There was obviously a reason for Thomas Jefferson to write that there should be a Wall between Church and State, thus clearing the way for freedom of religion in our country.
During the past six years, and obviously before that, the Christian Right, led by Ralph Reed, worked to bring religion into the political arena. With the rise of George Bush in the White House, the result has been constant war and political chaos. We are now enmeshed in perpetual war that is eating up our money and our resources. We are a divided country, with moderate Christians and moderate Republicans deploring this quagmire, while more radical Christians cheer the President and his faith. In Iraq, Evangelical groups tell our soldiers they are "soldiers of the Lord" and encourage them to get out there and kill.
Yet a new group of young Evangelical ministers are reflecting on these aggressive techniques and are telling their Congregations to stay out of the politics. Do you think they are
right?
2007-10-31 01:52:32 · 12 answers · asked by Me, Too 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It is way past time for religion and politics to go their separate ways. Any time they become mixed, it is a decided disaster. Former senator Gary Hart has a new book out which Buzzflash reviewed and recommended. Here is an excerpt from it:
"Because of the absolutist nature of the religious right, we have seen less and less compromise in American politics. "This circumstance has been created in no small part by the introduction of absolutes, especially 'faith-based' absolutes, into a political system, where no single group gets everything that it demands, and often does not even get one thing it wants unblemished by compromise."
Hart is optimistic that the pendulum will swing back to the heritage of our Constitutional wisdom creating the separation of church and state: "Politicians hiding behind the robes of ministers, policy makers courting a vociferous religious element, adventurers cloaking foreign military ventures in the crusader's rhetoric, political manipulators cynically using public fears to turn out voters all will be swept back into our nation's nooks and crannies from whence they emerged. This must happen, because America cannot be governed otherwise."
"God and Caesar in America" is a profound and vitally important reflection on the danger to our democracy posed by religious fanatics who have seized control of our government. This is a must-read book for anyone concerned about the Mullah fundamentalists who have hijacked this nation."
I believe Mr. Hart's analysis will prove to be correct.
2007-10-31 02:30:00 · answer #1 · answered by Slimsmom 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
faith QUESTIONS. a million. what's your faith? (if any) Atheist 2. have been you raised in it, or did you substitute? (or deconvert, if suitable) My grandparents are Christian yet i replaced into raised to have faith what i desire. 3. On an a million-5 scale, how significant is your faith to you? 5. i'm very enterprise in my ideals, nevertheless i'm thoroughly tolerant of the different ideals somebody else could carry. Politics a million. Which political flow you perceive with the main? progressive, yet no longer Democrat. 2. could you describe your self as leaning civil libertarian or social conservative? Very reliable civil Libertarian. Do what you desire and that i will do what i desire. 3. could you describe your self as leaning left or precise on the economic equipment? i'm far left on the economic equipment. I help socializing the wellness care industry, the breaking aside of establishments that get great adequate to threaten our economic equipment, and unions. 4. Does your faith play a think approximately your political worldview? under no circumstances. existence-form ballot. a million. Is there any counter-lifestyle you perceive with? No. 2. that's your occupation? i'm presently examining biology. I plan to grow to be a bio-technician. 3. what's your very own stance on drug use? Do what you desire. i think of it fairly is gloomy that human beings subject themselves to dependancy, nevertheless. there is not any longer something incorrect with smoking a joint at the same time as relaxing after an prolonged of artwork, yet once you will try this i could propose which you get something performed on your existence besides. there are assorted people who're effectual and smoke here and there. 4. your very own stance in sexuality? it fairly is as much as the guy. i'm a heterosexual yet I genuinely have no longer something against option sexualities. 5. Any pastimes you're deeply attracted to? Politics and song. If i'm no longer doing something that has to do with politics then i'm enjoying guitar.
2016-10-03 01:35:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To say the least. It's interesting that religious groups get a free pass in America--they are free from nearly any regulation (including anti-discrimination laws), taxes, zoning, etc. And all they have to do in return is stay out of politics and they can't do it because they thirst for power.
Religious groups in America have become scarily similar to those in Saudi Arabia. Groups like 'Battle Cry' are training children to be terrorists while everyone looks the other way--claiming that they are under "attack" from western culture. It's the same language to Islamic children.
2007-10-31 02:42:55 · answer #3 · answered by Holy Cow! 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you mean removing ALL religious influence on the political process then I might tend to agree. But if what you really mean is remove Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Muslims, or any other "theistic"- based influence, but leave the influence of humanism, environmentalism, Scientology, and other nature or man based religions, then NO WAY!
2007-10-31 02:21:53 · answer #4 · answered by ML 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Separation of church and state doesn't mean separating God and country. I shouldn't have to choose between serving God and serving my country.
However, in no way should religion control or be controlled by the state. For example, children should be allowed to pray in public schools as long as it doesn't disturb class or other children but we shouldn't force anyone to pray, ever.
In order to protect freedom of religion we also have to ensure freedom from religion.
2007-10-31 02:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by loginnametaken 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think any religion should dictate politics. With that said there are many things in politics that we must consider, on our own, as to whether certain issues conflict with your beliefs and moral standards.
How far would we go? Do you support the ban of the folding of the flag at a military funeral, or is that going to far?
2007-10-31 02:23:08 · answer #6 · answered by Moody Red 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely. The more Religion and Politics become intertwined, the more some of the more extremist views will effect policy. If Churches want to become politically active, they should lose their tax exempt status.
2007-10-31 02:00:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Geez what are you smokeing?... or, more to the point, what alternate universe are you from? Those conditions most certainly don't exist in the world that I live in... I fear that you have let hate and self loathing warp your mind to such an extent that you can no longer recognize reality... you really should seek help.
2007-10-31 02:47:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the constitution protects the rights of people like me who don't want to go to church from not having to,
and people who want to go to church for being able to go to church,
outside of that, we vote and get who we vote for
2007-10-31 02:45:32 · answer #9 · answered by Spartacus 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think when the govt. decides to stay out of religion, then it might happen.
2007-10-31 02:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