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The Politics of Religion
Mar 13, 2016 09:03:43   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
Introduction to the Politics of Religion

Religion is almost everywhere. Even nonbelievers sometimes catch themselves saying words like 'God', 'Holy' and 'Jesus Christ'. It is because they were raised with religion and it has become part of the way they speak. It is their natural impulses to use their available vocabulary. Especially when angry or in pain.

That said, it makes a perfect metaphor for the interplay of religion and politics... religion effects many things, as a set of morals, as a source of fiction, as a kind of aesthetic (in architecture, art, music, etc.) and a guiding principle. As such there are often instances where different religions and their morals/principles collide. Sometimes there is even moral ambiguity, because the religion's founders/prophets/mesiahs weren't able to predict the issues that would face people in the future, issues like slavery, women's rights/feminism, common law relationships, contraceptives, capital punishment, homosexuality, abortion, stem cell research, evolution, invasive surgery, blood transfusions, climate change, global warming, cloning, religious wars, fanaticism and the war on terrorism.

As such the politicians elected to lead (or ruling using military power) often have to pay attention to what the population wants in terms of religious freedom and what morals they want to see enforced. So for example if a country has a majority religion that believes in capital punishment, but is against abortion, the government there will likely have rules supporting one and against the other. However if a country has multiple major religions, and they each have different views the government will likely err on the side of caution and try to respect the wishes of the people.

This often has very little to do with a god or gods, but instead is based on religious dogma and theory, interpretations of religious books written by men centuries or even millenia ago. For example in the Bible, no where does it say "thou shalt not have abortion", but it does say that people should stone homosexuals, adulterous women and murderers to death and that women should wear a headcovering when in public as a form of modesty.

Obviously we have become much more civilized and we're not stoning people to death or forcing women to wear headscarves any more. But we still adhere to some of the ideas found in such religious books.

There was a time when commonlaw relationships were illegal. Commonlaw relationships means two people, usually a male and female, living together but they are not married. Such relationships are increasingly common these days, to the extent that governments now treat such relationships the same as they do when dealing with married couples. From a legal standpoint, marriage is now obsolete and unnecessary. Some countries are even considering striking religion from the lawbooks, making it a purely religious event and thus something that governments won't interfere with.

Another example is how different countries treat religious holidays and whether they are given the day off from work on such holidays.

How Religions Interplay with Politics:
1. Internal politics within large religious organizations (one's with significant political power). Example: The election of Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005, a German, despite the fact that most Catholics these days are Hispanic and live in South or Central America.

2. Religious beliefs and practices on civic processes (the organization's external politics). Example: Muslim women refusing to take off their headscarves when required to prove their identity when voting in an election.

3. Politicians performing a secular action which directly effects religious organizations. Example: Passing a law which requires all religions to pay land taxes for property owned, the same as charities and other groups.

4. Formal relationships between politics and religion, such as having an official state religion or a ruling theocracy. Examples: The official state religion of England is Anglican and the Vatican is ruled by the Pope.

Politics is often about conflict and debate. Its all about arguing a point of view and trying to convince the majority of people to adhere to that view in order to achieve a specific goal. If for example a religion had an edict such as "help the impoverished", the religion would push for more welfare funding, better education, work and apprenticeship programs. Religious politicians would argue in favour of those things, gain support from voters with similar beliefs, and presumably be able to make such changes after debating it. In this way religions can actually have a positive effect on society.

This power struggle however does not come without a price however. The same religious group might also believe in capital punishment and the religious persecution of people of different faiths. It can thus can be quite hazardous to a country's well-being when two religions that are hostile towards each other. Good examples are Sunni and Shia Muslims in Iraq, Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, or Jews, Christians and Muslims in Israel/Palestine. A toxic mix of hostile religions will often lead to war or terrorism.

Thus when one religious group has control over a particular government, the other religious groups will often feel like they are being undermined or mistreated. The interaction between the government and those religions will cause miscommunication, misinformation and even outright propaganda against religious groups. Examples: The treatment of Jews by NAZI Germany during World War II, or the treatment of all religions (such as Tibetan Buddhists) under Communist China.

