, both political and religious, as a great divide among the citizens
of our nation. It does make sense that there are moral divides among issues
such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and social security; however, these issues
have always existed. They have now just come to light because of the evolving
society in which we live. As for the religious conflict in this culture war,
religious division in politics has always existed. Religious leaders have
influenced voters for decades. Today, it is much less of a culture war, but
actually a war of politicians. Politicians have driven American society apart
from their centrist views towards polar right-wing and left-wing parties. If
politicians were not so divisive and tenacious on issues, Americans would not
have to follow suit.
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