In
an editorial in the journal Conversations in Religion and
Theology, Ian Markham, Dean of Hartford Seminary, argues that
Sean Hannity of Fox News has an unthinking patriotism that distorts
his analysis of current affairs.
This
is typical of the approach of the Right to ethics, Markham says.
The
editorial is a critique of the differences between political left
and political right to ethical discussion.
The left, says Markham, has an intrinsic openness and
willingness to consider issues from a variety of viewpoints; the
right tends to create a cultural impression that appeals to the
“heart”.
Given
that the debate over values mattered so much in the last
presidential election, Markham says that the Center-Left must push
back and demonstrate how ethical values underpin its own analysis of
issues.
Markham
disagrees with those who want to define the differences between left
and right in terms of issues. Markham
writes, “You can be on the Left and believe that abortion is
problematic; you can be on the Left and believe that traditional
marriage is important. The difference with the Right is that you are open to good
arguments and willing to concede validity wherever you find it.”
Markham
is critical of Hannity’s writing: he needs, Markham says, a course
in basic logic.
Markham,
musing on this editorial, said, “I hope this editorial will
provoke a debate about the way we reflect on our values.
It is important to recognize that the Left is an approach
committed to reason and dialogue.
This is the key difference with the Right.”
Conversations in Religion and
Theology is a book review
journal that publishes reviews of the best writing in theology and
religious studies, immediately followed by the author's reply. Ian
Markham is the editor and Blackwell Publishing is the publisher.
For
further information, please contact David S. Barrett, Director of
Public and Institutional Affairs, at (860) 509-9519 or dbarrett@hartsem.edu.
Ian Markham is available for interviews.
Read
the full text of the editorial.
