Hi Christie

Thank you for your comment at Provoketive Magazine (http://provoketive.com). We’re creating a space of rich conversation about life, faith, justice and culture without judgment. Our desire is to provoke the reader’s imagination through conversation and open up spaces of dialogue, learning, and hope.  We want to invite you to come back soon and continue to participate in the conversation. 

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Jonathan Brink
Provoketive Magazine

You posted the following comment:
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Stephanie,

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.  Productive dialogue is helpful.  First, I couldn't agree more that religion should be left out of government (you can read a post I wrote on the topic a few months ago here...http://randomreflectionz.com/2012/02/29/ethics-and-respect-thrive-with-an-absolute-separation-of-church-and-state/).  The "engagement" to which I am referring is more of community involvement and social activism.  For instance, the Unitarian Universalist church promotes a "Standing on the Side of Love" campaign that promotes tolerance.  Many liberal churches I have been involved with have campaigned for marriage equality by making calls to legislators, etc.  An example of community involvement would be reaching out to displaced LGBT youth in the community.  Perhaps, I did not do a very good job of explaining my position in this article.  I understand the use of the words "Religious Right" and "Irreligious Left" is a bit of an overgeneralization, but it is definitely not intended to be divisive.  It is intended to point out the inherent flaws in these overgeneralizations.  In America, there seems to be an assumption that if one is religious or a church-goer, that he or she holds conservative political ideals (e.g. against gay marriage, pro-life, less entitlement programs) and that just isn't always the case.  This mentality is keeping many liberals from religion and, as a result, the stereotypes only get stronger.  By showing people that religion and liberalism are not dichotomous (outside of government and politics, of course), liberals may be motivated to re-engage in religion.  "Liberal" is not just a political term, but a social term as well.  Again, religion should be kept out of politics and government, but there are several other avenues to promote liberal objectives.  Some churches (when used correctly) are a good tool for facilitating social activism and community involvement (such as soup kitchens, cleaning up neighborhoods, advocating for marriage equality and reproductive rights, etc.).  By reengaging liberals in religion, we can not only help to dispel with these stereotypes, but we can harness their efforts to promote liberal social change through societal - not political - avenues.  I couldn't agree more that the Religious Right has reached a tipping point, which is what makes this all the more of a timely issue.  As to your questions...there are many churchgoing Americans who are incredibly tolerant and nonjudgmental.  All of the UU churches I have attended have been filled with very tolerant and giving people, in all respects.  By reengaging liberals we can dispel with this stereotype.  Does this make any sense? I'm still not sure if I am getting my point across, but I hope that this helps a little.  I appreciate your thoughts.  Like I said, productive dialogue is key.