First off, I do not pay too much attention to U.S politics. Not that it is not important, it is. There is just too much information to grapple with. There is also the burden of filtering all the information you get for genuine, true and relevant information. As a liberal though, I would cast my vote for Obama.
But there is something that the current political climate in the U.S brings to bear. It is the battle of values. The religions and beliefs of the respective candidates become important. Does McCain support gay marriage? Is Barrack ‘Hussein’ Obama a Moslem? Would that be a security risk to the U.S?
What role, if any, should religion play in politics? None. But that is all idealistic talk. In the U.S, there is the so-called separation of “state and church”, but is there really? Why does anyone care that McCain sought the endorsement of John Hagee – the man who called Catholicism the great whore, and said that Hurricane Katrina was a punishment from God on America? McCain only reluctantly denounced him after there was a backlash. What should be said about Obama being under fire because of the statements made by the Pastor of his church?
Many people, republicans and liberals alike would want to argue that the religion of their president does not matter. But religion is tied so closely to the morality, and values by which a person lives that I believe that it would be difficult for someone in power to divorce his religion from his work, especially when he is in a position of power and control, and he is able to even somewhat forcefully impose his wishes on others. There is also the issue of voters not trusting candidates of other religions not to pursue their own agenda. Conservative Christians will fear that they might legalize gay marriage or euthanasia.
Below Rachel Maddow, host of The Rachel Maddow Show on Air America Radio discusses Values Voter Debate 2008. It’s also really funny.
So, I ask again, should religion have a role in politics? Realistically, I would say that religion should have a role in politics. Because as human beings, we hold very strongly to our convictions, and those convictions define our lives, and our morality. We cannot therefore escape the collision of religion and politics.
But what role should it have? To what extent can private convictions be extended to the public sphere? Roger Williams argues that there has to be a difference between public morality and private morality. Public morality is the type of morality that is inclusive to people of all religions. To force a religion on others, Williams argues is “soul rape”. Conservatives cannot say things like ‘America is a Christian nation’, and on that basis oppose gay marriage. Public morality has to include everyone. I agree with Williams.
I think that what we have to do as a society is to decide what our public morality. What are those rules that we can all agree to regardless of our convictions? It would no doubt be a difficult task, but it is something we can hope for.
Martha Nussbaum’s lecture “Equal Respect for Conscience: The Roots of a Moral and Legal Tradition” focuses on the role of religion in society, and especially on the views of Roger Williams on this topic. It’s about 45 minutes long, but it is worth listening to. Here’s a link to the lecture.
Religion plays a very integral and destructive role in American politics. Those in power tend to be religious fundamentalist who are so closed minded that they cannot for the life of them understand or tolerate any lifestyle other than their own.
If McCain ends up winning, that would be the most unfortunate thing ever. The reality of this is truly possible and likely. The reason for this is not because of his campaign, of his qualifications, or even because of the popularity or strength of his candidacy. The reasons for this are because:
1. Those who vote tend to be Republicans (read as close-minded christians). The majority of citizens who support liberal candidate tend to not vote (or not be able to because of work/home schedules); and
2. Republicans will rush out to the polls to try to make sure that Obama does not win. They want to keep someone in office who will continue to support their close minded ideas, continue to oppress some of the population (e.g. gay and lesbian rights), and continue to give them tax breaks.
Religion is the most destructive belief in the world. Having faith and believing in something is good for a person. It is bad and destructive when through that belief they not only perceive themselves as being better, but fight to oppress groups and minorities who do not fit into their close minded world view.
The US purports itself, as you have said, to have a distinct separation between church and state. This is truly not so. If you use the argument that homosexuality is a sin and banned in the Bible to argue its rights, is that not a religious argument? If you disallow the teaching of sexual education to youth in school because, as per the Bible, one should be abstinent until marriage, are you not using a religiously fueled argument?
The religious governmental leadership utilized by the country follows the same practices of countries they condemn for using fundamentalist religious beliefs and practices to rule a nation.
Hopefully people who want a change will step up to the polls and vote. Hopefully, there won’t be yet again another christian fundamentalist in office.