Surely Clarence Page (Op-Ed, Sept. 7) knows that Promise Keepers has “run alarm bells” in circles far beyond feminists and the National Organization for Women. Across the country, church leaders themselves have been raising serious theological questions about a movement that aims far beyond men “taking charge” in the household, atoning for their sins or pursuing “self-examination” and “self-improvement.”
Within this movement are disturbing signs of Christian nationalism. Some Promise Keepers leaders believe that America is, and must be, a “Christian nation” and promote the idea that biblical law must become civil law. The upcoming march on Washington is a clear signal that this movement that claims no political agenda is, in fact, itching to display its political bravado before a national media audience at a historically significant site.
Many religious leaders also are concerned that Promise Keepers’ call for racial reconciliation, which too deliberately focuses on easing white guilt, is not enough. Countering racism is not simply a matter of changing hearts, for there can be no true reconciliation without true racial equality and justice. To confront racism requires confronting white privilege and power and all the social, economic, legal and public policy systems that strangle equality and justice.
In a nation grounded in religious freedom and pluralism, Promise Keepers ought to be ringing alarm bells in many circles. Steeped in the traditions of a threatened male culture, it would replace America’s old religious establishment with a new, exclusive one.
Take a good look at the premise of the promise. All is not as it appears.
