Culture War

For the hard core religious extremists, everything has gone wrong with America. They see a country whose origins were in an environment much closer to the Will of God, a republic that only later would degrade into a democracy. A land whose course was to be set by Christian white men, yet that was later to be overwhelmed by infidels, selfish women and darker races. "Culture War" is the name of the proposed restorative. For these extremists, the nation ought to be guided not by the whims of the voters, but by obedience to the Commandments of God.

See Culture War projects that are primarily homophobic at Prolife Homophobia

For reactionary views of the changing roles of men and women, see Condemning "Feminization" of Church and Culture.

For religious revisions of American and world history, see History Reinterpreted and Remodelled.

The Theory of Culture War

Morality Meltdown June 2, 2003 - "The culture war waged by America’s liberal elite has taken our society far down the road to perdition. But it is not too late to turn back." Current American cultural values are said to be the fulfillment of "the detailed battle plans laid out by Italian Communist theoretician Antonio Gramsci in the 1920s and ’30s."

Destroying a Nation May 5, 2003 - How the government is enacting the Communist Strategy for Revolution. "Corrupt the young. Get them away from religion. Get them interested in sex. Make them superficial; destroy their ruggedness."

Reclaiming Culture by Holy Love: Brains and Strategy Won't Suffice April 30, 2003 - P. Andrew Sandlin, rejects most culture struggles from the right as "in the game for a political power grab, and today’s politics tends to foster resentment and revenge."

The Cultural War for the Soul of America September 14, 1992 - An essay by Patrick Buchanan. "Who decides what is right and wrong, moral and immoral, beautiful and ugly, healthy and sick? Whose beliefs shall form the basis of law?"

Didn't Know a Culture War Was On February 4, 1999 - Commentator Molly Ivins takes on the central ideas of culture war. "Another right-wing interpretation of the ’60s is the bizarre notion that black rage was fomented by white liberal social programs."

Culture War or Just Dynamic Tension? September 19, 1999 - A conservative believes the concept of Culture War is inappropriate: "Is there a "culture war" going on in America today? Or is the dynamic tension between religion and politics in our country the same as it ever was?"

Theocracy & White Supremacy: Behind the Culture War to Restore Traditional Values "The goal of many leaders of this ultraconservative religious movement is imposing a narrow theological agenda on secular society. The theocratic right's ideal is an authoritarian society where Christian men interpret God's will as law. Women are helpmates, and children are the property of their parents. Earth must submit to the dominion of those to whom God has granted power. People are basically sinful, and must be restrained by harsh punitive laws. Social problems are caused by Satanic conspiracies aided and abetted by liberals, homosexuals, feminists, and secular humanists. These forces must be exposed and neutralized."

Operation Infinite Jest: The return of the culture wars January 4, 2002 - Both left and right look at cultural criteria and declare the sky is falling.

Splits in the Culture War

Can Rock 'n Roll be Righteous?

Abortion opponents from older, more conventional denominations insist that rock music and body piercing are utterly wrong. Younger prolife people find among their ranks fans of Christian rock and people who favor outlandish hairstyles or tatoos.

Pro-lifers: Young and feisty Concerning young prolife people, the author says "many are clean-cut, while others are tattooed and pierced, green-haired marvels. And I say, 'Who cares? Welcome!'"
Rock for Life Combines a love of rock with a hatred of abortion. Check to see if your favorite group is on the Pro-Life list or the Pro-Abortion list.
Ageing Hippies and a Dead-End Dream Ex-rocker Jeff Godwin preaches on the evils of Rock 'n Roll. He specifically rejects the possibility of "Christian Rock."

Is It "Only Rock 'n' Roll"? "Far from being just a youthful fad, rock and roll music is a powerful force for subversive cultural, social, and political change." A stale, fill-in-the-blanks reissue of white fright condemnations of ragtime, the blues, jazz, and all other "primitive" (read: "black") influences on American culture.

