Religion and Politics Essay

In the populace today, thither are several(prenominal) pillars of trivial issues that involve it to write downher in ache of the several ch wholeenges. Issues analogous humanitarianism, peacekeeping, semipolitical science, righteousness, international negotiations or even conflict re etymon wee been on the frontline of such authorized tenets. However, the ever growing fascinate of government activity and holiness since time antique has made it star of the approximately outspoken subjects of all time with approximately(prenominal) spotlight being continuously placed on these two counterpart issues. Epley (40-48) articulates that the advancements in some(prenominal) piety and politics gift astoundingly shot cast a commission high over the recent multiplication. This has led to an increased inte lodge in of scholars and interrogationers in issues to deal with theology and politics. As of today, a wide range of researches suck been leaveed to this effect and several volumes of academic material written so as to clearly sterilize the human relationship betwixt the two aforementi whizzd precepts.In a different larn, Lerman supports Epleys sentiments by saying that close of these researches dispose to focus on the relationship amidst devotion and politics with untold(prenominal) emphasis being made on how the two dirty dog con flowly run together. He however goes ahead and sound offs that in as very frequently as such studies have been quite informative, rattling little has been through with(p) by these researchers to ingrainedly outline the elementary issue of whether the two should be interrelated and viewed together in the first placeas most scholars have do in the previous studies. It is thencely from this concern by Lerman that this translate is going to not only focus on vigilantly play up whether both religion and politics should interchangeably bring individually separate-as they have been doing- save to a fault on projecting on how such a study could be conducted if funds are made avail up to(p). ascendent for the study As partly glimpsed by the above writings, the theme for this proposed study is going to be holiness and Politics. From the several research materials habituated in this study, most scholars amass that religion has had a great influence on politics yet in the resembling sort that politics in whatsoever case affects religion.To begin with, Cox (2) says that Religion has influenced politics in the States from the very beginning, religion continues to influence politics, and religion will continue in one modality or an new(prenominal)(prenominal) to influence politics for as enormous as we lav anticipate. Delcore adds that both religion and politics have greatly impacted one an another(prenominal). This has however come with the main challenge of pluralism since America is a pluralist relegate that allows granting immunity of worship, allaydom of asso ciation and freedom to charter what to believe in (Murrin). In addition, in that respect has been constant struggle amongst forceful religions like Christianity and Islam on who is the most compulsory. As per the United States constitution, rude fundamentally functions to protect both the minority and majority.However, it is common knowledge that the majority normally gets more decisions going their route base on sums. And establish on the maintain 55% Christian population in America, other religions have been silently complaining that most decisions seemingly favor them (Lormel). This problem is however not just faced in America legion(predicate) an(prenominal) other countries attest to challenges regarding religion and politics. The constant struggles betwixt the Sunni and Shiite in Iraq or the religion versus politics conflict in Sudan are just exclusively a few ex greats of such. Several other examples equal in many other areas around the world.It is wherefore with great urgency that this subject is address and that is the main purpose of our theme. In enmity of the many achievements by honor (whether unearthly or civil), a balance needs to be open so as to examine that this dual partnership gives ultimate widening (Murrin). Similarly, there have been numerous concerns raised on the use of religion to exert surmount over others. This is exhibited by the allegation of the wide affair of the church in various campaigns both in the U.S and other countries (Simon). found on the many substantiating issues associated with the religion-political relationship, Zeleny documents that Senator Barrack Obama, in his bid to suffering voters, expanded George Bushs program of investing federal bullion in ghostly institutions. This money was targeted at the low income earners and to help in alleviating the high levels of poverty by performing community aid work. This belong greatly paid off as later indicated by the coarse support Barrack Obama received from the religious background thus propellant him into ply as President.On the other hand, it is strategic to note that it has not been a smooth ride for the relationship amongst politics and religion. fit in to Mella, most of the religious plurality who claim to be ardent chase of particular religions do not even have confidence in their religions. From the most elementary level of perception, this lack of confidence in ones religion primarily discredits the churchs role in politics as being false. Again, there has been an escalating accusation of governmental institutions employ their coaction with various religions as a cover-up for their hidden agendas. For example, Zeleny documents that Obamas involvement with the Christian community was considered as a fraudulent way of obtaining votes since his background clearly state that he is a Muslim.2. Analytical head Should religion influence politics or should the two facets be viewed individually Several que stions can be raised from the theme. However, our focus is going to be on answering the question Should religion influence politics or should these two facets be viewed independently? in answering this, it is important to get a background knowledge on the relationship between religion and politics then from there on we can focus on getting the appropriate answers. Preliminarily, Religion is an abstract concept and thus cannot be viewed as an entity on its own (Lerman). In order to ardently define religion, it is vital that we cagily view the context of exposition, which people we are fashioning reference to, among many other considerations. According to Connelly, the most re testifyative definition of religion is A mysterious manifestation of power and presence that is experience as both primordial and transformative, inspiring awe and rapt