The Religious Double Standard:
Politicians will sometimes try to effect a religious group's internal politics, and will involve factions with different perspectives regarding policies. These factions could even cause religions to fracture into two opposing religions, such as Protestants and Catholics over the issues of divorce, sex before marriage, contraceptives, abortion and corruption within the Church. And within Protestantism, different splinter religions who believe in a variety of things.

Generally speaking it is unwise for politicians to stick their noses into the business of religious affairs. A single poorly worded comment could ruin their chances of re-election or even lead to their almost immediate downfall.

However, when a religious leader sticks his or her nose into the realm of politics it rarely hurts their reputation or their ability to lead (often because they weren't elected and are difficult to remove from power once they are given a religious title). Some aren't even given their title but proclaim themselves as such. A prime example is televangelists in the United States, who frequently comment on political issues but face no repercussions because they are preaching to their believers whose natural response will be to support those ideas.

This double standard frequently causes strife (and can be seen in the mass media) when religious people and secular people become heated over a controversial issue.

Secularism in Politics:
Jesus commanded his disciples to "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s", and yet somehow modern Christians have frequently forgotten this edict. The idea is simple. Leave politics alone and tend only to religious matters and politicians will do likewise.

The moment (and this can be proven historically) that religions cross over into the realm of politics, that is when strife is made. Excellent examples include Tibetan monks Vs the Chinese government, radical Muslims wanting to impose Sharia law (a literal interpretation of ancient Arabic laws, although its much more complicated than that) and any situation where the Church and State have become one ultimately results in rights being taken away, religious and scientific freedom being revoked and the state often dictating what people are allowed to think.

Secularism therefore is the exact opposite. Allowing people to have their religious and scientific freedom, and not getting involved in the personal beliefs of individuals. This is the status quo for many western cultures and is rapidly becoming the norm around the world.

However the problem with secularism is that not everyone agrees with it. Religious people who want to see church-state unity and want their beliefs imposed on others form special interest groups and religious organizations in order to pressure politicians into siding with them in an effort to make the government more religious.

For example, the United States motto "In God We Trust", commonly found on American coins, was first used on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, but later a Pennsylvanian minister pressured the addition of the words to American currency. The use of "In God We Trust" has been controversial however and American presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt strongly disapproved of the idea of evoking God within the context of a "cheap" political motto, but it remains to this day.

States frequently make symbolic religious gestures (often just in an effort to win votes amongst the religious) and overall try to remain secular. Sometimes however the symbolic gestures become open to literal interpretation and special interest groups will try to use it as an excuse to force more radical religious ideas into law and unto the general populace.

It is thus up to individual citizens to be vigilant and voice their opposition to moves towards radical religious laws, such as requiring the Lord's Prayer in public schools

"61% of Americans say religion and politics shouldn't mix."
- Source: Boston Globe, 2005.

Reply
Mar 13, 2016 13:08:35   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 


-----------
How does what I posted say that politics doesn't need or can't coexist with religion?

Your YouTube video makes that inference. If you want your politicians to be theology-based in their governing, then you'd best be sure your theology matches theirs. We're a country that is secular-based, not religion-based. Always has been.

Where religion enters the political picture is through the evidence of the moral behavior of a politician in his interactions with his constituents. Problems arise when one person believes that only his religion should be considered when judging the morality of another. That's how too many believe today. The Constitution doesn't provide for a "religious test" to determine if anyone can hold office. If it did, how many people would be excluded from holding office? Even if a person were of the same general religion, say Christian, what's to prevent a law from stipulating that only Presbyterians can hold office? Or, Catholics? Or Pentacostals?

If you really want your elected representatives to be required to be religious, then you better be prepared to accept how they interpret the ramifications of YOUR morality. Christian people change churches fairly frequently. What a politician says he believes now can change just by his changing churches after election. Just because a politician claimed to have the same beliefs you do doesn't make necessarily so.