Left Behind

The apocalyptic novel by Tim LaHaye has got it all wrong, say its zealot critics. For these detractors, the rapture must be preceded by Christian theocratic rule of the earth. This is a common view among the hard-line antiabortion extremists.

Quit Digging Foxholes for God January 24, 2002 - "180 years of false hope is prima facie evidence that the rapture theory is askew, and therefore not what the word of God teaches. Dispensationalists have been expecting the rapture at any moment for several decades and it hasn't happened!"
The Bible and the Apocalypse June 23, 2002 - Time Magazine investigates the current popularity of the Apocalypse, paying considerable attention to Left Behind.
Fundamentally unsound July 29, 2002 - "Left Behind, the bestselling series of paranoid, pro-Israel end-time thrillers, may sound kooky, but America's right-wing leaders really believe this stuff."

Culture War in Practice

Mickey Mouse is Evil, Boys and Girls!

ORN Storms The Gates of HellDisney World

BARF Archive of Operation Rescue National Why would an anti-abortion group make a fuss over Disney World? Biblical America Resistance Front keeps a collection of photos of ORN activists and accounts of their most recent campaigns. In the article Next Step on the Road to Dominion, the authors lay out the reactionary theory behind right extremist attacks on Disney World and Barnes & Noble.
"To the leaders of Operation Rescue National, a Barnes and Noble store is no different from an abortion clinic, as is Disney's Magic Kingdom. All represent to them an outright violation of their particular version of Biblical law and de facto evidence of man breaking his covenant with God."
Disney to be Exposed at Platteville, Wisconsin July 3, 1998 " . . .there is another King, and his name is not Mickey. His Name is Jesus."
Tinky Winky Exposed! Jerry Falwell outs Tinky Winky, whose defenders rush to his aid. You might suppose a beefy televangelist would have no trouble overpowering a tiny, purple-clad, purse-carrying boy doll. The Rev. thought that triangle was the gay sign. Turns out it's the antenna to receive instructions from the Tri-lateral Commission.
When It's Cool to be Evil: The Reality of Morality December 4, 2002 - Conservative commentator Henry Makow condemns the brutal video game "Grand Theft Auto --Vice City." It is of the devil. To restore the proper state of affairs, the righteous must reject the liberal humanists who "gave us liberalism, socialism and communism, not to help but to control us. They gave us feminism, pornography and sexual liberation, not to free but to enslave us." And wives will have to return to submitting to their husbands.
Country fans are seeing red over McGraw song December 19, 2002 - You won't find the word "abortion" on Tim McGraw's new CD. But the topic is in one of the songs. The CD is selling well. While some complain of the topic, others say it reminds them of their own lives.
Hegelian Alchemy and Mind Changing Games April 14, 2003 - Look out for those role playing games: "The toys children play with depict powerful creatures of the darkness. Now, games give explicit instruction in the rituals and methods of the occult. Indeed, gaming tournaments are prime times for occultists to find 'recruits' with exceptional ability."
'Buffy, the Vampire Slayer' Mocks Christianity April 23, 2003 - "The Parents Television Council (PTC) is going after the creators of the TV series, 'Buffy, the Vampire Slayer,' because of the episode that played during Holy Week. PTC said the show mocked the Christian faith."
The heathen 'Dixie Chicks' flash pro-abort images during concert May 19, 2003 - That's the comment the extremist Covenant News attached to the story. The LouisvilleScene.com simply said "Dixie Chicks are simply extraordinary."

The Trick A comic-book style Gospel tract, complete, online. Witches and warlocks put razor blades in Halloween candy, but Jesus wins out in the end.

The Dark Side of Halloween A site presented by David L Brown, Th.M. of LOGOS Communication Consortium, Inc. He is a local "expert" on the occult and has appeared from time to time on Milwaukee's WVCY-TV.

