ABSTRACT
In this appendix, I celebrate both language and solidarity as important tools for transformational social work. In so doing, I explore the role that organized religion can play in social transformation, while emphasizing its limitations. Similar to communication, religion is an important cultural realm that has not been adequately addressed by the left. Consequently, many important opportunities for progressive alliances have been missed. In Appendix A, and in the main part of this book, I discussed how problems of essentialism plagued left political struggle, and I urged more political unity among various progressive elements. In this current appendix, I go a step further and argue that the traditional spurning of religion by socialists is essentialist and that any successful left politics must involve a coalition with organized religion at some level.
