Torch, Fall 2006

First, terrorism has become prominent in an era of tight party competition. Since 1968, neither political party has been able to exercise control over our governmental system; we have had either divided government, where one party controls the presidency and another controls at least one house of Congress, or very slim margins of control. Republicans have not enlarged their majorities in Congress since they took control in 1994, so every subsequent election could be the one that shifts Congress from one party to another. This dynamic makes every topic explosive, and it discourages bipartisanship. Therefore, terrorism, immigration, energy, health care, and Social Security, all issues that require bold, comprehensive solutions, float in a turbulent political sea. Second, America’s two political parties have become more polarized. There is growing evidence that Republicans and Democrats are more ideologically and spiritually divided than in the past. Historically, both parties have had sizable numbers of conservatives, moderates, and liberals. During the past quarter-century, however, Republicans have become more conservative and Democrats more liberal. At the same time, Democrats are more secular and Republicans more religious. Taken together, our two political parties are developing separate, and nearly opposing, views of the world. Third, our nation (and its leaders) have not arrived at a collective understanding of terrorism. The past five years have witnessed extended arguments about the causes and consequences of the violence being perpetrated against us and our troops. Though we are in desperate need of answers, because of our inability to reach a national accord, we are left only with questions. Why do so many young men (and a few women) kill themselves in the hope of killing us? Does economic hopelessness motivate them or is it their faith? How do you treat nations that are sympathetic with, or directly aid, terrorists? Should our nation respond with war or with international law enforcement? Are we willing to give up some measure of our own liberties to combat terrorists? These questions persist because instead of bringing unity, terrorism has revealed our differences. We cannot recognize our heroes because we cannot agree on the justice of their cause. We cannot agree on the role of Islam in terrorism because so many of us are unwilling to make religious and moral judgments about other faiths and cultures. We cannot determine our nation’s proper policy path 18 TORCH / Fall 2006 In 2004, Cedarville University launched the Center for Political Studies (CPS) to articulate a biblical view of government through the study of politics, law, history, and public policy and to engage and influence American political culture. Students have opportunities to participate in innovative programs sponsored by the Center, including the Cedarville Roundtable, student research, and a summer scholars program. This past spring, the CPS did a Webcast of on-campus lectures by Zakaria Fellah, a former U.N. representative and expert on terrorism. The Center also sponsored a spring Roundtable addressing the theme “Why Johnny Can’t Be Moral: Education and Virtue in America’s Democracy.”  The CPS is directed by Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, assistant professor of political science. To find out more, visit www.cedarville.edu/cps . We cannot recognize our heroes because we cannot agree on the justice of their cause.