attention.This is unremarkably an event that represents a break or discontinuity from the ordinary, forcing a re-establishment or recalibra tion of place on the part of the experience. Connelly further adds that religion can be some(prenominal)thing done in an ordinary way barely astoundingly leads to a large following of believers. In most cases, some mystique kind of perception is felt by the members who are then propelled into belief. On the other hand, Politics according to BrainyQuote.com is The erudition of government that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. In relations to the question, different views are advanced by different scholars in trying to give a way forwarfared.First, there are those of the doctrine that religion and politics should both relate and help one another l ike they have been doing in the other past. Second, there are those who altogether oppose this relationship and advocate for insularity of the state politics and religion. third base and get goingly, there is a free radical of scholars who are somehow in the centre of attention and advocate for a balance between the two facets. We are therefore going to view all these arguments one by one. Starting with the company that propionate influence of religion to politics and vice versa Lerman says that religious people have the right to offer their genuine opinion on politics. In U.S for example, freedom of speech and religion is protected and legalized under the constitution.This, however, should be done in a cautious way to avoid conflicting with other groups. With admiration to this, a religious group like Buddhism, should behave in a way tantamount to their group, but soundless not be in conflict with either the constitution or openly condemn other religions. In addition, nei ther of the religious groups should use the authority and freedom bestowed to them to raise their rule on others. The scenario of im represent ones authority is allegedly common with Islam states as well as Christian states. An example is the domineering influence of Catholic influence in the Roman Empire which has been alleged to overstep its boundaries just in the same way Islam is said to impose-through jihad- its religious fundamentals to people in the Middle East (Cox 6-8). Cox (3) further advances that there should be an increased influence of religion on politics since politics-by itself- cannot adequately stamp moral authority which is very crucial for a spheres growth.This, he exhibits with the various cases like that of Martin Luther junior who-in spite of not directly routing for a particular political figure- greatly polished morality in politics through his numerous inspirational speeches (4-5). In making his contribution to this debate, Lormel asserts that the demo cracy in United States stipulates freedom of religion and this should not be deterred by any political authority-or individual for that matter- since it is a entire right. However, it is not clearly stipulated on whether religion should or should not affect politics and in his interpretation, Lormel sees this as a go-ahead for the influence of religion on politics (3). Additionally, religions influence on politics is a moral obligation of keeping the politicians in check. It also serves a voice for the voiceless in the society who-more often than not- are al ways at the mercy of superior political classes and thus get frequently downtrodden on.Cox (7) strongly supports this idea by saying that on that point is a larger moral purpose to public policy which goes farther beyond brokerage and has to do with seeking a justice which is metrical by how this society deals with those who are most vulnerable, its weakest members, and how they are dealt with. This is why it is not only th e right but the responsibility of religious leaders, and of lay people in religious communities for whom this tradition is the basis of their lives, to remind those in power of this vision and to do so in such a way that the pretentiousness which is often present in kings and emperors and in public policy makers is punctured. The important role played by religion in various elections-like in the aforementioned case of President Barrack Obamas onager to office- is seen as very fundamental by many scholars and thus greatly encouraged by them Montanaro. To such political scientist, religion plays a fundamental role in vesting of power and should therefore this role should not be stemmed out by alienating politics from religion.Lormel (4) says that religion trys syllabus for building a morally upright political environment just in the same way politics present a assembly for instituting laws governing a state. This dual partnership is very healthy and essential for a country and the refore, doing off with this bond through insularism of powers can be very detrimental not just to a country as an entity but even to the globe as a whole. In highlighting the views of those opposed to the relationship between politics and religion, Lormel (1-3) articulates that in spite of being religious, the founding fathers of America-who were responsible for creation of constitution- saw the need for separation of religion and politics no wander they mark offd that the constitution allowed for pluralism. This, they did, despite the accompaniment that most of them were religious.Again, to the proponents of separation of politics from religion, this independence ensures that both of these key aspects of the state run autonomously and thus ensuring maximum output from them (Shattuck 16-30). Epley (44-55) explicates that the separation also creates an ample environment for growth by the separate units since they themselves know how to handle their problems. In other words, relig ious organizations best know how to solve their problems just in the same way that political organizations know how to ardently solve their challenges or problems. Moreover, Simon reiterates that There are many countries whose governments see religious resurgence posing a serious challenge to the future shape of their societies. As a point of caution therefore, separation of religion and politics would consequently get over the threat for this alleged challenge. Shattuck says that the issue of separation of the church from politics is not a new thing.Based on his circumspective studies that involved various subjects, Shattuck documents that issues like the state funding religious organizations has been greatly objected as it is viewed as inhibiting self-direction and encouraging favoritism. Simon goes ahead and exemplifies this alleged favoritism by saying that in spite of George Bushs funding of religious groups was said to be fair, most of it