Personally, I'd rather a politician tell me that he's not religious than to tell me that he has the same religious values as I do. My religious beliefs are just that, mine. I was raised a Presbyterian. Trump claims to be Presbyterian. His moral values are much different than mine. I'm embarrassed that he even associates himself with Presbyterianism as his displayed morality is opposite to Presbyterian theology. I'd rather elect an atheist to office than a morally corrupt religious person.

Reply
Mar 13, 2016 20:29:56   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
Ve'hoe wrote:
Huh???? where did anything I said or posted actually say that????

The rest of the "we were always secular" is actually "Your belief" (an unfounded and unbased belief",,,,, which I dont want you to proselytized to me,,,,,,,

Nor,, do I care to pretend to be in a conversation with someone who hides on a "left only, opinions allowed" thread,,,,,

that isnt a conversation,,,, it is your escape tunnel,, when you dont win,,,

however,,,, what you posted is wrong, so that you can defeat the strawman you created,, and sound intelligent in so doing,,,

the you tube vid,,, said nothing about what you claim it did,,, you made that part up.........
Huh???? where did anything I said or posted actual... (show quote)

-----------

If YOU don't like what I post on a "left's only" site, then don't go there. No one invited you to post, anyway. Get back on your "wrong people" site. All you are is a troll, looking for something to bitch about because YOU don't agree with it. I didn't ask for YOUR opinion, nor do I want it. If I did, I'd give it to you to start with.

BTW- I did watch the video and I wrote exactly what I saw on it. Actually, it had NOTHING to do with my original post as what I posted said NOTHING about taking religion OUT of politics. What I posted only points out what happens when politics and religion ARE mixed; which, BTW, happens quite often.

That we're a secular country is FACT. We have no recognized "state religion." Read the Constitution!!! Maybe YOU would like to see a "state religion," but I wouldn't. I don't want MY tax dollars going to any "state religion" YOU would believe in; just as YOU wouldn't want YOUR tax dollars going to any "state religion" I might want. Go and re-read our history. Why did the Pilgrims and Puritans leave Europe to come to the New World? What did they want that they lacked in Europe? Why did every colony/state that had a "state religion" eventually give it up? Go and read about 'Christian verses Christian' religious wars. Catholic vs. Greek Orthodox. Catholic vs. Protstants. Protestants vs. Protestants. Catholic vs. Catholic. And, add to that, Protestant vs. Jews and Catholic vs. Jews. There have several wars and many lives have been lost, "all in the name of God."

Read the Bible, too. Which of the Jewish laws in the Old Testament are you willing to adhere to? Just one example: Are YOU willing to KILL your own kids for just 'mouthing-off' to you? That's what the Bible says to do. How much of a "true adherent" are you to the Bible and what it commands you to do?

There's no argument that religion DOES NOT play a part toward forming the morals and morality of a society. But, NO religion has an absolute lock on what's best for every citizen of every society; especially a multi-cultural society like the US. I don't want Sharia Law to be the "law of the land" any more than I want a strict adherence to Mosaic Law being the "law of the land." If YOU do, then YOU'RE just as much of a "radical terrorist" (only as a Christain) as is a radical Muslim. Why lower yourself to that level? That ideology runs opposite to the "two greatest commandments" as given by Jesus.

Seriously, Ve'hoe, what religion would YOU want to be the "state religion?" Who would be its "head?" Would they be an "appointed" person or "elected?" Or, would the "secular head" be the "clerical head?" Where would YOU divide the powers of governing? What happens if the 2 "heads" get into a major disagreement? What if the "secular head" wants to go to war, but the "clerical head" says that that would be wrong in God's eyes? Which has the power to over-ride the other? Or, in the case of a very bad disagreement, which has the power to oust the other?

Assuming that your "state religion" was Christianity, which denomination would you set-up as the "primary denomination?" How much power would it hold over the others? What kind of church government would you design for it? Do YOU really think the Churches of Christ, Presbyterians, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, Latter Day Saints, Pentacostals, or the Anglicans or Lutherans, would allow themselves to be subservient to the Southern Baptists if the SBC were put in charge of our "state religion?" Perhaps you could get "The Donald" to say, "Just trust me and everything will be alright."

