Religion and Politics?

Question

It seems to me that Christians are usually conservatives and non-Christians are usually liberals. Would you say that is correct for the most part? What are you? (Christian, other religion, atheist --- conservative, liberal, middle of the road)

Answer 1

I am non Christian and liberal, and would agree with your statement.

It is sad how the Conservative movement has been taken over by the religious right, even a non religious conservative is going to be labeled and rejected by liberals now.

This question is a reflection of why it is so dangerous to mix Religion and Politics. They need to be kept separate. Otherwise you have preaches running the government (Think Iran)

Answer 2

I think that any religion can provide the moral construct of political legislation, but we, as a society, should be more careful in mixing such phrases as "under God" and "God bless America" in politics. In doing so, we're saying that in our diversely democratic state only Christian ideals should be use. After all it was not manifest destiny that founded this land first it was the Native Americans. So I guess we should worship the earth, air, and water, and live in a matriarchal society? Personally, I don't think that would be too bad since we would be praying to relevant things that give us life.
The Christian views, at heart, is to be kind to each other, but the interpretations are subjective. After all, that is why we have so many denominations and "First Church" of this and that. I would like for once to see "Second" or "Fifteenth" even "Church of." Alas, I do agree that Christians are usually conservatives, but I don't agree non-Christians to be liberals. There are many non-Christian religions that are just as strict. I am spiritual because I believe that none of us have the comprehension to grasp the concept of a higher power. I do believe, however, that faith in anything beyond our control has been psychologically proven to have certain emotional healing power.

Answer 3

It depends, conservative and liberal on what issues? Social conservatives usually, in American society, are Christian, while social liberals are more often non-christian than social conservatives are. On economic issues, religion is not so telling, and many economic liberals (those who want more social services and government benefits) base their stance on Christian teachings, while many economic conservatives take a non-theistic libertarian stance. This is a fundamental tension for the republican party, since it tries to play to both economic libertarians and social conservatives. Its really too complex to be broken down simply; many of the most religious (christian) people I have known were die-hard liberals.

This being said, I think we should avoid the tendency to label people and their beliefs. Labelling only leads to mistaken assumptions and is a means to brand people. Labelling people politically is a moronic invention of a mass media society. Very few people have 100% "conservative" beliefs, and very few have 100% "liberal" beliefs, whatever those terms mean. Labelling in this manner is an easy way to classify your opponent without having to actually think and consider his or her opinions. It divides people into two camps, ignoring that both of these camps are fictional constructs. It only leads to political polarization and a break-down of dialogue.

My religious philosophy is naturalistic pantheism. My political philosophy is maybe best described as a mixture of communitarianism and anarchism. But that is not what I "am."

Answer 4

Not true - at least not by self-identification of those polled. The best numbers so far reveal that a little less than 50% of those calling themselves Christians also call themselves conservative.

This applies to the U.S. In the rest of the world the conservative proportion is much lower among those calling themselves Christians.

Watch out not to take your own press clippings too seriously.

Answer 5

I'm Christian, but I am a liberal. I think it's because people take the bible in literal terms...I guess I have been through college and I have a more open mind about other religions.

Answer 6

I'm a Non who is normally called a Dirty Liberal hehe.. though it truly depends on the topic as to whether I'm liberal or conserv about it.

Answer 7

Not a Christian, but I am -- as Jesus was -- a Progressive.

I am totally amazed whenever I see an intolerent hate-spewing "conservative" invoking the word "Christ." Such a person has more in common with Nazis than with Jesus of Nazareth.

Answer 8

I'm an atheist and an anarchist, what does that tell you?

Answer 9

absolutely correct