The Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial page August 17 featured a book by Jepson professor Douglas A. Hicks.
“In Galatians we read, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female . . . .” There is neither Republican nor Democrat, neither conservative nor liberal, neither religious right nor religious left. Douglas Hicks has written an excellent little book with a title that teaches, With God on All Sides: Leadership in a Devout and Diverse America.
An associate professor of Leadership Studies and Religion at the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Hicks discusses religion in the public square. He writes that while faith (whether practiced in a formal religion or denomination, or expressed as “spirituality”) cannot be segregated from secular politics, it can be addressed in ways that do not insult or divide. There are bad approaches and good ones. His advice extends not only to the faithful but to those who disdain religion in all its manifestations. The jeremiads of Christopher Hitchens, for example, do not help. The interventions of the late Jerry Falwell did not help, either.
Hicks examines three recent examples of religion’s role in public debate — the Wren cross at the College of William and Mary; Bill Clinton’s response to the Monica Lewinsky scandal; and the election of a Muslim congressman from Minnesota. The first and the last have Virginia connections. The William and Mary implication is obvious; the Virginia tie to the Islamic congressman relates to former Rep. Virgil Goode’s thundering against the use of a Quran for a swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol of the United States.
Hicks’ commentary on the Wren cross is incomplete, perhaps fatally so. Gene Nichol left the college’s presidency (with a push), but there was more to the story than appears in All Sides. The interpretation of Keith Ellison’s presence in the House of Representatives has it right. The episode records one of Goode’s worst hours, and surely contributed to his defeat last year. The former congressman made Lou Dobbs seem statesmanly.
Many define America as a “Christian nation.” Hicks delves into the various meanings of the assertion. He also cites Stephen Prothero in noting that for a nation of believers, Americans are remarkably ignorant regarding religion. They often do not know much about the history and basics of their own faith, and can be absolutely misinformed about non-Christian religions. Religious literacy remains a must, especially as the United States grows more diverse and as the globe grows smaller.
The Times-Dispatch remains committed to the Religious Literacy columns that appear on the Op/Ed page.
Hicks recommends building crossroads and connectors (the jargon annoys, the substance does not), and calls for reasonableness and civility — which in these times resemble fighting words. We recommend his book.”
