honors 300: honors seminar spring 2010 special topic

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1 Honors 300: Honors Seminar Spring 2010 Special Topic: Politics and Religion in Contemporary America Dr. John F. DeFelice Associate Professor of History University of Maine at Presque Isle Introduction: Since the time of colonial America, religion has been a major factor in its development and culture. This has not been without controversy. It is also not the only major factor in the development of American culture and politics. The Constitution has no place for a state religion, it guarantees religious liberty (for all religions) and it does not allow any elected government officer to be subjected to a religious test. Jefferson wrote of a “wall of separation” between church and state that allowed each to flourish and develop independently. This all seems to have ended over the past thirty years. The rise of new movements, whether they are called Christian Reconstruction, Dominionism, Theonomics, the Religious Right, or any other number of names have taken upon themselves to destroy Jefferson’s wall of separation. They argue that America is a “Christian Nation.” And should have every area subjected to Biblical law and Christian control. Proponents vary in their intensity and vision, they vary in their tactics, and they even vary in their trust in one another. Radical Protestant fundamentalists may make common cause with Roman Catholics politically over the issue of abortion but they despise each other’s foundational doctrines. Other groups are very pro-Israel but allied with anti-Semites. Some attend Black churches but are allied ideologically in some areas with white supremacists. Welcome to the culture wars! And what role should religion have in America? Is there a difference between influence and dominance? There has always been religious influence in America. What seems to be different now? We will explore this interesting and controversial topic looking at sources from past and current participants. We’ll also have a chance to meet and talk with individuals who have both helped establish the “religious right” and now critique it and one investigative journalist who lived under cover in the powerful C-Street group known as “the Family.Together we will discuss their works and conclusions, conduct some research of our own, and discuss what we find among ourselves and publicly in a special forum on University Day. If you know little of religious faith and its intersection with politics or if you want to see some of the main features of the Christian faith, start your exploration here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/ To acquaint yourself with some church/state issues, start here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm We may see the film Jesus Camp. For information on Joel’s Army, look here http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=964

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Page 1: Honors 300: Honors Seminar Spring 2010 Special Topic

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Honors 300: Honors Seminar Spring 2010

Special Topic: Politics and Religion in Contemporary America

Dr. John F. DeFelice Associate Professor of History

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Introduction:

Since the time of colonial America, religion has been a major factor in its development and culture. This has not been without controversy. It is also not the only major factor in the development of American culture and politics. The Constitution has no place for a state religion, it guarantees religious liberty (for all religions) and it does not allow any elected government officer to be subjected to a religious test. Jefferson wrote of a “wall of separation” between church and state that allowed each to flourish and develop independently.

This all seems to have ended over the past thirty years. The rise of new movements, whether they are called Christian Reconstruction, Dominionism, Theonomics, the Religious Right, or any other number of names have taken upon themselves to destroy Jefferson’s wall of separation. They argue that America is a “Christian Nation.” And should have every area subjected to Biblical law and Christian control. Proponents vary in their intensity and vision, they vary in their tactics, and they even vary in their trust in one another. Radical Protestant fundamentalists may make common cause with Roman Catholics politically over the issue of abortion but they despise each other’s foundational doctrines. Other groups are very pro-Israel but allied with anti-Semites. Some attend Black churches but are allied ideologically in some areas with white supremacists. Welcome to the culture wars!

And what role should religion have in America? Is there a difference between influence and dominance? There has always been religious influence in America. What seems to be different now?

We will explore this interesting and controversial topic looking at sources from past and current participants. We’ll also have a chance to meet and talk with individuals who have both helped establish the “religious right” and now critique it and one investigative journalist who lived under cover in the powerful C-Street group known as “the Family.” Together we will discuss their works and conclusions, conduct some research of our own, and discuss what we find among ourselves and publicly in a special forum on University Day.

If you know little of religious faith and its intersection with politics or if you want to see some of the main features of the Christian faith, start your exploration here:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/

To acquaint yourself with some church/state issues, start here:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm

We may see the film Jesus Camp. For information on Joel’s Army, look here

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=964

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Class Requirements:

You are required to attend all classes. Weekly classes require special attention. Missing one class is missing an entire week of instruction. If you miss three classes, you will be assigned an “L.” Requests for excused absences due to sickness or emergencies must be verified through the Dean of Students.

