Does religion have a place in the political world? It is a question that dates back to the beginning of our republic, and has been one of the most hotly debated topics ever since. As a supporter of the concept of separation of church and state, I personally believe that a politician's religious views should not influence their decision making. Likewise, a religious organization should not use its position to influence one's political thinking. We have to have a mind of our own. We have to be able to think for ourselves. One might ask, why have religion and politics become so intertwined? The answer lies in the fact that certain political issues have serious moral and ethical implications in the eyes of some. For example, abortion violates one of the most sacred commandments, "thou shalt not kill." Opponents of gay marriage would most likely say that their opposition is due in large part to the fact that the bible says homosexuality is a sin. I have visited a church where the pastor/priest used the pulpit to try to influence the political thinking of the congregation. I told my wife, never again. Never would I step foot in that church again, and so far I haven't. I have a lot of respect for those who have a deep faith. I consider myself a deeply religious person. However, there is a time and place for everything. In my view, church is not the time, nor is it the place to try to influence one's political beliefs.
It is clear that religion did play a large role in the creation of this country whether "Progressives" want to admit it or not. There is no mention of Separation of Church and State in the Constitution. Although I do agree in the concept of Separation of Church and State on most levels, I believe it is very evident where we will end up if the "Progressives" contunue to try and steer this country away from those founding values.
ReplyDeleteHow can a lawmaker not consider their religious beliefs (if they have any) when making a decision when those beliefs are the basis of many people's core values? Using your example, if abortion is not murder, then at what point is killing a living child considered murder? Minutes after conception or Minutes before birth? If a mother can kill an unborn baby because it is an inconvinence, can the same mother kill the baby after it has been born if she decides it will be an inconvinence? If not, why? Who gets to decide? The state will pay to keep adults in a vegetative state on life support for years while defending their right to live however the state will not support or defend an un-born baby capable of living outside the womb? I am not sure I have the answer to these questions either. Tough decisions to make, that is for sure and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I agree with you the Church is no place to try and influence politics under any circumstances.
How could someone of a strong faith not have their decisions influenced by that faith (including their voting habits and the way they behave when elected)? I couldn't stomach politics in this country today without a strong faith in Christ and a belief that there is more to life than just this "world."
ReplyDeleteThat said, faith is a personal matter and politics is a public one. It leads me to want to explore my faith and discuss my politics. Thus the taboo that still exists in some places against using a church pulpit to influence people's politics. A better use of the pulpit would be to influence and develop the faith of believers. Do a good job there and you can save their souls. I worry that a church that spends its energy on politics risks, at best, distracting its congregation from pursuing and serving Christ. At worst, it discredits itself and its message of salvation by making church and state inseparable.
As a Christian, I would argue that the Church is better off staying out of politics and that believers can live, vote, and govern using the values of their faith without relying on the Church to support them. Indeed, I believe that such leaders would be best for both church and state.