I have been asked to begin a conversation this evening that is aimed at giving good advice to the Woodstock Theological Center. Father Jim Connor has asked me to describe the world from the Olympian heights of my position as editor in chief of America, the national Catholic weekly magazine. First, the role of religion in society. In the last couple of decades a sea change has occurred in the attitude of academics and opinion leaders on the role of religion in public life. No one, except the blind secularist, would hold these positions today.
Empirical evidence shows that believers are healthier and happier.
Religion has been a liberating force first in the American Civil Rights movement and then in South Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. With the death of Communism, the most powerful organized force working for the poor and the oppressed is the Catholic Church. On a global level, we have also seen the rise of Muslim and Hindu political activity. Along with a growing respect for the role of religion in society is a growing fear of religion on both the left and the right. On the left, religion, especially the Catholic Church, is criticized by pro-abortion groups, such as Planned Parenthood, and by some feminist groups.