Please come to class prepared, with reading assignments completed. Written work must be turned in on time and you must do your fair share of group work.

This Syllabus:

Print out this syllabus and read it through the first week of class. But all links are active in the electronic version. Consult it often.

Books:

Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming. The Rise of Christian Nationalism. W. W. Norton, 2007 ISBN 9780393329766 James Rudin. The Baptizing of America: The Religious Right’s Plans for the Rest of Us. Basic Books, 2007. ISBN 1560258934 Frank Schaeffer. Crazy for God. DeCapo Press, 2008. ISBN1 00306817500 Jeff Sharlet, The Family. Harpercollins, 2008. ISBN 978006055979-3 Jay Wexler, Holy Hullabaloos, Boston: Beacon Press, 2009 ISBN 139780-8070044-1

Class Activities:

Discussions and Presentations: This is a seminar class, so there are few lectures. Most of your weekly activity will revolve around discussing our readings and engaging in conversations about the topic. Occasionally you will earn additional participation points by being the expositor on a particular article, issue, book chapter, or web page during our class. Due to the controversial nature of our subject, respect is the rule. Feel free to disagree and have lively debates. But remember we are a community of learners. Agree to disagree. No hitting, biting, or name calling. You may also post your observations on our discussion board on Blackboard.

Response Papers: You will write 5 papers that respond to the issues raised in our readings and research. Response papers may be handed in within a week of our discussion. After that you must choose another topic. In other words, a paper may be turned in Feb 2 for a discussion on January 26. A good response paper will discuss your reaction to a series of readings and its

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discussion, cite from the material you use, and is usually 2-3 pages long. Type, proofread, and print out your work. Do not send it to me electronically.

Presentation of Research: University Day! On April 14, our class will make presentations on specific aspects of our topic.

Research Papers: Students will put together individual research papers (12-15 pages) on topics related to their University Day presentations.

Prospectus: 5% of grade. Due in class February 23

1st Draft: 5% of grade. Due in class March 16

Final Draft: 15% of grade. Due in class April 2

Grade Percentiles:

Participation (500 Points) 25% University Day Presentation 25% Response Papers (5) 25% Research Paper 25% Total 100%

Schedule of Readings, Assignments and Class Activities

Tuesday Jan 19

Course Introduction

Movie Night: Jesus Camp OR Lake of Fire

Discussion: Defining the Issues

Reading Assignments for Next Week

Book: Jay Wexler, Holy Hullabaloos

Prologue Chapter 1 “Hasidic Hullabaloo (NY) Chapter 2 “Santeria Skirmish (FL) Chapter 3 “Amish Agitation” (WI) Chapter 4 “Religious Display Ruckus” (TX) Web: The Texas Freedom Network Texas is a state that many feel has been virtually taken over by the

religious right (and after Tom DeLay’s redistricting, the Republican Party). This is one group that has

decided to push back. Many cases, videos and articles are here to review.

http://www.tfn.org/site/PageServer

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On a related site on historical revisionism:

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2010/1001.blake.html

The Texas Republican Party Platform 2000: This is no longer being made public, but many copies were

uploaded before it disappeared last year. Here is a synopsis.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2003_10/002380.php

Discussion for next week:

Church/State Issues in Wexler

Deep in the Heart of Texas: What’s going on?

Movie Night: Jesus Camp OR Lake of Fire

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Jan 26

Discussion:

Church/State Issues in Wexler

Deep in the Heart of Texas: What’s going on?

Movie Night: Jesus Camp OR Lake of Fire

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Jay Wexler, Holy Hullabaloos Chapter 5 “Senate Prayer Suspicion” (DC) Chapter 6 “Funding Religion Fracas” Chapter 7 “Ball-Field Prayer Brouhaha Chapter 8 “Creationism Commotion” European Epilogue Web:

Theocracy Watch: There is a ton of material here! When the authors say to pace yourself, they are quite

serious. It is jammed full of links. The authors of this site feel that theocratic extremism is a threat to

Democracy and they are willing to delve into the writings of the Dominionists to show why they feel this

way. They also document a lot of their primary sources or cite them so you can check them out yourself.