was-indeed- fraudulent since there i s surmountable evidences that the policy greatly successful some particular people who were allied to the presidentGeorge bush. Lastly, there is the group of scholars who tend to believe that striking a professional balance between religion and politics is the ultimate solution. Proponents of this idea propose two ways of making this happen. First, they opine that there should be a balance in the intrinsic relationship between the various religious movements. For example, there should be a balance in the way Hindus overlay Christians and similarly, Muslims should also treat atheists with the same kind of respect they would treat their Muslim brothers.By ensuring a balance between the various religious affiliations, the perilous competition between them will be toned down and thus making them able to speak in one voice when addressing the political arena. History abounds with several examples where people of different religious backgrounds have come together and thus resulting in a unified resounding voice from them which has many times led to lordly change in politics. Generally speaking, the church (whether pentecostal or catholic) have always come out strongly in United States to oppose the implementation of laws like gay marriages which is an abomination in most religions. Lauritzen exemplifies this usual relationship between different religions by citing the Evangelicals and Catholics merger-commonly shorten as ECT-in the fight against the institution of the volatile law on abortion.In spite of the political class shortchanging the religious organizations in the fight against legalisation of abortion, it can be duly noted that-for once-, a clear and unified stand was taken by the pious world. Secondly, the balance between religion and politics is proposed to take shape inform of a mutual relationship between the two facets. So while religion will be charged with the responsibility of offering moral guidance in the political word, politics will on the other hand function to ensure freedom of religious organizations while encouraging unity between them. This should be done in a fair way rather than lancinating against a particular religious group or imposing a religion just because of the relative dominance it enjoys in a region. This fictional character of imposition-as cited earlier-is very characteristic of Christian and Islamic states. In effect, the very perfume of democracy and freedom of worship or choice gets corroded away by such actions.If the abovementioned guidelines are observed, there will be positive output from both ends without necessarily getting into to each one others way but rather complimenting the growth of one another (Shattuck 12-14). In summary, most scholars and researchers that I studied tend to support the continuity in the relationship between politics and religion. A good percentage of this proponents advocate for balance, while the rest believe that there has been a relatively good relationship between the two facets in the past and this should just continue in the same way. Of manakin there is the group that opposes the mutual relationship between politics and religion through the separation of roles between the two. In as much as this proposition has not landed on deaf long time or has not been greatly opposed by their counterparts the alleged positive results associated with continuity of the mutual effect of religion and politics tends to outweigh the positives associated with separation of powers thus making the latter option less popular.3. Importance of the research This research not only offers immense insights into politics and religion, it pans further into highlighting several other essential issues which-in effect makes it very important. A number of the significations of this research have been in-part mentioned or addressed above. Some other significance includes Fundamentally, this study mentions and offers insights key issues like abortion, gay (same sex) marriages, terrorism, religiously branded killings e.g. jehad among other essential subjects which are in great contention in the current world and have been threatening to tear the victims-like America-apart (Shattuck17-18).This is far much better than just burying our heads in the sand-like the proverbial Ostrich-hoping that the problems will shrink away instead of wisely dealing with them head-on In fact, it is by highlighting such challenges that it becomes easy to find a way of getting forward. According to the Manila Bulletin, issues to do with religion and politics were swept infra the carpet by most people and thus making it awkward for a way forward to be found. But based on the ever increasing urgency and prolificacy of these two facets with regards to other current fundamental issues it is the duty of everybody to contribute towards fosterage a better worldbe it by separation of the two or their continuity. With that in mind, this study addresses this issue of polit ics and religion in an in-depth way thus position a platform for others to follow suit.In addition, Simon documents that The end of the cold war left the world without an overarching narrative of good and evil and created a free market in ideas in which any group that is sufficiently cocky and has access to media can communicate its prescriptions for the common good. As a result, some religious and political organizations have been enjoying unchecked freedom. This research therefore highlights methods in which this regulation can be donewith a balance between the two facets being the most proposed solution. This study therefore does not watch at showing where the problem is but goes further into proposing a solution thus making the research integrally vital. Finally, this research is richly endow with arbitrary facts, examples and even opinions which lay a foundation for future studies to be conducted by other people. Education is a continuous process and based on this proposed study, someone else might just decide to pick up on a particular area and continue with researching thus fostering an academic empowerment.4. How does the research connect to the literature? A wide variety show of literature was used in this research. Different styles are employed in each piece of literature that is used. Some tend to take a laid-back position by talking on a global way about the concerned theme. Others however go ahead and opine of what should or should be done based on evidences which they present. Yet still, some literatures are purely literal and the writers base their arguments on attested concepts. In order to exemplify the ultimate connection between the study and the literature, it is inherent to note that most of the materials used here either emanated from political scientists or religious circles.As a result, most of the writers tend to support what they subjectively view as ideal to them and only a handful of them circumspectly address the theme of politics and religion. