Religiosity, Morality and Politics
Posted: Saturday, July 12, 2008
by Avis Ward
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The list of political activists runs like a river through the course of Christian history. When reading the title of the debate, I was reminded of a discussion with a sibling, whether Jesus was political. She said yes, I said no.
Politics shape societies and faith impacts politics. The two cannot be separated unless you are Jesus Christ. My contention was Jesus simply was/is. We may label it what we want but many things He stood against has found its way to the Supreme Court and many high courts around the world.
I didn't want to participate in this 'debate' for many reasons but I was stirred to respond. One of Jesus' followers was a lawyer. He wrote most of the New Testament. I am not a theologian but based on my understanding, others around him were political but Jesus was not. He did not need to be because of His Deity.
The debate topic: Should religion and moral views be handled politically? I don't know the answer. I vacillate back and forth, an internal debate with self. My strongest sense of self is to say, yes.
The sad truth that would cause religious views to be overpowered by moral views is apathy and division among religious entities. If and that is a gigantic if, if the religious groups were cohesive in our efforts, we would still have prayer in public schools, same-sex marriages would not have been a legal consideration, non-believers would have to 'tolerate' believers just as we tolerate each other's differences. Somehow we manage to cohabitate with some sense of civility.
In an Utopist society, there would be no political issues but the truth is evident. America's democratic system could solve many moral/religious issues if there were genuine concern, care and a desire for what is religiously correct. It appears an overwhelming majority of religious leaders are ignorant to what's going on or do not participate in the process to bring about changes. As leaders, those led by them risk being ignorant, as well. Therefore, the democratic system in place serves that segment of the population no value.
There are many more considerations in this debate. One thing that is crystal clear, we need more Mother Teresa's, William Wilberforce's and Martin Luther King's. They were leaders who died to self and fought for the cause of others based on their religious point of views.
The primary reason for my point of view is, I am adamant, unmovable, and steadfast about my Faith however, it was my choice. Christ did not impose Himself on us. He advised us how we should choose but the decision was left up to each of us. If the government were not involved and permitted one group over another to make decisions for the masses, I believe the civility we now share would end.
© 2008 Avis Ward of My FM!This Article has been viewed 375 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Interesting article, Avis. My religious upbringing dictated that as Christians we would not vote or participate in any other worldly political process. As an adult I feel compelled to participate; I feel responsible because I am a Christian.
I suppose at some point we should ask ourselves how we can be most effective. My votes in the past several elections sure don't seem like they amounted to much. On the other hand I think I have been much more effective with the people that I have encountered in my day to day life.
I think the biggest problem I see with religiosity in politics is that it seems that most often religion is used to scare people instead of unite people. That definitely doesn't seem right.Bruce, thank you for your comments. I can be persuaded in either direction on this. I see the pros and cons of both. You make solid points especially about the scare tactics used in religion which does not unite people.I don't buy into religion because too many traditions are involved and as you know, tradition is powerful. Tradition can negate the move of the Holy Spirit, grieve it, if you will.Asking ourselves how we can be most effective is a good suggestion. Like you, that would be in everyday encounters with people for me. I try to live what I believe most, without a doubt.One thing that's comforting, I don't let this stuff keep me awake at night! I just thought about something you said in your comment. (Your religious upbringing.) First, I don't 'do' politics or the discussion, typically. Using deductive reasoning? When moralists vote and religious vote, we've already involved the political process. It goes back to what I said in the article. You just cannot separate the two.Man, I do not like politics! lol Thanks, Sir Bruce!
Avis my dear friend. Yes a thought provoking article. To provide feedback from a man of many words such as I would take many moons. However, I think if we have spiritual, religious, moral or ethical opinions, beliefs, propensities or the opposite they would, will and most likely should show up in all we do, be it political or otherwise. Now I believe what the young girl is saying is the professed believer in Jesus and follower of his teachings must by all natural thinking implement those thoughts into their works simply because they will act upon those teachings in their normal self and vice versa, we must. In effect i see the virtues of decency, integrity, faith, etc in your works and hence your actions and decisions. So in essence in anything we see the influence. Best wishes, as always, your friend Robert.Hello man of many 'wise' words, thank you. You understood precisely what I've attempted to say and your comments have helped me tremendously. You're correct, regardless of what side, we are influenced by it and it will show up in our 'actions and decisions.' I appreciate you for reading and commenting, Robert! My very best to you as well, my friend. Thank you!
Very good article. The separation of religion and politics have caused many problems in our society. However, mixing the two in a proverbial "melting pot" might produce a far worse outcome. Thanks for great writing.Roschelle, thanks for reading this article and for your comments. (I must confess, every time I see your name, I think about: "he was shiny." That's a hoot. Kids speak the truth!) This was the most difficult article I've ever written. There is so much I am absolute about and others I try to keep an open mind. Even with a democratic system involved to make the final decision, that doesn't necessarily determine the outcome is right for me or someone in opposition to my belief. As you said, we have many problems now with the separation of religion and politics. Thank you again and I'm humbled you are a fan.
Fantastic article (as usual), Avis. I don't believe 'politics' ever entered into Jesus' thoughts (although, I have been wrong before); but I do believe that politicians and religious leaders have used their positions interchangably to further their 'platforms', or causes if you will, since before Jesus was born.
I guess, I too, would be considered teetering on the fence on this one---if a political bill could save an unborn child, I would place a vote. But when another bill won't allow my children to say a prayer in school, then I would rip that bill to shreds and stomp on it with both feet. I don't understand a lot of things about politics---most of it is over my head---but, there's a lot I don't understand in the Bible as well. It is probably best that I just stay out of this debate. But you have done a great job of putting some of my thoughts into words.
SandraSandra, my lady, you're fantastic (as usual). Thank you so very much. I lacked total confidence in writing this article but it's not about me. Like you, "I don't understand a lot of things about politics---most of it is over my head---but, there's a lot I don't understand in the Bible as well." But I am apt to accept on faith the Bible with absolute confidence even in my lack of comprehension. No way, with politics or the politicians!!!Thank you for saying that last sentence, too. You sure know how to make a person feel better! I almost asked the editors to remove this article.
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