Asking the big questions

How will the left get God into its politics? Lakoff and company work on framing the issue.

Published May 12, 2005 5:49PM (EDT)

In an effort to take back religion from the evangelical Christian right, progressives are doing some online soul searching. This week and next, the Rockridge Institute -- the Berkeley, Calif., think tank best known for linguist George Lakoff's theory of framing -- hosts a forum titled, "Spiritual Progressives: a dialogue on values and building a movement."

"Religious fundamentalists have become a dominant voice in American politics -- so much so that the word 'religion' has become synonymous with the conservative political perspective," write the hosts. "Progressivism, in general, has not recognized the millions of Americans who possess a strong and vibrant faith that complements their progressive political views. The voices of these Americans have yet to be heard in significant numbers."

To put that in different terms, perhaps more comfortable to the political left, one of the discussion forums asks: How do you frame God?


By Katharine Mieszkowski

Katharine Mieszkowski is a senior writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Katharine Mieszkowski


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Religion War Room