Christian Left

The Christian Left refers to a number of contemporary left-wing political movements that are specifically Christian, that push progressive ideas in politics and the popular culture. While the Christian Right has been more visible in recent politics, a number of Christian Left organizations, or their predecessors, have long histories. There was a strong religious position against slavery, for example, before the American Civil War.

Family and relationships

There may be some issue overlap with the Christian Right, but usually a different approach. For example, both believe in the value of family. Left groups, however, often are accepting of committed gay and lesbian relationships. Where both discourage abortion, the left groups are more apt to support birth control and have strong interest in child welfare beyond pregnancy and birth.

Environmentalism

According to a Wall Street Journal article, political consultant has been barraged with calls from business interests in the southern United States,concerned with a "massive ad blitz on Christian and country-music stations across 10 states. The ads, funded by a left-leaning coalition, urge support for congressional legislation to curb greenhouse-gas emissions -- by framing the issue as an urgent matter of Biblical morality."

A coalition including Faith in Public Life, Sojourners and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Goodis distributing an eight-page guide, full of Biblical quotes and health-care statistics, to encourage pastors to raise environmental issues. "Democratic lawmakers representing conservative districts say such efforts help them make the case to skeptical constituents that they aren't simply toeing the party line -- or turning into bleeding-heart liberals -- when they support President Barack Obama's calls for health-care and climate-change legislation. "It's important for people to see that it's not just [Democrats] saying this is important, but people who are coming at it from a moral background,"" said Rep. Tom Perriello (D-Virginia), a freshman Democrat who has come under fire in his rural district for supporting the climate bill."

Life issues

Their approach to valuing human life usually implies opposition to capital punishment, and, depending on the group, attitudes ranging from great reluctance to use military force, to complete pacifism. Sojourners, for example, starts with a value position that "All life is a sacred gift from God, and public policies should reflect a consistent ethic of life."

War

During the Vietnam War, religious groups and individuals were prominent in objecting to the war on religious reasons. Jesuit Fathers Daniel and Phillip Berrigan, for example, were among the "Catonsvile Nine" who destroyed draft records in 1968. They served jail terms.

Abortion

In this intense battlefield of the culture wars, a group such as Sojourners has the goal

Dramatically reduce abortion. Our society should support common ground policies that dramatically reduce the abortion rate by preventing unwanted pregnancies, providing meaningful alternatives and necessary supports for women and children, and reforming adoption laws.