Link: http://theocracywatch.org/

Yurica Report: This is one of the early blogs to react against Dominionist. This essay is by an older

Pentecostal woman. Note some of the source links no longer work. Still it is interesting.

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/TheDespoilingOfAmerica.htm#anchor32051

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Discussion for next week:

Additional Church/State Issues with Wexler.

Theocracy Watch: What are their major concerns? Are these concerns justified? Describe Dominionism and related fundamentalist movements. Consider the essay by the Yurika Report. How can you verify her research?

Tuesday Feb 2

Discussion:

Additional Church/State Issues with Wexler

Theocracy Watch: What are their major concerns? Are these concerns justified? Describe Dominionism and related fundamentalist movements.

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Rabbi James Rudin, The Baptizing of America Chapter I “Terminology Chapter II “Carry Me Back to Old Virginnie” Chapter III “Harsh Dominionism: the Christocrat Goal for America” Chapter IV “There’s a War Going on in Case you Haven’t Noticed” Chapter V “Who are the Evangelical Christians….” Chapter VI “Christian Communities and the Jewish Community” Chapter VII “The Battle of Camp David” (1991) Web:

Religious Clause: This is one of the better law and religion blogs on the web maintained by an emeritus

law professor (Howard Friedland) from the University of Toledo (Go Rockets!). Important legal cases

involving the first amendment are followed in a news format. And this coverage is extensive: not just the

juicy culture war cases.

Link: http://religionclause.blogspot.com/

Discussion for next week:

Why is Rudin concerned with religious changes in America? What qualifies him? Who originally stood for the separation of church and state? What are Christocrats and what is the war Rudin describes?

What is the goal of the Religious Clause web page? What is their point of view in church/state issues? What is the qualification of the blogger?

______________________________________________________________________

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Tuesday Feb 9

Discussion :

Why is Rudin concerned with religious changes in America? What qualifies him? Who originally stood for the separation of church and state? What are Christocrats and what is the war Rudin describes?

What is the goal of the Religious Clause web page? What is their point of view in church/state issues? What is the qualification of the blogger?

Task:

University Day Group and Topic Formation

Reading Assignment for Next Week After Break:

Book: James Rudin, The Baptizing of America Chapter VIII “The Bedroom” Chapter IX “The Schoolroom” Chapter X “The Hospital Room” Chapter XI “The Courtroom” Chapter XII “The Newsroom” Chapter XIII “The Library Room” Chapter XIV “The Public Room” Chapter XV “The Work Room”

Web:

The Interfaith Alliance: Members of this group want to see all religions in America protected and free,

not just one. Very open about what they believe, they follow cases that seem to favor one religion over

another or are a threat to everyone’s religious liberty.

http://www.interfaithalliance.org/about

Some Websites About Gay Marriage:

Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the motives. A pro gay marriage site

http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm

The Pew Forum on Gay Marriage. Numerous links.

http://pewforum.org/gay-marriage/

From the Religious Tolerance site

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marr.htm

No Gay Marriage Web site with their Ten arguments:

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http://www.nogaymarriage.com/tenarguments.asp

Discussion for next week:

Rudin looks at eight areas that the religious right wants to control in American society. Be prepared to discuss each area of controversy.

What are the goals of the Interfaith Alliance? How do they differ from Theocracy Watch and Religious Cause?

Consider the political debate over gay marriage and it religious participants. Are the religious activists imposing their beliefs on the state? Are they opposed to civil rights for gays? Are their concerns fear mongering or legitimate? Why?

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Feb 16 Winter Break

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Feb 23

Prospectus for Paper Due in Class today

Discussion:

Rudin looks at eight areas that the religious right wants to control in American society. Be prepared to discuss each area of controversy.

What are the goals of the Interfaith Alliance? How do they differ from Theocracy Watch and Religious Cause?

