David Brooks discusses the role of religion in his latest op-ed , and he does so in a wide angle view of the issue. He discusses the issue in terms familiar to many progressives. For example he notes the tendency of some religious groups to coalesce around exclusive belief systems that tend to divide rather than unite.
Somewhat ironically he does not mention that this idea can be extended to any ideology. Any group that builds an identity among its adherents can degrade into group think that labels the “other” as outsiders. Sadly this happens in political parties even when they claim otherwise.
Despite that omission, he seems to take direct aim at his own Republican Party. He avoids an explicit accusation that his party’s obsession with pandering to the worst kind of exclusive politics especially with respect to extreme conservative Christianity. Yet the picture he paints in his overall piece puts a white hot spot light on the elephant hiding in the corner.
A large number of political commentators continue to discuss the GOP’s “demographic problem.” That is a very polite way of saying that the party’s group think is one of exclusion, anger, and fear rather than embracing the changing face of America. The one constant for this great country has been its embrace of continual change and renewal, and those that resist our constant march forward are left behind. Their cry is not for people to get off their lawn, rather it is a plea for people to stop walking away from their lawn.
Taken in context of the horrific events in Paris, Mr. Brooks’ piece is a call to think more broadly about our role in the world, and it is a call to think in broad terms. It should also be a call to think about broader calls for inclusion in the political process as well. Exclusion and fear cannot lead to productive, long term solutions that benefit all. It only leads to conflict and more fear. It simply is not sustainable.