Activists saw the political terrain shift in 2010, and as a result, political advocacy groups will likely need to change strategies next year. Here are six events from the past year that are likely to continue to shape politics in 2011.

6. The Line Between Debate and Hate
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has listed 13 “anti-gay” groups as “Hate Groups.” The SPLC said that these groups use propaganda; it does not list groups simply for believing that homosexuality in unbiblical….

5. Who Does Bryan Fischer Represent?
Bryan Fischer is an analyst, radio talk show host, and blogger for the AFA and American Family Radio. Earlier this year the AFA put a disclaimer on his blog posts that Fischer’s opinions are not those of the AFA. Fischer continues to make headlines.

4. ‘Public Outrage’ Alters Battles Over Courts
Social conservatives lost battles over the courts. President Obama’s nominee, Elena Kagan, was…approved… U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8 violated the U.S. Constitution… (3 Iowa) justices did not win their retention election is an unprecedented check on judicial selection.

3. Glenn Beck vs. Sojourners
Perhaps the strangest political fight this year took place between Fox News host Glenn Beck and Sojourners president Jim Wallis.

2. Evangelicals Quietly Push Policy
Christian political activists took positions on more than sexuality and abortion. Evangelicals, including…Richard Land, pushed immigration reform.

1. Pro-Life Groups Lose Big, Win Big
The health insurance reform law was a big deal. For activists left-of-center, the bill was a step toward justice. For those on the right, it was one of the worst policies enacted in American history.

Read more: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=90267

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