Perhaps the death announcement was erroneously written. Of course, some people may have made the announcement as a means of suggesting they are the vanquishers of record and in need of praise and financial support. Then, too, some harbingers of this message may simply have quit paying close attention to American politics and religion.

The Religious Right is not dead. You know, I feel a little stupid--maybe "superfluous" is a better word--making that statement. Why, it's like declaring "We will have air today!" To not pay attention to the deleterious effects of the Religious Right is as dangerous as saying that you're not going to breathe because someone told you there is no air.

Dear friends, look at the composition of local school boards, who controls state Republican parties, and what credentials most draw the public's attention in electoral campaigns. Listen to presidential candidates measuring their rhetoric to appeal to religious leaders like James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, and Gary Bauer. Pay attention to the narrow list of social-political issues that continues to be the litmus test for moral values. Study the money amassed by right wing think tanks. Quickly you will see on the Right new energy alongside the old stridency.

People who think the Religious Right is dead had better wake up. These people who see themselves on a mission from God are even smarter than they were in the past and now even more skilled in political strategy. They are not about to give up. To have progressive people celebrating the victory of the Religious Right's demise is to put our constituency right where the Religious Right wants us to be--confident without cause and vulnerable to a surprise that will cause us to say again with regret, "We just didn't see it coming. We weren't ready for them!"

As for myself, I am going to pass on this funeral. I will continue to fight, to broadcast State of Belief, and to lead The Interfaith Alliance in organizing against the Religious Right.

Since we do not to sing a dirge for the Right, please join me in singing stirring music that inspires and activates a progressive response.

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