Why the Progressive Left Criticises Christianity but Sees Islam as Useful By Paul Walker

The claim that progressivism, influenced by Marxist ideology, targets Christianity as a threat to secular state authority while sparing Islam due to shared anti-Western goals has sparked heated debate. Many on the progressive left critique Christianity's role in society, on issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and historical colonialism, while often defending Islam against criticism, even when its conservative elements clash with progressive values. I explore the historical, ideological, and strategic reasons for this disparity. While not monolithic, this dynamic, often called the "red-green alliance" between socialists and Islamists, highlights tensions within Left-wing politics.

Progressives often criticise Christianity for its historical ties to power structures in Western societies. As the dominant religion in Europe and North America for centuries, Christianity has been linked to injustices like the Crusades, colonialism, and the slave trade, often framed as extensions of religious zeal. Today, the focus is on evangelical Christianity's influence on politics, such as opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender equality. For example, progressive activists argue that Christian conservatism perpetuates inequality, as seen in U.S. debates over Roe v. Wade's overturning, attributed to religious lobbying.

This stems from progressivism's secular humanist roots, prioritising reason, science, and individual rights over religious belief. Philosophers like Bertrand Russell viewed Marxism as a secular alternative to Christianity's "kingdom of God," achievable through state power. In this view, Christianity represents an outdated authority resisting social progress, enforcing conformity on issues like sexuality and family. Social media discussions echo this, with users noting the Left's strong criticism of Christianity while ignoring similar issues in other faiths.

However, this isn't universal; many progressives are Christian, advocating for a "progressive Christianity" that aligns faith with social justice. Online forums clarify that liberals don't hate Christians but oppose theocratic tendencies in politics.

Progressives tend to defend Islam against broad criticisms, framing such attacks as Islamophobia rooted in racism and imperialism. Muslims are seen as a marginalised minority in the West, victims of post-9/11 discrimination, Middle Eastern wars, and colonial legacies. This aligns with leftist anti-colonialism and solidarity with "oppressed peoples of colour." For instance, commentary urges empathy for Middle Eastern religions, critiquing Western judgment of cultural contexts.

Progressives argue that criticising Islam fuels far-Right narratives, like those from "New Atheists" accused of Islamophobia. Instead, they highlight Islam's diversity, including progressive interpretations supporting feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. Social media users emphasise defending Muslims from stereotyping, distinguishing between radical Islamism and everyday practitioners, ignoring surveys indication widespread support for Sharia law.

Financial and strategic factors also play a role. The article suggests Islamic governments fund progressive causes sharing anti-Western aims, though this is more evident in alliances against Israel or U.S. foreign policy than blanket support for Islam.

The "red-green alliance" explains much of this dynamic, where Leftists and Islamists unite in anti-imperialism, anti-capitalism, and opposition to supposed Western hegemony. Rooted in post-colonial critiques, this partnership views both groups as challengers to global capitalism and U.S.-led interventions. Analyses describe shared critiques of the "established order," with frames like anti-globalisation. Some note the Left's alignment with militant Islam post-October 7, 2023, in Gaza protests. Research highlights tactical partnerships in anti-colonial rhetoric. Social media labels Islam a "reluctant ally" against nationalism, with both opposing Western values like Christianity and capitalism.

This alliance is uneasy. Online discussions note Islamists often oppose Leftist values like secularism, feminism, and equality, cracking down on dissent when in power. This is an "unholy union," indicating that radical Islam's goal of a theocratic caliphate clashes with Marxism's atheistic state.

Critics, including ex-Muslims and moderate Leftists, call this hypocritical. An op-ed by an ex-Muslim argues that "woke liberals" embrace a "new religion" ignoring Islam's issues, like treatment of women and LGBTQ+ people. Others note the Left's silence on Sharia's harsh penalties, while condemning Christian measures much lighter. Atheist forums express frustration that the Left avoids discussing Islam's problematic aspects to prevent aiding the Right. Social media urges consistency, defending ex-Muslims and criticizing selective outrage.

The progressive Left critiques Christianity for its historical dominance and perceived barriers to social progress, while viewing Islam as useful in coalitions against imperialism and racism, and bringing the West down. The red-green alliance amplifies this, uniting disparate groups against foes like Western capitalism. However, this overlooks inconsistencies, as Islamist regimes typically suppress progressive ideals.

In short, the Left aligns with radical Islam and any force, such as communist China, which it sees as useful to undermine the West. Of course, if successful they go too, but being pathologically insane, immanent self-destruction does not seem to matter to the Left.

https://www.theblaze.com/align/why-progressives-want-to-destroy-christianity-but-spare-islam