Does it matter whether traditional Protestants survive? Yes, because they are a distinct and necessary voice in American religion. Here that case is made, along with an honest assessment of what went wrong. We are witnessing the death of churches relying on agreement based on race, class, and tradition or the newer divisions of left or right religion and politics. Now is the time to reclaim the church based on the grace and community of Christ. For this to happen, we need to heed Martin Luther's claim that the only treasure of the church is Jesus Christ, as well as Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of an America where all people may gather together in peace.
