Relgion in Politics - Research Paper Example

Religion and politics Introduction Politics and religion have been in harmony and conflict over the years depending on the nature of the leadership and the role religion in developing the society. However, some religions have reduced or even affected the power of the government. In addition some religions allow the religious leader to be the head the government such as in the case of the Vatican in Rome. Since the formation of the papal Roman rule, this integrated Christianity and country leadership into one. However, the success of the integration of religion and politics has been limited (Whalon). In fact, the conflict between religion and politics has been great with the main area of focus being in the power of population control. Politics and religion focus on control of the population, but the level of control varies significantly depending on the level of affiliation or allegiance. The desire to control world governments by religion in the past led to serious challenges including the development of rebellion against the religious states and the development of secular states across the world. Currently, there are more secular states that the traditional religious states or government. The success of the change is pegged on the desire to create autonomy between church and state (Pew Research Center). Despite the drive for autonomy, the state leaders are expected to be affiliated with a certain religion. The case is applicable to most countries including the US and European countries. This paper will evaluate the role of religion in politics and changes in politics and religion by evaluating the changes in trends of governance. Likewise, the current interplay between religion and politics will be evaluated in order to develop the necessary understanding of the current position of religion. History of the relationship of religion and politics The relationship between religion and politics is complex due to several issues associated with both politics and religion. Politics and religion share almost the principles because of the desire to control the population. However, in the past two centuries, the power of religion in shaping political survival has increased significantly by the end of the era coming during the industrial revolution. Coupled with the change in the societal structure and liberalization of the society, the change ensured that the power of religion is greatly reduced and even increased the level of societal liberalizations. The change in population and acceptance of behaviors that religion rejects totally indicates the changing role of religion. Through liberalization, the power of religion in shaping the politics of the day has been greatly reduced (Hawkins). The collapse of communism and the end of the famous cold war was viewed as the beginning of a change. However, it was not the end of the global conflict. After the cold war and the end of communism, the dictatorship governments of the time started crumbling and then led to the growth of democracy. The rule of majority spread very fast giving rise to a new world order, which was based on freedom peace and market economies. The peace existing globally affected the spending on security. In fact, the US reduced spending on military operations by closing its overseas bases. The growth of radical Islam throughout Asia during the century was not an issue affecting the western countries because it was not an issue of grave concern. The conflicts in Palestine and other countries were not viewed as important. In addition, the victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan was not viewed as a potential problem. The peace allowed tranquility in the world, but ensured that the animosity and hatred of many Muslims towards perceived Jewish and Christian imperialism increased. In the US, Christianity underwent resurgence including the teaching of the family values by the conservatives. During the time, Christianity enjoyed the respect as one of the historical foundations of the western culture. The influence of religion affected some public issues which include abortion, homosexuality, relativism and skepticism. These issues were viewed negatively by the society because of the family values advocated for by religion. The success of religion ensured that religious hostility was confined to areas with differing faith but had a struggle for resources. In fact, the religious differences fueled bitter power struggles, which led to bitter political confrontation, violence and bloodshed. However, the fall of communism and the creation of a global economy changed the distribution of wealth. Collapse of communism led to growth in the market economy (B.C.). However, technological advancements helped develop the necessary convergence of the regional cultures into a standard culture brought about by the internet. The growth of global competition spearheaded another challenge for the society which was the development of global hostility. The rise of Christianity was pegged on the failure of the Greek religion to handle several issues affecting the society including creation of values. When the Romans took over from the Greeks, they continued with the behavior of the Greeks which did not allow for societal development. In fact, the Romans accepted Christianity because of the values associated with the religion making it the most celebrated religion of the time. The story of Jesus was shared in the congregation arousing admiration and satisfaction. Popularity of Christianity among the poor and the oppressed was high because of the teaching