Talk-Write for "The Beginning of Division"

Thesis

Bishop claims that religious values are the clearest predictors of political ideologies in the United States. Using statistics, anecdotes, and straightforward facts, he informs us of the presence of a culture war between "Fundamentalists and biblical Minimalists" (Bishop 126). The presentation of the information leads me to believe his assertion.

Summary:

Bishop begins the chapter with an informative anecdote from 1947 about an extremist religious leader and a school textbook conflict. The controversy prompted questions about whether people's opinions about the school textbooks reflected their opinions about more general values -- it did. Next, the split between Private Protestantism and Public Protestantism was explained in relation to political leanings. The textbook divide is discussed even further, giving us additional information on what it looks like geographically. Later, information on how opinions on school textbooks relate to socioeconomic status and education levels amongst American citizens are revealed. More anecdotes on extremist religious leaders and their antagonism over the textbook war show just how strongly aligned with religion political affiliations have become. The fact that these religious, political issues have caused revolutions is emphasized. Finally, the information is rounded up and the "Big Sort" is made out to be a clash between not only red and blue states, but of Fundamentalists versus biblical Minimalists residing in them.

Assessment

Bishop informs us about the existing conflicts between religious groups successfully. For example: "Private Protestants promoted individual salvation and promised that personal morality would be rewarded in the next life. On the other side of that great divide, was 'Public Protestantism,' a conviction that the way to God required the transformation of society"(Bishop 110). He defines the terms of Public versus Private Protestantism so that it is clear for us to understand. In another piece of information, Bishops provides, it is significantly helping us understand the divide between two groups of people: "Pro-textbok group strongly agreed with the decision to ban teacher-led school prayer. The anti-textbook group thought...the courts...failed to preserve traditional values...The pro-textbook group thought the opposite." (110). He concludes logically, "The geographic division of people by biblical belief and political leaning is further evidence of the Big Sort" (Bishop 125).

“respond to the author’s views” in terms of which you agree or disagree with him, giving your reasons (and, where possible, tying them to stated and unstated assumptions the author and you hold); and

I agree with Bishop's view that it is pretty shocking that the United States has been so steadfast about religious belief, intertwined with political party. When you think of popular culture in this country, you usually don't see it as ultra-conservative and it kind of makes one wonder where all the biblical biases all come from. Bishop's assertion that political leaning can be tied with a person's religious affiliations is something else I agree with. It is pretty apparent that issues (ie. abortion, gay and marriage) that are supposed to be political are affected by faith.

Bishop is quite successful as an informant covering the great divide and its relations to religion and politics. His factual information, and its logic allow me to agree with his views. It is strong in that it provides a wealth of information in an entertaining way such as with anecdotes that shock. He might have been more clear not to stray from his points in some of the anecdote about a conservative revolution.