Consider the political debate over gay marriage and it religious participants. Are the religious activists imposing their beliefs on the state? Are they opposed to civil rights for gays? Are their concerns fear mongering or legitimate? Why?

University Day Organization Meeting

Reading Assignments for Next Week

Book: Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming Introduction Chapter 1 “This is a Christian Nation” Chapter 2 “The Protocol of the Elders of San Francisco: The Political Uses of Homophobia” Chapter 3 “The Lord of the Library: Intelligent Design and the War on the Enlightenment”

Web:

A Christian Manifesto: This is one of the founding documents of the religious right given by Francis

Schaeffer. His son Frank will in our class in April and here for University Day.

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http://www.peopleforlife.org/francis.html

Discussion for next week:

Goldberg delineates some of the major features of the Dominionists and their work to dominate politics and science. Describe some of the key people involved in Dominionist politics and their goals

Francis Schaeffer was the father of Frank Schaeffer. His Christian Manifesto is considered by many to be the foundation of the religious right. Schaeffer was not a Dominionist and viewed the movement with some suspicion. Later his son Frank rejected Dominionism altogether (as you’ll see later this semester). How does this document manifest the goals of the religious right? How does it seem to be different from Dominionism as we have seen it thus far?

And in addition, see this: the Seven Mountain Mandate: Is this a mandate for a takeover?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQtB-AF41p8

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mar 2

Discussion:

Goldberg delineates some of the major features of the Dominionists and their work to dominate politics and science. Describe some of the key people involved in Dominionist politics and their goals

Francis Schaeffer was the father of Frank Schaeffer. His Christian Manifesto is considered by many to be the foundation of the religious right. Schaeffer was not a Dominionist and viewed the movement with some suspicion. Later his son Frank rejected Dominionism altogether (as you’ll see later this semester). How does this document manifest the goals of the religious right? How does it seem to be different from Dominionism as we have seen it thus far?

The Seven Mountain Mandate: Is this a mandate for a takeover?

Reading Assignments for Next Week

Book: Michele Goldberg, Kingdom Coming Chapter 4 “The Faith Based Gravy Train” Chapter 5 “AIDs is not the Enemy: Sin, Redemption, and the Abstinence Industry” Chapter 6 “No Man, No Problem: The War on the Courts” Conclusion “Exiles in Jesusland” Solidarity Epilogue “After the Fall: the Future of Christian Nationalism”

Web: The World of Christian Revisionism: David Barton and Wallbuilders

David Barton: Wallbuilders: This is a Dominionist home school curriculum site and the center of

controversy for fundamentalist historical revisionism. There’s a lot of commentary available.

http://www.wallbuilders.com/

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Some comments by the Texas Freedom Network

http://www.tfn.org/site/PageServer?pagename=DBarton

And Christian Ethics Today:

http://www.christianethicstoday.com/Issue/003/Wallbuilders%20or%20Mythbuilders%20By%20Nichola

s%20P%20Miller_003_17_.htm

On a related site on historical revisionism: (We’ve review this already)

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2010/1001.blake.html

And if some folks want to rewrite history, why not rewrite the whole Bible to reflect your political

ideology? It sounds like a joke until you see the big names behind it. And when you find out they don’t

know Greek or Hebrew…well it just looks even worse. Here are a few links.

http://www.conservapedia.com/Conservative_Bible_Project

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/10/07/the-gospel-according-to-the-conservative-bible-project/

http://www.claudemariottini.com/blog/2009/10/defending-bible-conservative-bible.html

http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/2009/10/conservapedia-bible-project-free-of.html

Discussion for next week:

We finish Goldberg with this discussion. She addresses issues that Rudin covers as well. Come prepared to discuss faith-based initiatives, abstinence only programs, Justice Sunday and Supreme Court, and the whole concept of “Jesusland.” (One of many maps on the web is below)

David Barton and historical revisionism: why is this controversial, considering that his curriculum is used primarily in home schools with no state academic review? Comment on this “Conservative Bible”

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______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mar 9

Discussion:

We finish Goldberg with this discussion. She addresses issues that Rudin covers as well. Come prepared to discuss faith-based initiatives, abstinence only programs, Justice Sunday and the Supreme Court , and the whole concept of “Jesusland.” (One of many maps from the web is above)

David Barton and historical revisionism: why is this controversial, considering that his curriculum is used primarily in home schools with no state academic review or supervision?