There are several very good reasons that Americans view their religion as a PRIVATE MATTER and NOT a public matter. Several are alluded to above.

Be careful what you wish for Ve'hoe... VERY careful! You just might get it.

Reply
 
 
Mar 13, 2016 23:27:21   #
Ve'hoe
 
I didnt "go on the left only site" like sh-t in a cesspool your remarks surfaced on the grown ups main site.......

were I to choose a religion,,, which I havent....

I wouldnt choose the leftist religion of hate,,, which you have....
chosen,,,,, and want institutionalized in the govt,,,, (read the constitution for real dummy) Its what you swore to uphold,,, or did you forget,,, probably had your thumbs crossed right???


I once had respect for you,,, but when you reside on the "left only" side where your arguments can be controlled,,, by controlling the freespeech of others,,, you are much less of a man in my opinion,,,

and I dont want your godd-mned proseletyzing either as-hole,,,, no matter whether your religion is "anti-religion" or whatever the hell you call it,,,, where free speech doesnt exist...

Come out here ,,, you get hit,,,,, only fair,,, liberal chicken sh-t,,,,,



alabuck wrote:
-----------

If YOU don't like what I post on a "left's only" site, then don't go there. No one invited you to post, anyway. Get back on your "wrong people" site. All you are is a troll, looking for something to bitch about because YOU don't agree with it. I didn't ask for YOUR opinion, nor do I want it. If I did, I'd give it to you to start with.

BTW- I did watch the video and I wrote exactly what I saw on it. Actually, it had NOTHING to do with my original post as what I posted said NOTHING about taking religion OUT of politics. What I posted only points out what happens when politics and religion ARE mixed; which, BTW, happens quite often.

That we're a secular country is FACT. We have no recognized "state religion." Read the Constitution!!! Maybe YOU would like to see a "state religion," but I wouldn't. I don't want MY tax dollars going to any "state religion" YOU would believe in; just as YOU wouldn't want YOUR tax dollars going to any "state religion" I might want. Go and re-read our history. Why did the Pilgrims and Puritans leave Europe to come to the New World? What did they want that they lacked in Europe? Why did every colony/state that had a "state religion" eventually give it up? Go and read about 'Christian verses Christian' religious wars. Catholic vs. Greek Orthodox. Catholic vs. Protstants. Protestants vs. Protestants. Catholic vs. Catholic. And, add to that, Protestant vs. Jews and Catholic vs. Jews. There have several wars and many lives have been lost, "all in the name of God."

Read the Bible, too. Which of the Jewish laws in the Old Testament are you willing to adhere to? Just one example: Are YOU willing to KILL your own kids for just 'mouthing-off' to you? That's what the Bible says to do. How much of a "true adherent" are you to the Bible and what it commands you to do?

There's no argument that religion DOES NOT play a part toward forming the morals and morality of a society. But, NO religion has an absolute lock on what's best for every citizen of every society; especially a multi-cultural society like the US. I don't want Sharia Law to be the "law of the land" any more than I want a strict adherence to Mosaic Law being the "law of the land." If YOU do, then YOU'RE just as much of a "radical terrorist" (only as a Christain) as is a radical Muslim. Why lower yourself to that level? That ideology runs opposite to the "two greatest commandments" as given by Jesus.

Seriously, Ve'hoe, what religion would YOU want to be the "state religion?" Who would be its "head?" Would they be an "appointed" person or "elected?" Or, would the "secular head" be the "clerical head?" Where would YOU divide the powers of governing? What happens if the 2 "heads" get into a major disagreement? What if the "secular head" wants to go to war, but the "clerical head" says that that would be wrong in God's eyes? Which has the power to over-ride the other? Or, in the case of a very bad disagreement, which has the power to oust the other?

Assuming that your "state religion" was Christianity, which denomination would you set-up as the "primary denomination?" How much power would it hold over the others? What kind of church government would you design for it? Do YOU really think the Churches of Christ, Presbyterians, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, Latter Day Saints, Pentacostals, or the Anglicans or Lutherans, would allow themselves to be subservient to the Southern Baptists if the SBC were put in charge of our "state religion?" Perhaps you could get "The Donald" to say, "Just trust me and everything will be alright."

