One of the most prominent features of the Terri Schiavo controversy has been the constant presence of loud, aggressive Christians outside Terri's hospice. They have been adept at whipping up passion among other Christians and making their case to the media. Are they helping or harming their cause, though?

Marvin Olasky writes:

You know who they are, and they know who they are: Christian or conservative camera hogs beloved by media liberals pleased to broadcast the threatening image of right-wing would-be dictators.  The good news is that they care enough to show up at demonstrations. The bad news is that their belligerence alienates millions.

Fifteen years ago, while I was temporarily chairing meetings of pro-life leaders, I pleaded with the angry males to say no to interviews, and instead let beautiful pro-life women become the face for the movement. I didn't get much cooperation from those who wanted to build their mailing lists.

We've had the same problem recently in Schiavo news coverage. ... [T]hose who speak loudly and call anyone who disagrees with them a wimp often do a disservice to the cause they are promoting.

One interesting aspect of Olasky column is that while complaining about how these Christian present an image of "right-wing would-be dictators," he doesn't come out and say that this image is inaccurate. He says it is inconsistent with how he interprets Christian scripture and, as you see above, he believes that such an image is detrimental on a practical level. That doesn't mean, however, that this image isn't a completely accurate representation of what Christian Right leaders seek.

Isn't that curious?

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• Terri Schiavo: News & Issues