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Frank Schaeffer, Crazy for God Part I: Childhood Part II Education We’ll discuss Frank’s book when he visits us!

Web: Lot of Resources here. You do not need to explore them all, but explore ones of DIFFERENT POSITIONS for each topic.

Special Section: Abortion and Abstinence Programs

These are the culture war issues that seem to drive the others. There are thousands of sites out there!

Here are a few that are interesting

Abortion:

Religious Tolerance: this Canadian site tries to honest show all sides of the issue in a rational way.

Consider it an oasis in the culture wars:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm

AbortionFacts.com: is an anti-abortion site that uses a series of links to discourage abortion sponsored

by Heritage House ’76. A link to their mission statement is here:

http://www.hh76.com/mission.asp?site_id=

Their information is clearly anti-abortion. They are anti-violence and do not approve of the murder of

abortion doctors.

Operation Rescue: A powerful anti-abortion group.

Here’s one of their tracts. You’ll note several times that it says to make sure you vote Republican and

blames 9/11 on abortion.

http://www.operationsaveamerica.org/brochures/acrobat/ToEndAllAbortion.pdf

and here is a link to their web page:

http://www.operationsaveamerica.org/

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The Army of God: the most extreme anti-abortion group. I have to warn you that the visual material on

this site is graphic and disturbing. This group approves of the murder of those who work in women’s

clinics and doctors. Also supports terrorist Eric Rudolph, the Olympic bomber.

http://www.armyofgod.com/

The history of the Army of God from the National Abortion Federation (see below)

http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/violence/army_god.html

Gary North on Paul Hill’s Trial and Execution Murder: This will take you to the main page. Go to the

register on the left marked “Book”. Click on: “Subject.” The third book down is listed as “Lone

Gunmen for Jesus.” Click on it and read it. HTML is the probably your best bet.

http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/sidefrm2.htm

The National Abortion Federation: A site provided by abortion doctors and providers.

http://www.prochoice.org/default.htm

The Pro-Choice Education Project: This is a feminist site, clearly pro-choice. No they cannot write your

paper for you! (As you explore you’ll find out what I mean).

http://www.protectchoice.org/

Why Abortion is Biblical. Why Abortion is Moral. This is from the “How to Fight the Religious Right”

web site. It has clumsy exegesis but worth debating.

http://elroy.net/ehr/abortionanswers.html

http://elroy.net/ehr/abortion.html

Abstinence Only Programs and Contraception Organizations

FreeTeens USA: Abstinence Training for Teens who wait. Not many know it is a front organization for

Sun Myung Moons Unification Church:

http://www.freeteensusa.org/home.html

Their health teen culture outlet:

http://www.culturemachine.com/home.html

Freeteens Leadership Training;

http://www.freeteensusa.org/ft_parents.html

And Rick Ross’ exposes the connection:

http://www.rickross.com/reference/unif/unif210.html

http://www.rickross.com/reference/unif/Unif4.html

The Roman Catholic Church: Teaching on sex and Sex Education.

http://wf-f.org/CatholicSexEdResources.html

Pro Sex Education/Contraception Sites

Advocates for Youth: Definitely disagrees with the abstinence until marriage stance:

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=58

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Reproductive Rights Prof Blog: What do you get when a CUNY law professor enters the fray? This is n

interesting site. She documents her sources. Its clear she doesn’t like abstinence programs.

Planned Parenthood: Well know advocated organization for reproductive health. Lots of links

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Discussion for next week: Abortion, abstinence only, and church and state interaction. There are lots of resources here. Review Goldberg Chapter five as well. Drag out your notes from the film Lake of Fire. Let’s see if we can work out some ideas on how to heal the rift in our country. And we’ll discus what you feel is unproductive.

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mar 16

1st Draft of Paper Due Today!

