Should Religious Groups be allowed to build political parties?

Question

Im in Australia, and a political party called Family First, they advocate many christian values and wish to enforce these agendas.

Who out there believes that such a party should be allowed to make policy when most of there agenda points to a particular religious faith. this is suposed to be a free country with religious and personal choice, however if they have power then certain choices will be outlawed

i thought i would add that i dont want this to happen.

ohh and some of the things these guys advocate are.
Banning of Abortions
Banning pornography for any person. of age or not.
Banning poker machines.

These might not be aggreable with all people but i thought this country was about freedom of choice.

true but when the system has preferance votes and such is it feesable for votes to swing to a party which you didnt want to vote for.

Answer 1

Religious people are citizens too. You don't think that they might have an ideal world that they would like to live in?

Answer 2

Absolutely not. Here in the USA, there is a right wing christian 'dominionionist' movement which is in the process of trying to toss the Bill of Rights and turn the USA into a christian theocracy, based on Old Testament biblical law. They have duped many so-called 'moderate' christians into supporting their agenda throug phony front-organizations having to do with 'family values' and such. These people are forwarding a political agenda that they are completely unaware of... and would object to, if they really knew what it is all about. But who, in their right mind, would run against or speak out against 'family values'? It's brilliant... and it is succeeding.

What you describe sounds very much like the same thing... a red herring... a Trojan horse.

Look into this...

http://www.religioustolerance.org/reconstr.htm

http://theocracywatch.com

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/HistoryOfReconstructionMovement.html

http://www.talk2action.org/story/2005/12/7/232755/118

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/Clarkson_RiseOfDomionism.html

http://jesuspuzzle.humanists.net/AORForum13.htm

P.S.: I was planning on moving to Australia when it looks like the dominionists are getting close to completing their coup. Your news is very disturbing... I might have to look for a different home.
.

Answer 3

I do not believe so.

That is really what the separation of church and state is--not allowing any religious group/sect/organization to make the rules and laws of the governing body of the land.

That is what Roger Williams fought so hard against. In the beginning of America, the people that came wanted the church to rule the government. He was one of the reformers that said NO to this way of thinking. Having one religous group make the laws will reduce freedom of choices, and is a very dangerous road to go down in my humble opinion.

Answer 4

I don't think you can restrict any group of people from full participation in the democratic process. BUT people need to realize that democracy is not about the majority ramming their agenda down the throats of the minority - that's mob rule not democracy, and is just as tyrranical as any monarchy or dictatorship.

One of the cornerstone principles of democracy is protecting the RIGHTS of the minority AGAINST the INTERESTS of the majority.

I can't say that emphatically enough. And that's the point that the theocrats don't get. (Plus they ought to realize that just because they may gain power today doesn't mean they won't lose favor tomorrow).

Peace to you.

Answer 5

I don't know why people are so afraid of people of faith. Of course religious groups should be able to build political parties. Religious people already serve in both parties now! There is nothing that says 'believers' cannot serve government - they should! Most believers want what is good for humankind and good for the family. In fact, those of the faith seem to be more fair toward all peoples. I think we should be more afraid of those who are focused on themselves and are greedy, than those who strive to love their fellowman as themselves. It is time to bury 'politically correct' because people no longer think rationally and use common sense. It's time to stop with the bad-mouthing of the religious parties, and to start understanding that you cannot take your 'religion' (faith) off like an old worn-out coat.

Answer 6

the two Democrats and Republicans help adoption. Any time somebody grants a house for a infant who desires one that could be a sturdy element. i do no longer think of any political team or faith could oppose adoption.

Answer 7

No, for what purpose would a religious person need politics if not to gain power? Religious people have their faith so they do not need politics, they do not need laws that tell them how to behave for they already behave because it is their faith to do so...supposedly.

Answer 8

1st point: These people are fully entitled citizens, if you forbid them, that would be discrimination.
2nd point: They can't be elected unless the majority elects them. If the majority elects them, then that must be the will of the people.
3rd point: Even the most radical Christian has no comparison to Islam--radical or otherwise. Christian views never harmed anyone--restrictive perhaps--but for the good others and the individuals they restrict.

Answer 9

If they are only going to enact laws that are for the common good of the masses I see nothing wrong with it but if they are going to install one state religion then no.

Answer 10

check out James Dobson being funded by Eric Prince (Blackwater USA) father, very connected to current administration in USA