Monday, October 10, 2011
Religion In Politics
I believe in a separation of church and state, but more to the point, America in general believes in a separation of church and state. This is why religion in politics is a big deal and why everyone is all panicy about it. Here's the deal though: religion is not church. What a person religifies in their own personal lives has really nothing to do with their political ability. Religion is just a word used to describe things that people are passionate about and hold in extremely high regard. With that being said, morals, ethics, and political beliefs are in fact religious as well as organized religions. I know there's a difference and I get that. But I mean really? The president isn't a dictator. It's not like he's going to just tell everyone in America how to believe or impose his beliefs on the decisions he makes in office. I don't think America would let you do that. Your beliefs are your beliefs, but not all beliefs enter into everything. I believe it's stupid to have religion homework. That's a belief I hold. However when it comes to doing my job as a student, I separate my belief from what I know I must accomplish in order to get a good grade. Same basic principle for presidents. I mean this isn't rocket science. We need to stop being prejudice against others and instead look at their ability to do the job. There's no reason why a mormon can't do the job. Were he saying that he was going to reform a bunch of stuff based on his religion, then that would be one thing. But give the guy a break, you can't go around impeding people's careers just because of their background. That's the kind of thing America is suppose to be against. Just judge him on his ability, not on what he believes about God. The idea of God is subjective anyway. No one knows what the truly correct religion is, or if it even exists. People are silly.
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I definitely agree. America is built on a policy of justice, and being against prejudice. I really enjoyed your analogy of religion homework to public policy. I also believe that religion is not church, but more what we believe and what we are. Therefore, no one can be expected to set aside everything about them, they would not be able to make a decision. No American leader will have the power to force another person to believe his or her beliefs, so religion should not come into discussion in running for office.
ReplyDeleteExactly...I just don't see why it has to enter into the concerns of voters. Who cares what the person believes separate from what he believes about politics? Organized religion and Politics are way different things.
ReplyDeleteYep, sounds right to me. But, I have a question: I have sometimes noticed that christianity is being called out and rebuked or restricted more than some other religions. Now, could it be that our country was founded, basically, as a christian country and christianity was prevalent in lots of government controlled things (like school). And now that America is becoming more diverse in its religions, that christianity that was already there is being uprooted and thrown out in order to more completely live by the constitution. Or, are people just being thin skinned when it comes to christianity? cause I am getting really annoyed with all of the people who are offended by christian stuff, like that christian mural out in some east coast school, and some girl is suing the school because its christian. The whole time I was hearing about that, I was thinking "OH COME ON!". but thats my biased view, what's your opinion?
ReplyDeleteI think there's a fine line, really. I mean I'm not sure that there's a good answer to that, but all I can say is that we need to be careful. Cultural christianity is one thing, but alienating others is a whole other thing. I personally am not at all offended by christianity...I mean I was born and raised it my entire life. See I just don't want people being judged based on that or excluded based on that. I think faith is a very personal matter that doesn't reflect one's abilities. I wouldn't want an atheist thinking a christian can't do a job because of his/her religion, just like I wouldn't want a christian thinking an atheist can't do a job because of their religion (yes, atheism is a religion). Now certainly suing a christian school seems silly and overdramatic to me. However if a christian school is openly mocking students for their beliefs or something like that, I think something should be done (not necessarily suing, but something). I think ultimately the constitution wanted to make sure that no one belief system dominated everyone, so it makes sense that we need to be careful about letting it control how we do things and the manner in which we judge others. That's not to say that I think we should destroy paintings of the nativity scene...I mean come on, it's a work of art and individual interpretation. I'm fine with anyone expressing their beliefs and being in like-believing communities, so long as they don't use that to be mean.
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