Discussion: Abortion, abstinence only, and church and state interaction. There are lots of resources here. Review Goldberg Chapter five as well. Drag out your notes from the film Lake of Fire. Let’s see if we can work out some ideas on how to heal the rift in our country.

Assignment for Next Week After Break:

Book: Frank Schaeffer, Crazy for God Part III Turmoil Part IV Peace Web:

The Institute for Christian Economics: If you search this site you will find all kinds of books, articles,

newsletter and commentary of Gary North and company. Most are from the late 1970’s to early 1990’s

but these are an excellent tool to see how Dominionist/ Theonomy/Christian Nationalists think and

develop their ideas. Much of this material is not accessible without some background information (i.e.

you really need to know the Bible and its major teachings). These are in pdf, html or a program called

Divu. We may search through this site to find the best writings to use as sources.

Tactics of Christian Resistance:

http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/sidefrm2.htm

To get to this book, click on the link above. Look to the register on the left and you’ll find the listing: “Books.” Click on: “Year Published.” Look to “1983” and you’ll find our object of study, “Tactics of Christian Resistance.” Chapters are listed below.

This book (and the site in general) is long and dense. It talks around the issues with Bible-talk before it outlines the Reconstructionist platform. When it does, you have to think about what this implies for most American citizens. The table of contents is on (web) pages 7-8. The web pages do not correspond with the actual pages of the scanned book so look around. I found Section III “Christian Offensive Tactics of Christian Resistance,” (starts on page tab 350) illuminating, especially “The Church as a Shadow Government,” (page tab 359) and “Tools of Political Resistance.”(page tab 478 ). If you like Sun

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Tzu, “Apologies and Strategy” (page tab 146) in Part I will interest you as well as its critique of Schaeffer’s A Christian Manifesto. You will notice, as in the readings from more recent Reconstructionists, their heavy use of Calvin. You will also notice these are literate men. They are not uneducated nor are they ignorant of the works of the classics and of their adversaries.

Discussion for next week: Gary North now leads a significant part Christian Reconstruction movement. What do they want and what are their tactics? What do their own writings reveal about their ambitions? Finally, after reading this, do you feel the concerns of Rudin and Goldberg are justified?

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mar 23 Spring Break

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mar 30

Discussion:

Gary North now leads a significant part of the Christian Reconstruction Movement. What do they want and what are their tactics? What do their own writings reveal about their ambitions? Finally, after reading this, do you feel the concerns of Rudin and Goldberg are justified?

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

1. Ivanwald 2. Experimental Religion 3. The Revival Extreme 4. Unit Number One

Web: The web sites I list here are updates and additional information on “The Family”

Rachael Maddow on MSNBC criticized for reporting on the secretive “Family”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/rachel-maddow-draws-

fire_n_231538.html?&just_reloaded=1

The Daily Beast: Secrets of C Street

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-26/conspiracy-on-c-street/

WorldMag is a fundamentalist Christian publication that recently published a exposé on the Family

http://www.worldmag.com/articles/15778

This Huffington Post documents the connection between YWAM (Youth with a Mission) that owns the C

Street house and the Family. YWAM is a theocratic organization that plans world domination. They

didn’t used to be this way. I used to hang with these cats in the early 70’s.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-wilson/documents-show-christian_b_256825.html

The Seven Mountains of Culture: YWAM takes over the World!

http://www.reclaim7mountains.com/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x335664

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Discussion for next week: What is this group? How are they connected with other Dominionist/Christian Reconstructive movements? We’ll also formulate questions for Jeff Sharlet, who will be joining out class via teleconference or by videoconference shortly.

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Apr 6

Discussion: What is this group? How are they connected with other Dominionist/Christian Reconstructive movements? We’ll also formulate questions for Jeff Sharlet, who will be joining out class via teleconference or by videoconference shortly.

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

5. The F Word 6. The Ministry of Proper Enlightenment 7. The Blob 8. Vietnamization

Discussion for next week: Continue reading The Family, but your main preparation is two- fold:

1. Work on questions for Frank Schaeffer, our guest next week. You can ask him about his book Crazy for God or one of his other books, the religious right in general, or his position on a complex list of issues.

