This Is the Year Liberals Take Back Religion from Conservatives

Posted: 02/08/2014 9:20 am EST
Updated: 02/08/2014 9:59 am EST

Sure, the religious right is still teamed up with conservative politicians in their battle against gay marriage, abortion, and immigration reform, just as they've been since 1979 when Jerry Falwell birthed the Moral Majority.

But the days of Americans actually heeding what they say is over. And I'd wager this will be the year liberals -- not conservatives -- drive the religious conversation, in the U.S. and abroad.

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Consider:

This month Beacon Press will publish a book called "Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex, and Intimacy." The book, a 22-essay collection from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds that includes stories by and about straight, gay, single, married, and widowed men. The editors received more than 100 submissions over five months -- and in the process shattered the stereotype of Muslim men as conservative and sexist.

Last month, viewers watching the AFC championship game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots may have seen a Best Buy commercial showing a young salesman named Mustafa advising customers and relaxing at home watching movies and football. Mustafa is a nickname for Muhammad, the founder of Islam -- so it's a pretty safe bet Mustafa is a Muslim. Reaction to the ad? Overwhelmingly positive.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-caldwell/liberal-religion-2014_b_4720527.html