Voice from Suburbia

Those who analyze the power and appeal of evangelical Christianity solely in terms of doctrine are missing the boat, in my opinion.  A major reason many people are drawn to conservative Christianity is that it promises and delivers meaningful and enjoyable connection with other human beings.  There are some lessons here for the Democratic Party.

I live in a large, growing suburban community. If you live in my town, you get your cash from an ATM machine, pump your own gas, check out your own groceries, shop at big box stores where clerks are predatory or non-existent, and order everything else on line.  Most couples both work, so neighborhoods are deserted during the day.  Six-foot "good neighbor" fences interfere with casual conversation.  Sidewalks are skimpy, and bike trails are perilous or simply not there at all.  As a consequence, foot and bike traffic is at a minimum, while phantom drivers whiz by in intimidatingly large SUV's with dark tinted windows.  Well-intentioned zoning separates residential from commercial areas so there is nothing very interesting to walk to anyway.  

By far the largest, most successful, and most popular churches in our town are evangelical Christian churches.  I discovered why when one of my children started attending youth functions at a large local church with a friend.  They are warm and welcoming and really mean it.  The youth ministry pours tremendous amounts of energy into providing fun, safe, activities that children and teenagers actually like.  The music is contemporary and accessible.  The feeling of energy, commitment, and community is tangible. A group of mothers with teenage children meet each week to pray for their kids. Having been raised in a liberal Protestant denomination, it's difficult for me to accept anyone's claim of a monopoly on correct biblical interpretation.  Nevertheless, I believe that evangelical churches as religious and social institutions provide needed oases of friendship, childrearing assistance, community and connection for many intelligent, educated, thoughtful people (like a good number of my neighbors).  

For me, one of the most heartening aspects of the 2004 presidential election was the increased sense of community and involvement among progressives.  There's nothing wrong with applying more effort to analysis and strategy, reframing the issues, "taking a page from the Republicans' fight book," challenging lies and distortions, and working to reenergize the mainstream media.  But in addition to all of these cerebral and combative activities, it seems to me that one good way to help further Democratic ideals is to create opportunities for like-minded people to connect in an enjoyable, ongoing way at the local level.   Any such effort needs to be open, inclusive, and moderate; not solely directed at electing candidates; and free of the suggestion that the only reason people are needed is to supply money and a vote once in awhile.  For Democrats to escape the (ironic) charge of elitism, the Party needs to become more of one, with block parties, picnics, children's activities, commitment, and connection in everybody's home town.