Folks, if you’re not a member of the ACLU….
…or Americans United for the Separation of Church and State…
…or People for the American Way…
…join already! Progressive organizations are at it full-time trying to protect your rights. But they need enthusiastic, committed armies behind them, armies just as energetic as fundamentalist congregations. If you need a kick in the pants, go to a right-wing megachurch,* witness the frenzied, bubbly vim, and reflect on the fact that some of these folks will go home after church and put all that energy to work to change society in ways you really won’t like.
Pretend you’re one of them, only through the looking-glass. Let an outrageous news article be the sermon that gets you going. Next time you read one, send five bucks to the progressives. Better yet, volunteer.
And when you join, leave a comment on this blog. Preach it!
* Or just watch Jesus Camp.
Don’t worry. I’ve been donating to Americans United for some time.
As for getting a kick in the pants by visiting a megachurch … one step ahead of ya’. I attend Religious Right events from time to time for my blog, and they’ve really galnavnized me to support progressive efforts. Being exposed to the other side is an amazing, if disturbing, education.
My husband and I are joining SoCOEquality. We are both in the process of moving but with all the hatred surfacing in this country (it’s always been there, but now they seem to feel free to spew it), it is imperitive to join/support groups which are fighting for our rights.
Wow, I’m four for four! I’ve been a member of all three of those organizations for at least seven years, and I watched Jesus Camp four years ago. I read every issue of AU’s great magazine, Church & State, cover to cover while I’m at the gym doing cardio.
If I had to limit my membership to only one of those organizations, I would choose Americans United.