Influence of Religion on Politics

Introduction It is desirable to separate religion and politics at all cost. However, absolute separation of the two spheres of influence to a human being is not possible as the two institutions have their subjects in the same locality anywhere in the world (Johnstone 147). In other words, some people in the government are followers of established religions and in the same way, members of the religions are members of the government in various levels. This essay seeks to investigate the influence of religion on politics.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Influence of Religion on Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Influence of Religion Every one strives to satisfy their wants and desires. It is apparent that resources are limited and no one can ever gather enough resources so as not to want more (Johnstone). Resources, other than being limited, are finite (Johnstone 146). As such, there exists a discrepancy bet ween supply and demand, which generates competition among people for the scarce resources. Politics is near synonymous with government and are institutions that are concerned with regulation and allocation of resources (Johnstone 146). Religion has profound influence on politics and government (Johnstone 146). Religious groups, movements and alliances have at times influenced the political path. For instance, the civil rights crusade in the 1960s, the anti communism movement are some of the activities that had the backing of religion (Johnstone 146). It is quite hard for a government to pass abortion laws where the Roman Catholic Church is quite strong. The church is influential in various aspects discussed below. Religion has influenced voting patterns and behavior throughout history. It is evident during political campaigns as leaders seek the support of various religious groupings. Consequently, one will hear of ‘Catholic vote’, ‘Jewish vote’, and the Ba ptist vote ’as well as ‘the Evangelical votes (Johnstone 149). In America, it is commonplace knowledge that Anglicans support the Republican Party while the Roman Catholic and Jews favor Democrats (Johnstone 149). Concerning legislation and morality, religion has influence politics surrounding issues like birth control, same sex unions, and abortions (Johnstone 155). In addition, blue laws are evidence of religious influence on politics. Such laws include those that prohibit doing business on Sunday, regulations dictating the distance of restaurants from churches and schools, laws that restrict the sale of intoxicants as well as laws regulating sale of and distribution of contraceptives (Johnstone 155). The ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment of 1919 prohibits the selling of most alcoholic drinks in the United States of America (Johnstone 155). The Anti-Saloon League, which fought for this ratification. The league began in the Calvary Baptist Church (Johnstone 155) . Religious Fundamentalism Introduction Some people are willing to die for their religion beliefs and are very ready to defend and propagate such beliefs in the face of any opposition. Religious fundamentalism is a religious outlook and movement that began around 1900 courtesy of American Protestants (Johnstone 179).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Their primary aim was to curb the spread of liberalization within religion and secularization in the American society. By and by, the term has found its way into other religious movements found in other religions like Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism as well (Johnstone 179). The Concept of Fundamentalism, Its Utilization and Source The term first appeared in a publication in 1910 written by the Evangelicals titled ‘The Fundamentals’ (Johnstone 180). It was a culmination of a series of religious seminars and workshops for around a decade prior to the publication (Johnstone 180). The Fundamentals consisted of the primary (fundamental) doctrines pertaining to Christianity (Johnstone 180). One had to receive the fundamentals and believe them. Currently, the term designates Jews, Hindus, Muslims, among others (Johnstone 180). Fundamentalism is a reaction towards modernity. Its chief aim is to recover what has been lost over the years through modernization (Johnstone 181). It is a contradiction since fundamentalists live in modern times yet want to go back to former times (Johnstone 181). The realization that the good old days are gone and gone for good does not seem to sink into them (Johnstone 181). Further, the so-called modernity is a result of rapid technological innovations like the radio, cellular phones, television, the internet as well as the magic of modern medicine, which involves marvels like organ transplants (Johnstone 181). Fundamentalists live and rely on such modern innovations and a s such, they do change with times like anyone else (Johnstone 181). In a sense, therefore, they are moderns. Why is Modernity a Threat to Fundamentalism? Berger identified five characteristics of modernity that affect fundamentalism (Johnstone 182). First, modernity brings about abstraction, which involves forgoing solidarity, and the sense of relationships with others (Johnstone 182). Secondly, fundamentalists are present and backward looking and that is why they talk of the ‘good old days’ (Johnstone 182). Modernism introduces and emphasizes on the future. Fundamentalists see this as going against faith in God as future lies in the hands of God. Deeds like booking of appointments and keeping diaries amounts to anticipating the future (Johnstone 182). Modernity has led to severe individualistic lives (Johnstone 182). The fundamentalists feel this is weakening of the society and decreases the sense of belonging. Liberalization and secularization are the other aspects of modernism as discussed earlier. Liberalization encourages getting into other options other than God alone while secularization brings in other explanations for different phenomenon other than God alone (Johnstone 182). These are the aspects that fundamentalists react to and constantly strive to oppose and overcome.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Influence of Religion on Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Influence of Religion on Politics was written and submitted by user Susan Warren to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.