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The Reflection of Religious Beliefs in American Politics
As many people already know, politicis and religion some times go hand in hand. Recently, president Obama delivered his Inauguration Speech to the world. There were several remarks mentioned that pertained to religion. Many of the remarks can easily tie in with the American culture core values, which include, Americans are among a chosen people, manifest destiny, morality yields prosperity, and the protestant ethic.
A Chosen People
Chosen People is basically when certain people are pre destined to do certain things, they are among the select. In the Inauguration speech, Obama states various examples of this. One example being, that this nation was set so that everyone were equal, free, and had the ability to pursure his/her own happiness. This nation was also founded and set on the Christianity beliefs and morals. One of the Christian morals that have been instoned in this nation is courage. We are also, as Obama stated, "the guardians of liberty". This nation has been selected to find a meaning in something greater...
Washington clearly and strongly asserts that the aspects of religion and morality were important not only for happiness of the people and the county, but also were vital in supporting political growth and well-being for the nation. Accordingly, Washington proclaims, “of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensible supports” (Washington, 1796). Washington contends that religious principle is crucial to operating the government on the grounds that it affects all that are “foundations of justice” (Washington, 1796).
The Democratization of American Christianity, by Nathan Hatch, is written about “the cultural and religious history of the early American republic and the enduring structures of American Christianity” (3). Hatch writes to make two arguments: 1) the theme of democratization is central to understanding the development of American Christianity, and 2) the years of the early republic are the most crucial in revealing to process that took and is still taking place. The story of the democratization of American Christianity begins with the population boom in America from the Revolution up to 1845. Hatch writes that during this boom, “American Christianity became a mass enterprise” (4).
Christianity’s role in America has rapidly changed over the last decades. Although it is still the most popular religion in the country its power over the people has decreased significantly. However, there are still many misconceptions towards American Christianity and in order to understand the unique nature of this religiously diverse country; one must understand its history and its citizens own views on the matter.
Butler, J., Balmer, R., & Wacker, G. (2008). Religion in American Life : A Short History. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
The motivations for Obama's views on religion and politics can be understood as a reflection of his personal religious journey. This journey is, according to Obama, a “realization that something is missing”, and the subsequent quest for “a sense of purpose, a narrative arc to our lives” (3). For Obama, born to a Muslim-turned-athiest and a skeptical child of non-practicing Baptists and Methodists, the journey began after college, when he went to Chicago to work as a community organizer for a group of Chri...
Throughout the year Christians have strived to do the will of God. From to converting people into Christians to making a society pleasing to God. Christians in America have been present since the colonial times. In the late 19th century, they were still thriving in the United States. In the early 20th century they were still involved in the broader American culture, committed to shaping public policy and welcome in political life. But as time continued, evangelicals started to create their own subculture, no longer involving themselves in politics and the rest of the American culture. By mid to late 20th century, evangelicals saw that the nation was becoming further way from God and it was affecting them. They sought to partly reinsert themselves in the American culture and politics and found they were not as welcome as before. Even though they are not welcome, Christians must try to do the will of God by turn peoples eyes back to Him in everyday life and politics.
As James Madison, the fourth President of the United States said, “The religion of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man, and it is right of every man to exercise it as they may dictate” (Haynes, C...
Religion has always been an important part of America and America’s history, from the time the pilgrims travelled from their homelands, to now. Religion, especially Christianity, is a prominent force guiding nearly all aspects of American life. Religion is involved in societal issues, economics, and politics. Often times, it is a dominant factor in politics and can eliminate someone from any chance of a political career or it could have the opposite effect and boost someone to the top in politics. People often vote for candidates who will best represent them and if constituents want someone who is similar to them and feel will protect their religious liberties, they will likely vote for them as opposed to other candidates. This has caused a rift in America as of late because it appears as though there is a growing difference in opinions and mindsets of people across party lines. Due to this rift, democrats relate more to a liberal ideology whereas republicans are more conservative. Republicans have generally been more focused on candidates’ religion as opposed to democrats. Conservative republican focus on religion has hurt Obama in his support from church goers because they want a president in Washington who lives their life like many think a Christian should. Support for Obama among Christians has been mixed.
Christianity and Politics The descriptions of the Roman Empire and state authority offered in Christian texts seems to be one that is oppressive. Since the state often punished Christians for disturbing the peace, the Empire is often shown as merciless and callous. However, texts seem to suggest that the Empire did not treat Christians any differently from the other citizens of the state. Christianity in itself was not illegal under Roman law, so Christians were not targeted specifically as a group.
My major area of study is Political Science, and even if you haven’t majored in political studies you know that there are few things left untouched by politics. Religion, of course, is no exception. Issues concerning religion are some of the most hotly contested topics in politics today. Consider as an example, the seemingly never-ending conflict in the Middle East over rights to Israel. It can be argued that this conflict has as much to do with politics as it does with religious beliefs. However, I think the way in which politics most closely relates to the study of world religions is in its creation of so- called “civil religion.”
One thing that many Americans do not realize is how much religion plays a role in American lives, and how it has played a role in our presidents lives from the very beginning of our country to now
The Role of Religion in Foreign Policy In order to best understand the role of religion in foreign policy, one needs to acknowledge that religion does play a role in foreign policy. However, the role religion plays in international relations is often overlooked. This omission of such an important factor that influences international politics in so many ways and on so many levels is detrimental and should be addressed (Fox, 2001:73). Religion influences international politics in varied ways. The phenomenal role of religion in foreign policy is not new or in dispute.
Religion as a Conservative Force Describing Religion as a 'Conservative Force' seems to imply that Religion is an inhibitor of social change and used as a means by which to maintain the existing order of Society and the Status Quo. Some Sociologists such as Durkheim and Marx would agree with this and there are others who would argue against such a claim. It is a debate, one side says Religion inhibits change and the other says it sets social change in motion. As already mentioned Durkheim believed that Religion acts as a Conservative Force. In more detail what he actually thought was that Religious worship is like worshipping Society, in other words the beliefs in religion actually strengthen the values of the Society from which Religion originates.
The role of religion in politics is a topic that has long been argued, and has contributed to the start of wars, schisms (both political and religious), and other forms of inter and intra-state conflict. This topic, as a result of its checkered past, has become quite controversial, with many different viewpoints. One argument, put forth by many people throughout history, is that religion and the government should remain separate to avoid any conflicting interests. This view also typically suggests that there is one, or several, large and organized religions like the Roman Catholic Church, which would be able to use their “divine” authority to sway the politics of a given state by promising or threatening some form of godly approval or disapproval. By leveraging their divine power, individual figures within a religion, as well as the religion as a whole, could gain secular power for themselves, or over others. A second view, which was developed by many theologians through history, suggests that that without religion there would be a general lack of morality in the people and leaders of a given state, which would give way to poor political decisions that would not be in the interest of the people and perhaps even God (or the gods). This argument, however, does not address the fact that morality can exist without religion. In sociology, it is commonly accepted that social norms, which include morality, can result from any number of things. Religion, laws, or the basic desire of survival can all create these norms, so it suffices to say that as a society, our morals reflect our desire to live in relative peace through the creation of laws that serve to help us to survive. The argument of whether or not religion and politics should mix...
When comparing culture, we may enjoy the same type of music and movies, but our values may be different and that is okay. When examining religion and values in America it is easy to see that values are connected to religion, but are not as closely connected as some. This is because some religions can be indirect in how they prescribe the way people should live. In this case, religion is related to values, but at a varying level when compared to other