about human equality before God. The concept enables political leaders to frustrate and rule because of the low ambition given by the teachings (Pew Research Center). As Christianity inspired unity, Arab tribes were fighting for the desert resources. This inspired Muhammad to unite the Arabs by creating a different interpretation of Christianity. The difference between the religions was evident in the solving of the conflict. While Christianity advocated for forgiveness and peace, Islam advocated for war as a means of spreading the Arab language, culture and law. The religion grew very fast leading to serious challenge due to the increasing rigidity of the law and restrictions. The religion did not encourage free thinkers and were prosecuted. Compared to religion, politics follows the same principle of reducing free thinkers and allowing for social control. The European intellectuals helped reduce the spread of Christianity by developing new concepts and principles in the society. In association with the past religion was vital in the political field. In fact, religion allowed the influence of politics to increase while also allowing for avenues for consolations such as the teaching on the value of humanity. The success of the religion in the society became a threat to the political class leading to conflicts and changes in the society through revolution and globalization (Hawkins). Islam influences politics by allowing vices such as assassination to exist in the society in the name of religion. However, religion encouraged the development of the monarchy which affected democratic growth. Religion and politics in America The evolution theory delivered a crippling blow to Christianity in the late 1800s because it was accepted and generally considered as true. New schools of philosophy were born as a result of the theory. Marx agitated for a working class revolution. The secular philosophy has affected the American society leading to the creation and acceptance of secularism. However, the separation of power from religion has not been fully achieved because of the intertwine nature of the two. According to Bishop Pierre Whalon, religion and politics are inseparable (Whalon). In fact, in the just concluded elections of 2012, the cardinal of New York quashed the notion of voting against Mitt Romney just because he is a Mormon. The consideration and relating of religion with politics is still a factor to consider during the elections. Most citizens are concerned about the religious association of their political leader. However, the influence of religion in the process is reduced greatly. The creation of a secular state ensured that no religion can infringe on the rights of the citizens while allowing acceptance of diverse social behavior. Despite the growing secularism, religion still plays a vital role in the choice of political leaders. Most election candidates are scrutinized based on the set criteria but there was a tendency to associate the candidate with religion. The American politics integrates religion in the set up but the influence of the religion is controlled and does allow for increased influence. The separation of state and religion was a definite success because it reduced the conflict between state and religion (Hawkins). However, despite the separation of the two ideologies, the desire by catholic hierarchy or the Mormon hierarchy to influence politics is still massive. This relationship indicates the intertwining nature of the two ideologies. The America Society has accepted secularism as part of the society with religion having minimal influence on politics. However, the power of acceptance and choice is reinforced by the development of a secular government. Secular government has ensured the development of harmony between religions. Therefore, religion and politics in America are still integrated, but with reduced influence in the society. Religious values are viewed as the influencing factors that ensure the development of ethics and value creation (Pew Research Center). The American system is a conclusive combining both the roles of religion and politics. The creation of two distinct organizations instead of one combining religion and politics increased autonomy. Conclusion Religion and politics have been in collision course over the years due to the difference in teaching or ideology. Christianity enjoyed success in the communist era because it taught the principles of forgiveness and socialism (Whalon). However, with the development of capitalistic society there was a clash of ideologies which led to serious challenge leading to the rise of the secularism. The influence of Islam on politics has been greater than Christianity especially in Islamic countries. Several Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia have a system of governance that is controlled by religion. The restriction of women’s activities, the separation of the gender is the results of practicing religion in politics. However, in the current world social media is influencing the society leading to Arab revolution. In conclusion, politics and religion are inseparable because of the different level of involvement and changes in ideology. Works Cited B.C. "High office, low church." 11 April 2013. The Economist. 29 April 2013 . Hawkins, Beth. "Religion and politics 101: A Q&A with Rev. Steven Baines." 25 April 2013. Minnpost. 29 April 2013 . Pew Research Center. "Religion and Politics." 2013. PEW Charitable Trust. 29 April 2013 . Whalon, Pierre. "Religion and Politics Are Inseparable: Get Over It." 04 September 2012. The Blog. 29 April 2013 . Read More