Is Haloween good, or is it occultic? Do you think this is GOOD in the sight of God to dress up your innocent child as a magic-working purple dinosaur named Barney? Find tips here for evangelizing the costumed little heathens that come knocking at your door.

Witchcraft and Abortion Sure-fire evidence that witches and satanists are behind it all!

Child Sacrifice in the New Age: Salem's Witch Cult and America's Abortion Industry July 15, 2003 - From "Raiders News Update - Where Believers get their News." There's no doubt about it, says expert Jay Rogers, those proaborts are directly connected to the witches of Salem Massachusetts and the pagan deities of the ancient holy land.

Halloween Outreach When the wretched unsaved come knocking on your door, be ready with sanctified greeting cards and tracts.

Prolifers concerned about UNICEF Halloween Money Drive October 26, 2001 - The young are dragooned into soliciting for the cause of one world gummint and abortion.

Hell Houses

Halloween Hell Houses, Judgment Houses and Revelation Walks A liberal religious organization presents a review and commentary on fundamentalist Halloween agit-prop.
'Hell House' finds new home on stage at Denver church September 15, 2003 - Among the scenes to be portrayed: "a gay wedding, a mother talking to her aborted child, a drug-filled rave party, kids dying in a drunken-driving accident, suicide and domestic abuse, as well as the destinations of hell and heaven."
Pick of the Litter: 'Hell House' March 8, 2002 - A newspaper movie review of George Ratliff's documentary film of a fundamentalist church's "Hell House." Concerning popular reaction to his film, Ratliff says: "Some people think it's propaganda for the church, some people think it's making fun of them. People take it absolutely differently everywhere. I love that."
One hell of a show November 18, 2002 - The longest and most thorough of all the hell house articles listed here. The young women who play parts in the drama all covet the roles of Abortion Girl or the Rape Suicide Girl: "they're the biggest chick parts." You can buy your own kit for a hell house production for $199. They have sold 500 kits so far.
Church's Hell House draws on Sept. 11 tragedy October 31, 2002 - The date: September 11, 2001, the place: an abortion clinic, where a young woman wishes to finish the procedure quickly, so that she can report on time for her new job at the World Trade Center.
Church's 'hell house' features shocking attempt to save souls October 31, 2002 - Both the players in a rape scene are condemned to hell: the male for committing the crime, the female for "being a part of the party scene and putting herself in a situation where she could be raped."
Halloween evangelism questioned: 'Judgment House' projects draw fire October 30, 2002 - A skit shows four teenagers killed in a school shooting. "Two will enter the pearly gates into heaven. But two rejected Jesus Christ. They'll go straight to a hell filled with black walls, red spotlights, machine-made smoke and a devil with horns on his head."
Church uses pagan day to send message October 30, 2002 - "Some Christians turn to haunted houses to spread word about damnation, salvation."
Hell House warns against wayward path October 28, 2002 - "Demons in the scenes include drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, abortion and suicide rather than traditional vampires and ghosts."
Church Creates A "Virtual Hell" October 28, 2002 - "Judgment House is an eight scene walk-through drama, depicting stories of people whose lives have been cut short by tradgedy [sic] and their dramatic experiences beyond the grave."
Controversial 'Hell House' open again October 18, 2001 - For its fourth year in Bowling Green, KY, this Hell House shows scenes of homosexuality, suicide, domestic violence and date rape.
Drama deals in 'extreme reality' October 27, 2001 - From San Antonio, Texas. "It isn't your typical Halloween haunted house. In fact, for all its ghoulishness and timing, its creators say it has nothing to do with the Oct. 31 tradition."
Hell House protesters try different tactics For Halloween of 2001 Life and Liberty for Women will picket a Denver church's Hell House. The protesters plan to display the names of abortion providers who have been murdered.
In your face ministry: Traveling group urges people to make the 'right choices' in life June 14, 2002 - The Hell House is not just for Halloween anymore. A touring group takes the scary scenes on the road throughout the year, highlighting the spiritual dangers of Harry Potter, drinking and driving, and abortion.
To Hell and Back October 16, 2002 - "Explore the underworld -- you know, drugs, homosexuality, and the occult -- with the Pentecostal Trinity Church." Before the performance the actors lay hands on each other and speak in tongues.

