[Paleopsych] Open Center: Examining the Real Agenda of the Religious Far Right: A Two-Day Conference, April 29-30

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Examining the Real Agenda of the Religious Far Right: A Two-Day 
Conference,  April 29-30
http://www.opencenter.org/Trainings/Religious_Right_Agenda.html

Co-sponsored by the NY Open Center and CUNY Graduate Center Public
Programs

with Karen Armstrong, Joan Bokaer, Chip Berlet, Katherine Yurica, John
Sugg, Hugh Urban, Frederick Clarkson, Jeffrey Sharlet, Skipp Porteous &
Charles Strozier

"Until progressives come to understand what [fundamentalists] read,
hear, are told and deeply believe, we cannot understand American
politics, much less be effective."     - Joe Bageant

Most Americans outside the Bible Belt have little idea of the beliefs
held by millions of fundamentalist churchgoers. We have an almost total
lack of awareness of the rise of Dominionism and Christian
Reconstructionism, forms of theology that advocate a biblical vision of
God's kingdom on earth. Some fundamentalists also foresee events such as
The Rapture, the Times of Tribulation, Armageddon, and the Second Coming
of Christ as we enter The End Days.

This conference will give rigorous attention to the worldview of
Dominionism, its influence in contemporary political culture and its
agenda for America. While not all Christian fundamentalists are
Dominionists, Dominionism's influence is powerful and growing. Its
adherents play a significant role in secretive organizations such as The
Council on National Policy, which exerts a strong influence on the
strategy of the religious right

The 2004 election tells us that socially conscious citizens need to
awaken to the ambitions of this influential religious movement. What do
fundamentalist theologies advocate regarding theocracy, abortion and
homosexuality? What is the nature of the world order under God's law
that they anticipate? How do many fundamentalists interpret the role of
Israel? How does this affect U.S. policy? Why are so many
fundamentalists opposed to environmentalism and the UN? Why are millions
in America drawn to this form of belief, and how can we come to
understand them?

Join us for this important conference as America grapples with the
growing influence of fundamentalist religion and its political goals.
Clearly, something within this movement addresses the need for
spirituality and community in an America submerged under materialism and
consumerism. The time has arrived to take the ambitions and prophecies
of extreme Christian fundamentalism seriously, and to examine the
compatibility of these beliefs with democracy as we currently know it.
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Presentations include:
Fundamentalism: The Fear and the Rage - Karen Armstrong
The Rise of Dominionism in the U.S. Government - Joan Bokaer
Millennialist and Apocalyptic Influences on Dominionism - Chip Berlet
Learning about the Christian Right, and What in the World to Do -
Frederick Clarkson
The Real Hidden Religious Agenda: The Theocratic States of America -
John Sugg
Is an Unholy American Theocracy Here? - Katherine Yurica
On the Psychology and Theocracy of George W. Bush: Reflections in a
Culture of Fear - Charles Strozier
Christian Jihad - Skipp Porteous
Jesus Plus Nothing: Elite Fundamentalism, Pragmatic Dominionism - Jeff
Sharlet
Religion and Secrecy in the Bush Administration - Hugh Urban
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Registration Information:

Friday evening, April 29, 7:30-10pm
Saturday, April 30, 10am-5:30pm

05WEC58TZI Full Conference
Nonmembers $85/Members $75

05WEC58TAI Friday only
Nonmembers $22/Members $20

05WEC58TBI Saturday only
Nonmembers $75/Members $65

Limited scholarships are available
Supporting donations are welcomed!

http://web.gc.cuny.edu/cepp/