There are several very good reasons that Americans view their religion as a PRIVATE MATTER and NOT a public matter. Several are alluded to above.

Be careful what you wish for Ve'hoe... VERY careful! You just might get it.
----------- br br If YOU don't like what I post o... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 18:18:30   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
[quote=Ve'hoe]I didnt "go on the left only site" like sh-t in a cesspool your remarks surfaced on the grown ups main site.......
No, I didn't post it there. Look at the name of this section, it's "Leaning Left. You're so stupid you don't even know where you are.

were I to choose a religion,,, which I havent....
You "choose" a religion!? Boy, there aren't any that would have you. You're too involved in worshipping yourself.

I wouldnt choose the leftist religion of hate,,,
Let's see... I post something about religion in politics and YOU come back with name-calling and cursing. Somehow, I'm not seeing where MY religion has any hate in it when compared to your infantile diatribe.

which you have....
chosen,,,,, and want institutionalized in the govt,,,, (read the constitution for real dummy) Its what you swore to uphold,,, or did you forget,,, probably had your thumbs crossed right???
#1, IF you'd read my post, you'd seen that I was AGAINST institutionalized religion in the government. You MUST have "reading comprehension issues!" #2, You still ticked-off that Obama didn't give you the MoH when you left the service? If there was anything "crossed," it was and still is your eyes. From everything I've read from you, your rectal sphincter and optic nerve were crossed at birth and you've had a crappy outlook ever since.


I once had respect for you,,, but when you reside on the "left only" side where your arguments can be controlled,,, by controlling the freespeech of others,,, you are much less of a man in my opinion,,,
I couldn't care less about any respect or opinion you've ever had for me. That you can't even tell from where you read my posts tells everyone that the only person trying to control free speech is you. Plus, I've posted many topics on other forums. All you need do is check. Odd. We've argued in other forums before and all you can remember is this one. Have you had yourself checked for Alzheimer's lately?

and I dont want your godd-mned proseletyzing either as-hole,,,, no matter whether your religion is "anti-religion" or whatever the hell you call it,,,, where free speech doesnt exist...
I wasn't "proselytizing" to you, either, SFB. BTW, haven't you ever heard of "spell check?" However, that you're so full of venom and hate only proves that you can't control your life, even toward your own wishes and desires; and, that makes you a very angry little person. You have no one to turn to and no one to believe in. You have a huge hole in your life and, for some strange reason, you're fighting to have it healed. All of that makes you a very scared individual.

Come out here ,,, you get hit,,,,, only fair,,, liberal chicken sh-t,,,,,
I needn't go anywhere. That you came to me indicates you're the one searching. Peace be unto you.

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 18:31:41   #
Ve'hoe
 
Nope,,, your leftist topic surfaced on the main site,,,,, fact

You are the one claiming the bible demands you kill your own kids for mouthing off,, it doesnt,, youre lying

You did "choose a religion",, it is the religion of leftism,, which,,, is a religion,,,, of anti god,,, which is why you make up crap that the bible doesnt demand.....

Lastly,,, you ... "lefty" are the one residing on the leftist site,,, demanding free speech for YOU,, and desiring to restrict it for others,,,

So,,, yeah,,, your a chicken-sh=t........ dont like it,,, act like a man and take your chances on the main site instead of hiding behind a leftist speech screen,,,,

Until that point,,, you got a lot more respect than you deserved,,,

[quote=alabuck]
Ve'hoe wrote:
I didnt "go on the left only site" like sh-t in a cesspool your remarks surfaced on the grown ups main site.......
No, I didn't post it there. Look at the name of this section, it's "Leaning Left. You're so stupid you don't even know where you are.

were I to choose a religion,,, which I havent....
You "choose" a religion!? Boy, there aren't any that would have you. You're too involved in worshipping yourself.