2. Prepare for your dress rehearsal next week. Get ready!

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Apr 13

Frank Schaeffer will be here to address your questions.

Dress Rehearsal for University Day!!

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

9. Jesus + 0 = X 10. Interesting Blood 11. What Everybody Wants

Web:

The Family on C Street: Additional Information

Rachael Maddow on MSNBC criticized for reporting on the secretive “Family”

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/rachel-maddow-draws-

fire_n_231538.html?&just_reloaded=1

The Daily Beast: Secrets of C Street

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-26/conspiracy-on-c-street/

WorldMag is a fundamentalist Christian publication that recently published a exposé on the Family

http://www.worldmag.com/articles/15778

This Huffington Post documents the connection between YWAM (Youth with a Mission) that owns the

C Street house and the Family. YWAM is a theocratic organization that plans world domination. They

didn’t used to be this way. I used to hang with these cats in the early 70’s.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-wilson/documents-show-christian_b_256825.html

The Seven Mountains of Culture: YWAM takes over the World!

http://www.reclaim7mountains.com/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x335664

C Street and Uganda

http://www.examiner.com/x-4383-Portland-Progressive-Examiner~y2009m11d27-C-Street-politics-The-

Family-sponsors-death-for-homosexuals-in-Uganda

C Street and Health Care Reformhttp://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/7/801631/-Will-Stupak-The-

Family-Sink-Health-Care-Reform-

http://www.talk2action.org/story/2009/11/10/192635/30

Discussion for next week: The Family. What is this: A church, a cult, or a political action group? Explore this group and recent anti-gay laws in Uganda. Look at its connection with Youth with a Mission. Research how this group is manipulating health care reform. Where does the Family’s platform seem to line up with the goals of Christian Reconstruction? Does their history raise any concerns about their political ideology? For those theologically minded what is the problem with Jesus + 0 = X?

______________________________________________________________________

Wednesday Apr 14

University Day Presentations!

Our class guest, Frank Schaeffer, will deliver the key note address tonight. Attendance is mandatory.

He will speak on “Religion and Social Responsibility” during our keynote address.

______________________________________________________________________

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Tuesday Apr 20

Discussion:

The Family. What is this: A church, a cult, or a political action group? Explore this group and recent anti-gay laws in Uganda. Look at its connection with Youth with a Mission. Research how this group is manipulating health care reform. Where does the Family’s platform seem to line up with the goals of Christian Reconstruction? Does their history raise any concerns about their political ideology? For those theologically minded what is the problem with Jesus + 0 = X?

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

Book: Jeff Sharlet, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

12. The Romance of American Fundamentalist 13. Unschooling 14. This is not the End

Web: The Rise of the Christian Left

Liberals Like Jesus: an interesting site. This is one of the few that digs into the connection between Sun Myung Moon and Christian conservatism. It is unashamedly biased.

http://www.liberalslikechrist.org/index.htm

An interesting compromise is on this web site. Explore this. Does it make sense?

http://jesusnodemocrat.org/

An interesting call for Peace

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2008/07/call_for_culture_war_truce.html

Jim Wallis: After the Religious Right

http://forum-network.org/lecture/faith-and-politics-after-religious-right

Jim Wallis: Not a Liberal

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/may/9.52.html

A high school essay:

Andrew David King, from Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, Calif., has been awarded First Place for his essay, "Principles and Practice: The Dilemma of Faith Versus Politics," which was judged to be the best essay from all of those submitted. King won a $2,500 scholarship to DeSales University. I s an intelligent set of ideas, with room for debate.

http://www.desales.edu/assets/desales/Theology/EssayWinner2008-09.pdf

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Discussion for next week:

First: Final comments on The Family.

Second: Politics will not go away. Neither will religion. But is the current perpetual animosity healthy for America or the churches? Here are a few ideas to consider but we as a class, diverse as we are, need to come to a consensus. One that does not diminish the value of faith, but one does not usurp the independence of the church from the state and the state from the church. Even the phrase church is misleading. It should be churches! And if it stays church, which church? Our final discussion will center on what we’ve learned. Can we agree on a platform? Can we draw conclusion? And what kind of action should we take?