Harry Potter: Threat or Menace?

Teachers warn of occult dangers in Potter movie magic November 4, 2001 - A British teachers' union warns that the new Harry Potter film may spark children's interest in the occult.
Harry Potter Lures Kids to Witchcraft "Note: We are not trying to ban or censor Harry Potter books."
Harry Potter: A new twist to Witchcraft That mark on Harry's forehead -- it's an "S" for "Satan."
Harry Potter vs. Wicca: Why Harry Potter does not promote witchcraft The author points out that none of the stories or practices in the Potter series resemble the religious practices of Wicca.
The Harry Potter Problem Dr. David L. Brown of Logos Communications has established his credentials amply by issuing warnings about the Satanic danger of Halloween and Pokemon. Now he unsparingly exposes that arch-wizard, Harry Potter. "Harry Potter books are the perfect primer for teaching the occult." Look at those eyes! Admit it now, you can plainly see the effects of drugs.
The Problem of Harry Potter The Canadian prolife organization Lifesite gives a list of websites that catalog the evil deeds of that nerdy little wizard.
Harry Potter: 'Making Evil Look Innocent' Nov-Dec, 2001 - A gospel oriented heads up from the newsletter of a major tract publisher.
The True Danger of Your Child Reading the Harry Potter Books Hands down the best art work in the gaggle of anti-Harry websites, plus reviews of each of the books in the series.
Preacher Leads Potter Book Shredding Protest: Rev. Says Books Can 'Make You Dirty' November 15, 2002 - The Rev. Douglas Taylor actually wanted to burn the book, but local regulations forbid fires without a permit.
Potter called Christ-like March 4, 2003 - Pronouncements by both Catholic and Protestant experts find nothing evil about Harry.

The YWCA's Left Turn May 13, 2003 - "A good look at the YWCA reveals a much more political Leftist organization, much of which is paid for with your tax dollars. Although it was socially progressive from the beginning, the YWCA was not exactly the radical force it is today."
Abortion lyric leads to static on the radio October 10, 2002 - A new single from C&W star Tim McGraw, Red Rag Top, draws opposition from antiabortion campaigners. The opposition is not as wide spread nor as long lived as one might have expected.
When Decency Left America "Un-bathed, rancid, America-bashing dope heads continue preaching anti-patriotic hatred." The hippies are the cause of the current moral decline.
Aliens, Monsters & Creepy Creatures: What do they teach our children? Once children get into this science fiction stuff "eventually the real world of nature, families, work and Biblical truth becomes too boring to be enjoyed."
American Family Association "Supporting Traditional Family Values." In early February, 2001 they appeal to readers to join a campaign against the new show Temptation Island. An animated banner asks "Want to do something about pornography, TV violence, Abortion, Homosexuality?"
ChildCare Action Project (CAP) "Christian Analysis of American Culture" They help parents and grandparents evaluate cultural materials for children. "We make no attempt to quantify the 'artistic' or 'redeeming' values of entertainment." The film American Pie 2 gets these indices: "American Pie 2 (2001), R, CAP Score: 40, CAP Influence Density: 4.16" Particularly dangerous works get the flashing red light.
CleanFlicks: Just the Good Stuff! "How it works: You send us your videos or give us permission to buy them for you and we edit them and send them to you." Violence, nudity and profane references to God are deleted. Also cuss words. They will make you an edited copy of your legal copy of a video for as little as $12.00.
The creative side of culture war The critics of decadence also strive to make edifying works: they do artwork, design websites, write essays, create short stories featuring the righteous and the holy, while at the same time displaying for believers in delightful detail the sufferings of the damned.