I wouldnt choose the leftist religion of hate,,,
Let's see... I post something about religion in politics and YOU come back with name-calling and cursing. Somehow, I'm not seeing where MY religion has any hate in it when compared to your infantile diatribe.

which you have....
chosen,,,,, and want institutionalized in the govt,,,, (read the constitution for real dummy) Its what you swore to uphold,,, or did you forget,,, probably had your thumbs crossed right???
#1, IF you'd read my post, you'd seen that I was AGAINST institutionalized religion in the government. You MUST have "reading comprehension issues!" #2, You still ticked-off that Obama didn't give you the MoH when you left the service? If there was anything "crossed," it was and still is your eyes. From everything I've read from you, your rectal sphincter and optic nerve were crossed at birth and you've had a crappy outlook ever since.


I once had respect for you,,, but when you reside on the "left only" side where your arguments can be controlled,,, by controlling the freespeech of others,,, you are much less of a man in my opinion,,,
I couldn't care less about any respect or opinion you've ever had for me. That you can't even tell from where you read my posts tells everyone that the only person trying to control free speech is you. Plus, I've posted many topics on other forums. All you need do is check. Odd. We've argued in other forums before and all you can remember is this one. Have you had yourself checked for Alzheimer's lately?

and I dont want your godd-mned proseletyzing either as-hole,,,, no matter whether your religion is "anti-religion" or whatever the hell you call it,,,, where free speech doesnt exist...
I wasn't "proselytizing" to you, either, SFB. BTW, haven't you ever heard of "spell check?" However, that you're so full of venom and hate only proves that you can't control your life, even toward your own wishes and desires; and, that makes you a very angry little person. You have no one to turn to and no one to believe in. You have a huge hole in your life and, for some strange reason, you're fighting to have it healed. All of that makes you a very scared individual.

Come out here ,,, you get hit,,,,, only fair,,, liberal chicken sh-t,,,,,
I needn't go anywhere. That you came to me indicates you're the one searching. Peace be unto you.
I didnt "go on the left only site" like ... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 18:38:32   #
Ve'hoe
 
alabuck wrote:

I wasn't "proselytizing" to you, either, SFB. BTW, haven't you ever heard of "spell check?" However, that you're so full of venom and hate only proves that you can't control your life, even toward your own wishes and desires; and, that makes you a very angry little person. You have no one to turn to and no one to believe in. You have a huge hole in your life and, for some strange reason, you're fighting to have it healed. All of that makes you a very scared individual.

[/b]
br b I wasn't "proselytizing" to you, ... (show quote)


The rest of this is just wishful drivel,,,, mad that anyone called you what you actually are being,,, "OHHHH yer sooooo fulll-o-hate" that it requires me to restrict others speech,,,,, And your words offended me"


So what pansy,,,, you either uphold everyones freedom of speech or none,,, everyones religion or NONE,,, like you swore to do,,, not replace it with your version,,,, which is what you tried,,, proselytizing,,,,,,


I misspelled "everyones" so you would have something to bitch about whiner....

Reply
 
 
Mar 15, 2016 19:14:41   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
Ve'hoe,
Look up Leviticus 20:9.

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 19:57:50   #
Ve'hoe
 
Liar,,, look up New testament, and the little block you checked when you posted your lying proselytizing comments to the "MAIN SITE",,,,,

You chose to send that garbage out,,, to US,,,, enjoy your as-kicking,,,, because you cannot control what others say out here......

You asked for it...............




alabuck wrote:
Ve'hoe,
Look up Leviticus 20:9.

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 22:42:53   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
Ve'hoe wrote:
Liar,,, look up New testament, and the little block you checked when you posted your lying proselytizing comments to the "MAIN SITE",,,,,

You chose to send that garbage out,,, to US,,,, enjoy your as-kicking,,,, because you cannot control what others say out here......

You asked for it...............


-------------

So, you're saying that Leviticus 20:9 is a lie? You sir, are the liar. An unabashed liar in the first degree. Blasphemer, too. But, for someone who hides behind the profession of being non-religious, as you do, your referencing scripture is worthless to your insane and devil-filled cause. You may as well claim to be a Muslim referencing the Koran; another religion you know absolutely know nothing about, except what someone else tells you about it. Face it, you're simply an ignorant, profane, empty shell of a person who only knows what others tell him. Your last original thought died of loneliness years ago.