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Apr 27

Final Draft of Paper Due Today!

Discussion:

First: Final comments on The Family.

Second: Politics will not go away. Neither will religion. But is the current perpetual animosity healthy for America or the churches? Here are a few ideas to consider but we as a class, diverse as we are, need to come to a consensus. One that does not diminish the value of faith, but one does not usurp the independence of the church from the state and the state from the church. Even the phrase church is misleading. It should be churches! And if it stays church, which church? Our final discussion will center on what we’ve learned. Can we agree on a platform? Can we draw conclusion? And what kind of action should we take?

Reading Assignments for Next Week:

None. Prepare a 5 to 10 minute presentation of your research and conclusions!

______________________________________________________________________

Tuesday May 4

Presentation of Student Research: Questions, Answers, and Pizza!

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Syllabus Addenda: As Requested by the Administration

Academic Honesty Statement

The academic community of the University of Maine at Presque Isle recognizes that adherence to high

principles of academic integrity is vital to the academic function of the University. Academic integrity is

based upon honesty. All students of the University are expected to be honest in their academic

endeavors. All academic work should be performed in a manner which will provide an honest reflection

of the knowledge and abilities of each student. Any breach of academic honesty should be regarded as a

serious offense by all members of the academic community.

Electronic Courtesy

Please turn off your cell phones and turn off all electronic devices during classes. Computers may be

used to follow lectures or for note taking only. Please do not text message, e-mail or use other forms of

electronic communication during the class.

UMPI Writing Center

Located on the first floor of South Hall, the writing center offers one-on-one consultations for writers at

all levels of course work, at all stages of the writing process. Call 768-9615 or stop by to set up an

appointment.

H1N1 Influenza Safety

With a new strain of influenza (H1N1) circulating in Maine, there are several things you can do to stay

well and help us limit the spread of this and other communicable illnesses. Students who are

experiencing symptoms of H1N1 (fever of 100 degrees or more, plus sore throat or cough) should call

student health services at (207) 768-9586 or 768-9587, or your own health care provider, for further

evaluation. If you are found to have symptoms of H1N1, you will need to follow the guidance of the

Maine CDC to stay home until you are free of fever (without fever-reducing medication), for 24 hours or

your symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

Accommodations

The University of Maine at Presque Isle provides reasonable accommodations upon request to qualified

individuals with documented disabilities. Students with documented disabilities have a right to ask for

accommodations and are encouraged to talk directly with the responsible faculty member, supervisor or

other staff person to explore possible accommodations. For assistance with accommodations or

academic support services, contact Mary Kate Barbosa, Director of Student Support Services, South Hall,

at 768-9613 or by email at [email protected] . A copy of the accommodations request form can

be found at http://www.umpi.edu/current-students/sss/disability-services/registration .

Blackboard Log-in Information

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All students are required to log on to the course's “Blackboard” page, found at

http://www.courses.maine.edu. Please see http://www.learn.maine.edu/crs/bb5_guide.html for

current login info – if students have not already done so, they must activate their UMaine System email

account before they can enter Blackboard. For further information, see the Quick Guide at

http://www.learn.maine.edu/crs/bb5_guide.html.

Library Services

Students have two resources for library services, both through the UMPI library pages and the University

College resource pages. To access the UMPI library electronically, visit: http://www.umpi.edu/library .

Students may contact Virginia Fischer, the Reference Librarian, directly by phone at 768-9602 or via

email at [email protected]. General contact information for the UMPI library can be found at

http://www.umpi.edu/library/directory. Students will need their ID number to access databases or

order and reserve texts. Remote access to University System resources is available through

www.learn.maine.edu/ocls.

Statement of Commitment

As a member of the university, I pledge to

Pursue academic excellence,

Support open inquiry and civil expression,

Listen respectfully to the viewpoints of others,

Participate responsibly in the life of the community,

Conserve and enhance the beauty of the campus, and

Help members of the university realize their potential.