The culture war regarding LGBTQ+ people may appear worse than ever. Yet that battle has been raging for some time.
“Culture wars” as we know them began in the 1960s, with change movements from numerous minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. The challenging of norms and traditions was met with backlash, particularly from the religious “right”. In the 1980s, the Republican party grew increasingly aligned with religious conservatives, and that shift remains today.
“You get these sort of two coalescing movements that are polarizing the national culture. By the ‘80s and especially the ‘90s, you get what’s called the culture wars,” said historian Andrew Hartman who wrote “A War for the Soul of America: A History of the Culture Wars”.
As I survey the landscape of influential folks passionate about LGBTQ matters, I observe many adding fuel to the fire. Granted, as a wise friend taught me, there is need for different voices. We need those with clear conviction to sound the alarm, advocating with urgency about harm, injustice, and better ways to think and operate. I am grateful for them. They fight for my LGBTQ+ community.
And yet, the war rages on, with no end in sight.
In this culture war, we all play a role – whether an alarm sounder, a patient peacemaker, or a silent bystander. How we use our words and influence matters.
Are you fueling the fire and perpetuating polarization?
Or are you building a bridge, seeking unity and common ground?
I propose the latter is the only way to end the war, and to realize the healing and change we seek in our church, our family, and our own hearts.