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that modernism has paved way for paradigm faultings with more complex paradigms replacing the simple ones that were previously held. This shift has also had an effect on the literature with most of the current writings being more informative, incorporative and taking a certain pattern. Gabler tries to aptly represent this alleged change by noting that Perhaps the single most profound change in our political culture over the last 30 years has been the transformation of conservatism from a political movement, with all the limitations, hedges and forbearances of politics, into a kind of fundamentalist religious movement, with the absolute certainty of religious belief.In exemplifying those who take a laid-back position, Shattuck (9) says that people should not worry about the mutual relationship between religion and politics since everything done by both of the facets have to be passed through the constitutional sieve which r arely goes wrong. Mella (2008) also softly contributes to the issue of religious influence in politics and social issues by saying that There is a wide range of views on this, but our take is that the application of precepts such as sacred Scripture or the Catechism of the Catholic Church to our politics and society is healthy to the degree it isnt manipulated or distorted in service to a political end. To the second category of those offering their opinion, Senator Danforth is quoted by Shattuck (8) saying I dont think people who have deep religious trust are expected to check their faith at the door when they leave their church or mosque or synagogue.Religion is something that infuses all of our lives, hopefully our personal lives, our family lives, our business lives, and our political lives. The third group that represents the factual scholars is the most the trusted source of information. This is because facts are normally from authoritative sources thus giving more credibilit y and accuracy to the information. An example of factual material analyzed and used in this research is the verity that a good balance between religion and politics leads to an overall free grace in the society (Orens 20-23). Shattuck (56) also taps into the use of facts by magisterially stating that Martin Luther King greatly changed America in spite of never endorsing any politician from the various pulpits he was in.5. How I would conduct the research Coffey denotes that religion and politics is a fundamental pair not just in America but also in other parts of the world. It is therefore not just enough to highlight the problems associated with politics and religion but also look at the prospects of making the dream of making both percepts fully actualized. If I had funds, time and opportunity to meet the sources relevant to my study, this is how I would conduct the research My studies would mainly be focused on circumspectly highlighting the theme in question from a worldwide p erspective. I would therefore select at least 5 countries from each spotless and do an in-depth analysis of the various religious and political systems in place. In addition, I would ensure that amongst the five countries, there is a good agency of developed and developing countries.This is very important in knowing what roles religion and politics have played in such countries. Yet still, I would make sure that the countries selected are polytheists or have several religious groups so as to ardently get accurate, informative and representative results. In Africa for example, I would select South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. With the exception of Zimbabwe, all these countries are still developing with South Africa being the most developed. The choice of a country like Nigeria is based on the many religious factions that are present in the country and the constant debates that have been allegedly going there in the recent past so as to either stick or separate relig ion and politics. The political system of governance in such countries is also very important for the studies i.e. whether dictatorial, authoritarian or autocratic.In Zimbabwe for instance, the political leadership of Mugabe has been greatly criticized for negatively impacting social and religious aspects of the country the choice of such a country for this study would therefore provide a very interesting analytical angle for the research. There are various data collection methods that are normally used in various studies. However, since this research is highly prolific and requires substantial answers, it is very important that the methods used for data collection are highly inclusive. Primarily, I would conduct a survey on the countries in question so as to get adequate knowledge and information that will help me in the study. These interviews would be focused on religious and political leaders as well as historians who are viable and credible sources of information. The reason fo r the gustatory sensation of interviews and questionnaires during the survey is because they allow for easy referencing and sufficient future analysis (Cano).Of course the nature of questions used in data collection will be simple so as to elicit lucid answers from the interviewees. Secondarily, I would use library materials-books, articles, journals-, online resources, governmental and non-governmental archives among many others. In order to ensure that the research gives as much information as possible to readers, I would make certain that neutrality and objectivity is ardently observed throughout the study duration. This is because any minor lapse in concentration can interfere with whole process thus jeopardizing the success of the study. Conclusion In my opinion, both politics and religion play important roles to each other and thus delinking them would rather destroy rather than build countries. Of course the collaboration between the two also has some relative negative make (Simon).This should however not stand in the way of the immense benefits that the mutual relationship between the two precepts. In addition, despite the norm in life that the majority always gets things done their way, a balance should exist between the various religious factions just in the same way a balance should exist between the dealings of politics and religion. If this is done, there will be ultimate respect between all he involved parties thus fostering an environment for growth in each country.