My teacher told me this, and I couldn't believe it. I've been trying to find evidence against it, but I don't know where to look... any help will be appreciated.
The statement I'm trying to disprove is as follows:
Israel and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world that were created on the basis of religion.
2007-12-01 09:36:01 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Teachers are only human. I suspect your teacher has an axe to grind when he/she makes these sweeping statements. As always, you need to define your terms. All countries? Ever?
Well, it occurred to me that there was one more country that was formed because of religion. So I went to the CIA World Factbook. (see source below) This really good source says, "In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh." This seems to make it clear that first Pakistan and then Bangladesh became countries because they were muslim.
So, on the surface, it seems your teacher overlooked Bangladesh. Hence, " ... the only two countries ..." seems wrong.
I'd also quibble that Israel was formed after WWII for political reasons as much as for religious ones. Remember, it was the Allies who formed Israel out of Palestine. I don't think any of the Allies were Jewish enough to want a separate country for purely religious reasons, but more as a way to make up for past wrongs. This might bear more research, don't you think?
Now before you go and slap your teacher in the rhetorical face with this one fact and my opinions, ask yourself what you'll get if you do so. Win an argument with a teacher? Sure. Remember that old adage about winning the battle but losing the war. Some teachers accept defeat gracefully, others will devote their only too-human energies in showing that young upstart (you) that you are not as smart in every way as he/she is. Be careful with what you do, OK?
If you wait until your teacher is no longer able to be petty with you (with grades) or retaliate in any other way, you can bring this to his/her attention more safely.
Seems to me, you have good instincts.
2007-12-01 09:56:07 · answer #1 · answered by going_for_baroque 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your teacher's assertion is correct if you add "...in the 20th century".
But historically, there are many, many examples. The easiest one to cite because it is self-evidently true, is Vatican City, which has all the attributes of a nation-state.
Until the modern concept of a secular state was developed (in the 18th century), there was no distinction between the nation and the national religion. Just ask your teacher about
"the divine right of kings" or the belief that the ruler was a god--for example, the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
But be very cautious. Teachers hate to be proven wrong, especially in public, and he (she?) might take it out on you.
2007-12-01 09:57:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Also important to note that "In God We Trust" was not placed on US national currency until well after the establishment of the country.
Also, prior to the "Pilgrims," most settlers coming to North America were NOT seeking freedom to practice religion. Even the first English settlers were looking principally to get rich.
2007-12-01 10:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by dais77005 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your teacher is certainly correct, but u can disapprove that.
Israel was a country for Jews. It was divided for Jews.
Pakistan was seperated from India because Pakistan wanted Muslims in their countries.
But u can also admitt what others said, but I think it wouldnot be successful.
ANY WAY BEST OF LUCK
2007-12-01 13:08:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your teacher is almost certainly correct.
The United States was NOT founded on religion. It was founded on Democracy and freedom. Just because our founding fathers were religious doesn't mean that the country was based on that. Remember the part of the Constitution stating the separation of church and state?
2007-12-01 09:40:54 · answer #5 · answered by Ronald D 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
This statement is true if you accept religion as a culture. Religions often define certain cultures.
2007-12-01 10:03:24 · answer #6 · answered by Frank J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saudi Arabia, Iran, France
2007-12-01 09:57:01 · answer #7 · answered by rogerws76 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
At very least, I'd add the Vatican state to that list. It's extremely small, but it exists and wouldn't do so without catholicism.
2007-12-01 09:48:40 · answer #8 · answered by Jerry 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well your teacher is WRONG.
The United States was founded upon religon.
2007-12-01 09:42:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