What Does Secular Progressive Mean?

Some of former President Bush's strongest critics are secular progressives, according to Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly.

Secular progressive is a term associated with conservative Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly, who uses it to describe what he regards as a political movement that wishes to reshape the U.S. as a socialist society in which religion has no influence.

Identification

O'Reilly frequently attacks what he calls secular progressives on his television show, "The O'Reilly Factor." He further articulated his views on secular progressives in his 2006 book, "Culture Warrior."

Geography

According to O'Reilly, secular progressives in the U.S. see western European society as a model for the United States. In such countries, government plays a greater role in the economy and society, and only a minority of citizens are religious.

Features

Secular progressives in the U.S., in O'Reilly's view, include liberal activist organizations such as Moveon.org, as well as some prominent Hollywood celebrities.

Effects

The secular progressive movement's agenda, in O'Reilly's view, includes same-sex marriage, drug legalization, euthanasia, liberalized abortion and the elimination of religion from public life.

Famous Ties

O'Reilly views billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros as the financial benefactor of secular progressive movements in the U.S.

References

• Media Matters: Bill O'Reilly

Resources

• Google Books: Culture Warrior