As of yet, you've not denied that what I said, regarding the Bible saying that one should kill their children for smarting-off. It's in the Bible. Are saying that the Old Testament doesn't count in a Christian's beliefs? You must know, the more you post, the more hateful and arrogant ignorance you show. You're certifiably crazy as well.

In a battle of truth, knowledge and wits, you're a totally unarmed person.

I'm through with you. We're done here.

Reply
Mar 27, 2016 17:04:42   #
jelun
 
alabuck wrote:
-----------

If YOU don't like what I post on a "left's only" site, then don't go there. No one invited you to post, anyway. Get back on your "wrong people" site. All you are is a troll, looking for something to bitch about because YOU don't agree with it. I didn't ask for YOUR opinion, nor do I want it. If I did, I'd give it to you to start with.

BTW- I did watch the video and I wrote exactly what I saw on it. Actually, it had NOTHING to do with my original post as what I posted said NOTHING about taking religion OUT of politics. What I posted only points out what happens when politics and religion ARE mixed; which, BTW, happens quite often.

That we're a secular country is FACT. We have no recognized "state religion." Read the Constitution!!! Maybe YOU would like to see a "state religion," but I wouldn't. I don't want MY tax dollars going to any "state religion" YOU would believe in; just as YOU wouldn't want YOUR tax dollars going to any "state religion" I might want. Go and re-read our history. Why did the Pilgrims and Puritans leave Europe to come to the New World? What did they want that they lacked in Europe? Why did every colony/state that had a "state religion" eventually give it up? Go and read about 'Christian verses Christian' religious wars. Catholic vs. Greek Orthodox. Catholic vs. Protstants. Protestants vs. Protestants. Catholic vs. Catholic. And, add to that, Protestant vs. Jews and Catholic vs. Jews. There have several wars and many lives have been lost, "all in the name of God."

Read the Bible, too. Which of the Jewish laws in the Old Testament are you willing to adhere to? Just one example: Are YOU willing to KILL your own kids for just 'mouthing-off' to you? That's what the Bible says to do. How much of a "true adherent" are you to the Bible and what it commands you to do?

There's no argument that religion DOES NOT play a part toward forming the morals and morality of a society. But, NO religion has an absolute lock on what's best for every citizen of every society; especially a multi-cultural society like the US. I don't want Sharia Law to be the "law of the land" any more than I want a strict adherence to Mosaic Law being the "law of the land." If YOU do, then YOU'RE just as much of a "radical terrorist" (only as a Christain) as is a radical Muslim. Why lower yourself to that level? That ideology runs opposite to the "two greatest commandments" as given by Jesus.

Seriously, Ve'hoe, what religion would YOU want to be the "state religion?" Who would be its "head?" Would they be an "appointed" person or "elected?" Or, would the "secular head" be the "clerical head?" Where would YOU divide the powers of governing? What happens if the 2 "heads" get into a major disagreement? What if the "secular head" wants to go to war, but the "clerical head" says that that would be wrong in God's eyes? Which has the power to over-ride the other? Or, in the case of a very bad disagreement, which has the power to oust the other?

Assuming that your "state religion" was Christianity, which denomination would you set-up as the "primary denomination?" How much power would it hold over the others? What kind of church government would you design for it? Do YOU really think the Churches of Christ, Presbyterians, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, Latter Day Saints, Pentacostals, or the Anglicans or Lutherans, would allow themselves to be subservient to the Southern Baptists if the SBC were put in charge of our "state religion?" Perhaps you could get "The Donald" to say, "Just trust me and everything will be alright."

There are several very good reasons that Americans view their religion as a PRIVATE MATTER and NOT a public matter. Several are alluded to above.

Be careful what you wish for Ve'hoe... VERY careful! You just might get it.
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Mar 27, 2016 22:35:51   #
alabuck Loc: Tennessee
 
jelun wrote:
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