Passing of the Guard -- Part Two

First Jerry Falwell died, now James Kennedy follows. Although not as well known as Falwell, Robertson, or Dobson, Kennedy has been at this Christian America thing for a lot longer and was probably the brains of the Christian Right. Having recently let go of the reins of his Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, he has now died.

What this means for his followers, for the Religious Right, for the country isn't yet known. It appears that the Religious Right's influence is waning -- especially on the issue of homosexuality. Among younger people the acceptance rate of gays and lesbians is extremely high. The patriarchs are leaving the stage, and while I don't rejoice in any one's death, I do think that these two deaths mark a period of change.

Whether more moderate and progressive religious voices can take the high ground and offer an alternative remains to be seen. I'm hopeful however -- but I'm also realistic.

Here's the story from the Miami Herald -- click here.