Institute on Religion and Democracy

Institute on Religion and Democracy is a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1981 by Richard John Neuhaus, Diane Knippers, and Michael Novak. The organization focuses on issues related to religion, politics, and public policy, often taking stances on topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and national security. The Institute on Religion and Democracy has been associated with prominent figures like Chuck Colson, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson, and has been involved in various initiatives with organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Family Research Council. The Institute's work has also been influenced by the ideas of C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and John Calvin.

● History

The Institute on Religion and Democracy was established in 1981, during a time of significant social and political change in the United States. The organization's founders, including Richard John Neuhaus and Michael Novak, were influenced by the Christian right movement and sought to promote a more conservative and evangelical approach to public policy. The Institute's early work focused on issues like communism and Cold War-era politics, with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher being notable figures of the time. The organization also drew inspiration from the work of William F. Buckley Jr. and the National Review, as well as the American Enterprise Institute and the Cato Institute. Over time, the Institute on Religion and Democracy expanded its scope to address a broader range of issues, including bioethics, foreign policy, and religious freedom, often in collaboration with organizations like the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and the Alliance Defending Freedom.

● Mission and Activities

The Institute on Religion and Democracy's mission is to promote a conservative and biblically-based approach to public policy and social issues. The organization engages in a range of activities, including research, advocacy, and education, often in partnership with other conservative groups like the Federalist Society and the American Center for Law and Justice. The Institute's work is guided by a commitment to Judeo-Christian values and a belief in the importance of religion in public life, as reflected in the ideas of Abraham Kuyper and Francis Schaeffer. The organization has been involved in various initiatives, including the Coalition for Christian Outreach and the National Association of Evangelicals, and has worked with prominent figures like Tony Perkins, Gary Bauer, and Ralph Reed. The Institute on Religion and Democracy also publishes a range of materials, including books, articles, and policy briefs, often in collaboration with publishers like Regnery Publishing and Crossway Books.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The Institute on Religion and Democracy has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly from liberal and progressive groups who disagree with the organization's conservative stance on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Some critics have accused the Institute of promoting a theocratic agenda and of seeking to impose Christian values on public policy, citing the influence of Dominionism and Christian Reconstructionism. The organization has also been criticized for its involvement in partisan politics and for its close ties to Republican Party figures like Karl Rove and Ralph Reed. Additionally, the Institute on Religion and Democracy has faced criticism from some evangelical leaders who disagree with the organization's approach to issues like poverty and social justice, citing the work of Jim Wallis and the Sojourners community. The organization has responded to these criticisms by arguing that it is committed to promoting a biblically-based approach to public policy and that it seeks to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with those who disagree with its views, as reflected in the work of Timothy Keller and the Gospel Coalition.

● Organization and Leadership

The Institute on Religion and Democracy is led by a board of directors that includes prominent conservative figures like Mark Tooley and Chelsen Vicari. The organization's president is responsible for overseeing the Institute's day-to-day operations and for setting its overall strategic direction, often in consultation with other conservative leaders like Tony Perkins and Gary Bauer. The Institute on Religion and Democracy also has a range of program directors and research fellows who are responsible for developing and implementing the organization's various initiatives, often in collaboration with other conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation and the Family Research Council. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a small staff of around 20-30 employees, who work closely with other conservative organizations like the American Enterprise Institute and the Cato Institute.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Institute on Religion and Democracy has a range of programs and initiatives that focus on issues like religion and public policy, bioethics, and foreign policy. The organization's Church Alliance program seeks to promote a more conservative and biblically-based approach to social issues within mainline Protestant denominations like the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Episcopal Church. The Institute's Religious Liberty program works to promote religious freedom and to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities around the world, often in partnership with organizations like the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and the Alliance Defending Freedom. The organization also has a range of research initiatives that focus on topics like abortion, same-sex marriage, and national security, often in collaboration with other conservative groups like the Federalist Society and the American Center for Law and Justice. Additionally, the Institute on Religion and Democracy has worked with prominent figures like Rick Warren and Timothy Keller to promote a more conservative and evangelical approach to public policy and social issues.