American liberalism is a public philosophy that maintains, among other things, that the individual and his or her rights are sacrosanct and that, furthermore, if one establishes maximum liberty consistent with the harm principle, that the greatest social utility will result. Is this view compatible with religion?
2006-12-10 17:15:21 · 7 answers · asked by dave 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No.
2006-12-10 17:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by =_= 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are talking about is classic liberalism, which today is called libertarianism, not today's liberalism. It was never called "American liberalism."
And what do you mean by compatible?
If you mean "Is classic liberalism as a base philosophy for secular government compatible with religion?" I would say yes.
If you mean "Is classic liberalism as a general philosophy for all of life compatible with religion?" I would say no.
Religions are based on community as much as on doctrine - or more so, though fundamentalists and conservatives refuse to believe it. And that community matters. Selfishness + no active harm just isn't good enough in every religion I know of. Active, mindful compassion and awareness of the connectedness of life is a tenant of most world religions.
~ Lib
2006-12-10 17:30:23 · answer #2 · answered by LibChristian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately not, because religion isn't interested in liberty, freedom, or individual rights. Religion seeks control and American religion seeks power more than anything. Social utility does not even enter into the picture.
2006-12-10 17:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by weary0918 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How does ones love of freedom and liberty remedy any situation, from acid rain to international warming. You look to advise that those ideas bar persons and/or governments from interpreting with the perfect clinical equipment obtainable the inspiration causes of such issues and beginning a academic-political talk about a thanks to scale back the importance of the issue to a length it truly is workable and does not threaten the sustainability of the organic environment in which all of us stay and artwork. If bar is only too harsh then, at a minimum, you advise that any scientifically depending attempt to benefit and remedy an environmental situation (somewhat frankly it type of feels it is actual for the time of the board for therefore-suggested as conservatives) is basically corrupt, even with the truth that the technology, if it presages any fee to or prohibition on any human action or pastime no remember how injurious it proves to be. you're all reactionaries interior the truest and worst experience of the note.
2016-11-30 10:21:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. There is an accountability factor in Christianity and other faiths. I view liberalism as a religion like secular humanism.
2006-12-10 17:22:50 · answer #5 · answered by Gary M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the religion but considering most religions: probably not.
I really dislike having liberalism pigeonholed into a certain mold.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harm_principle
2006-12-10 17:21:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not familiar with the word usage. Your talking over my head I'm afraid.
List of words or phrases I'm not familiar with in your post:
sacrosanct
harm principle
social utility
Sorry I can't answer unless you talk in terms a dunderhead like myself can understand.
2006-12-10 17:24:32 · answer #7 · answered by sheepinarowboat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