A Study of Religion in Politics
Policy, Elections, and People
A Study of Religion in Politics
Introduction Religion has always played a large role in politics. Religion has played a role in the division of parties, political policy, and in influencing voters to vote for a particular candidate. It is presumed that religion has existed since the beginning of time and that it stills holds a prominent position in what occurs in today’s society. Religion, no matter what belief a person may have, often regulates what a person believes, what they consider right and wrong, and also governs the decisions that they will make. These aspects are what make religion a very “touchy” subject when it comes to politics. Politicians are often asked about certain issues and topics that pertain to religious belief and background. These aspects of religion in politics make for some interesting situations and even alienation when it comes to the political battle. Role of Religion in Politics A question is often asked regarding what kind of role religion plays in politics. According to David Chidester in his book Patterns of Power- Religion and Politics in American Culture, “religious power” exists and is something that brings together and unites communities of people (Chidester 3). This social force can exist in either harmony or in conflict within a variety of political, economic, and social situations. Chidester believes that from these two perspectives, we can see that some societies can be regarded as fields of power unified by the cohesive force of religion (Chidester 3). While this may seem confusing, Chidester is trying to say that religious beliefs create groups of people that at times will agree and disagree with certain situations and ideals; in this case, ideals held by politicians and expressed through politics. Chidester goes on to bring up another theory on why religion has such an influence on society and therefore influences political decisions. Chidester references the work of Max
A Study of Religion in Politics
Introduction Religion has always played a large role in politics. Religion has played a role in the division of parties, political policy, and in influencing voters to vote for a particular candidate. It is presumed that religion has existed since the beginning of time and that it stills holds a prominent position in what occurs in today’s society. Religion, no matter what belief a person may have, often regulates what a person believes, what they consider right and wrong, and also governs the decisions that they will make. These aspects are what make religion a very “touchy” subject when it comes to politics. Politicians are often asked about certain issues and topics that pertain to religious belief and background. These aspects of religion in politics make for some interesting situations and even alienation when it comes to the political battle. Role of Religion in Politics A question is often asked regarding what kind of role religion plays in politics. According to David Chidester in his book Patterns of Power- Religion and Politics in American Culture, “religious power” exists and is something that brings together and unites communities of people (Chidester 3). This social force can exist in either harmony or in conflict within a variety of political, economic, and social situations. Chidester believes that from these two perspectives, we can see that some societies can be regarded as fields of power unified by the cohesive force of religion (Chidester 3). While this may seem confusing, Chidester is trying to say that religious beliefs create groups of people that at times will agree and disagree with certain situations and ideals; in this case, ideals held by politicians and expressed through politics. Chidester goes on to bring up another theory on why religion has such an influence on society and therefore influences political decisions. Chidester references the work of Max