In the current climate, the term “Judeo-Christian”
is most likely deployed by cultural conservatives arguing in favor of
traditional family structures and for an enhanced role for traditional religion
in the public square. The goal of this panel is to analyze the history and
contemporary usage of this phrase from a variety of religious, historical, and
jurisprudential perspectives so to refine debates about current usage, and
explore when, how, and to what effect the term entered public discourse.
Uncovering the usage and meaning of this phrase will deepen our understanding
of how religious groups form political alliances, unearth the shifting
theological commitments of both Jews and Christians, and offer a window into
how a variety of Americans conceptualize the religious charter and character of
the United States.
Business meeting will be held at program conclusion.