Religion and Politics?

Question

Should Religion be kept out of Politics.

There has been a shift to the right in some areas of America where the religious right have used their beliefs to influence local issues, such as education. There are some who believe that the darwinian theory and other sciences that contradict the bibles view of creation should not be taught in schools.

In my opinion religion is a private issue and should be practised in your church and in your home. It should have no part to play in how local and national government decides policies for the people.

If we allow religious views to influence any part of government life, we would be taking a dangerous step backwards.

Answer 1

Moral standards are naturally a part of politics in that they help to form new laws (or any laws when a government is new). For example, the vast majority of governments (all of them, perhaps?) outlaw murder. This is essentially a moral standard, albeit one that the vast majority of people agree upon. There are other moral standards which are more controversial—some people believe that healthcare should be public and/or universal and some do not, some people believe that abortion falls into the category of murder and should be outlawed and some do not, …so on and so forth. Many of these more controversial beliefs are based in the religious beliefs of those who hold them. But that is not to say that the non-controversial beliefs are NOT based on religious beliefs—many times, in fact, they are (for example, that in the USA, a man cannot marry more than one woman at one time or that a 34-year-old man cannot have sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old. These laws are not part of every culture worldwide, but appear to be more related to those countries with a Judeo-Christian background and are generally considered non-controversial.).
Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that when people say “I don’t think religious beliefs should be a part of politics,” what they are really saying seems to be something along the lines of “I don’t think YOUR religious beliefs should be a part of politics ON THIS ISSUE.” I am, in actuality, speaking of myself. To use your example, I also think that evolution should be taught in schools, but I do support legislation that outlaws sex between a 34–year-old and 12-year-old.
Finally, in terms of human rights. If it is my religious belief that a homosexual couple should have the right to be married, how could I remain quiet? What would God want me to do? Would He want to stand up for their rights or not? To be fair, if it is my religious belief that abortion is murder, what would God want me to do? Again, would He be pleased if I remained silent?

Answer 2

RELIGION QUESTIONS. 1. What is your religion? (if any) Atheist 2. Were you raised in it, or did you convert? (or deconvert, if applicable) My grandparents are Christian but I was raised to believe what I want. 3. On an 1-5 scale, how important is your faith to you? 5. I am very firm in my beliefs, though I am completely tolerant of any other beliefs someone else might hold. Politics 1. Which political movement you identify with the most? Progressive, but not Democrat. 2. Would you describe yourself as leaning civil libertarian or social conservative? Very strong civil Libertarian. Do what you want and I will do what I want. 3. Would you describe yourself as leaning left or right on the economy? I'm far left on the economy. I support socializing the health care industry, the breaking apart of institutions that get big enough to threaten our economy, and unions. 4. Does your religion play a part on your political worldview? Not at all. Lifestyle Poll. 1. Is there any counter-culture you identify with? No. 2. Which is your profession? I'm currently studying biology. I plan to become a bio-technician. 3. What's your personal stance on drug use? Do what you want. I think it is sad that people subject themselves to addiction, though. There's nothing wrong with smoking a joint while relaxing after a long of work, but if you are going to do this I would recommend that you get something done in your life as well. There are plenty of people who are successful and smoke here and there. 4. Your personal stance in sexuality? It's up to the individual. I'm a heterosexual but I have nothing against alternative sexualities. 5. Any hobbies you're deeply interested in? Politics and music. If I'm not doing something that has to do with politics then I'm playing guitar.

Answer 3

That was a valid, rational and well though out opening argument. But it isn't really a question if you answer it yourself now is it? But as a rebuttal statement, let me say I think religion may not have any place in politics but it has every right to be in school. The theory of evolution is taught. Dinosaurs and Cro-magnon man are taught. Why should there not at least be an elective course on the high school level that deals with religion and the various beliefs and dogmas thereof? Then if a child wanted to have the ability to learn about different religions, he would be allowed to at least be introduced to it instead of being made to feel like religion is taboo. Or why not have Bible study as an elective course. That way the children who want to have a place to gather and discuss or debate their religion would have an open safe forum in which to do so. Would that not perhaps open the boundaries of tolerance for our children that we missed out on. Perhaps that is why there is so much misunderstanding about other peoples faiths and customs today. Children live what they learn. Tolerance is a wonderful gift to give them.

Answer 4

Your last statement is false. Religion influencing any part of government life would not be taking a step backwards. Reason:
because for 200 years, and also today, the highest courts in this land STILL OPEN EVERY MORNINGS SESSIONS WITH PRAYER. Its a fact. This is a free, christian nation, under God.
The Christians are the majority in this country- I believe the last count came out July 1st- and it is upward of 81%. This is a Nation by the people, and for the people. I would fight for the right of anyone to be able to practice their own religion, but when a minority group of any kind tries to infringe on the religious rights of the majority, that will not be allowed. period. If that upsets anyone, go to Iraq and see what freedoms you have over there.
Are you atheist? Russia or China would be happy to have you.
Nobody should be offended - I certainly would not want to upset or offend anyone, and thats why I feel atheists and others should always understand their fair right to move out of this free christian nation. thanks for letting me rant. have a great day!

Answer 5

I Understand your present concerns; but please understand, religious concerns have always played a major role in American politics.

Consider the Abolitionist movement of the 19th century, and the Civil Rights & Anti-War movements of the 20th. All of these movements (and more I could mention) were spearheaded by religious communities. The involvement of religion in American politics is deeply engrained, and will probably never pass away.

More than any other country I know, Americans have always attempted to infuse religion into politics. It's an integral part of the American Political Landscape.

Answer 6

You can try, but you will fall. No matter what, religion plays a big part in our lives, whether we believe in a Deity or not, and that will play a big part in what we do day to day. A politician will always bring religion into anything he or she does. No law is passed or bill stated that did not have some kind of religious thought behind it (either for or against). Religion will only be taken out of politics when no in the world believes, which would be a sad day for all of mankind.

Answer 7

Most of the founding fathers of America seemed to be of another opinion. For example John Adams said

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798

"Without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell." [John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1817]

Faith should inform politics, because it is faith that gives us everything related to ethics and morals. The 1st amendment to our constitution says that Congress shall make no law concerning religion or the free exercise there of. By this government is restrained from interfereing in faith (religion), but faith is not similarly constrained.

Then there is John Quincy Adams:

“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.”
John Quincy Adams. Letters to his son. p. 61

“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?
--1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.

And the list could go on and on through the various Presidents, good, bad, and indifferent.

One last one from Ben Franklin:

“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” –Constitutional Convention of 1787

Answer 8

We've always been backwards then, because religion still to this day influences politics.

Even in dictator countries, worship and reverence of the leader/leaders is a religion.

Answer 9

A leader's religious beliefs make him what he is--------------if really religious, he should be a good person. And, this is needed in politics. BUT! When his religious beliefs interfere with his job, or he tries to bring his beliefs into the government---then, it is wrong.

The Evangelical Christians, and George W. Bush, are trying to do this right now. They are trying to change our Constitution and laws to favor their religious beliefs. Time to get rid of all of them.

Oh! We still have 2 more years of Bush!

Answer 10

Its used to gain the trust of people while running for Political position...we believe when a Politician said good things about Religion ..he gets all the Christians votes..business tactic