There are basic moral issues that the Christian conservatives are more vocal about. However these moral values are not the sole provence on Christians. The value of life is enshrined in Christian theology, However it also valued among other religions, such as Judaism and Buddhist and Hindu. I am not an expert on religion. Even atheists or secularists can agree on the value of life. Some put more emphasis on the quality of life. Christins are not the only ones that think gay marriage and abortion are wrong.
I don't think that the Republican Party is hostage to the Christian right. It is only that there are shared basic values.
Values are incorporated in law and religion. Early law was done through religion. Islamic Sharia law is an example of this. I don't sgree with Sharia law but can understand that it has greater force if posited through religious dogma.
Without basic shared moral values civilizations can not exist. Thou shall not kill, steal, defame etc. are necessary for people to reside together. To fight to maintain those values is a fight for survival of our society. Since we are a Republic, when the people see that we are straying from these core values they are correct to agitate for change or to prevent perversion and degeneracy from becoming the norm.
Well said!
Interesting comments.