THE RELATIONSHIP OF RELIGION AND POLITICS IN USA

The Relationship of Religion and Politics in USA in 2009

The Relationship of Religion and Politics in USA in 2009

Introduction

Religion affects our daily lives, from the headlines on the front page to the way we perceive others and others' perception of us (Mobley, 2003: p14). Some say there is not enough religion in the world, whilst others feel that there is too much. Perhaps the old adage is correct; if you want to get along with others, stay away from the subjects of religion and politics. The paper explores the correlation of religion and politics in the United States in 2009. This paper discusses the relationship of religion and politics in the United States especially in 2009.

The Basics of Religion in USA

Religion is a belief or system of beliefs incorporating a higher power/s. A belief in a religion involves a relationship with a higher power. Religion is a way to find meaning or comfort in life (Fowler, 2004). In religion God is a supreme being, the creator of the universe. In some instances a being that has no beginning or end. God is sometimes referred to as the great "I AM." God can be either male or female, or even androgynous.

An object or idea that is holy is considered sacred, also sacred can refer to a person or object that is worthy of praise. An example of a sacred object would be scriptures of a religion, or holy beads used in prayer (Craig, 2004: p23).

Fundamentalists, also referred as creationists in some circles, are literal believers of the scriptures. Fundamentalism consists of literal beliefs in the infallibility of the Bible, a virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and redemption through the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.

Religion & Politics in USA

Religion and Politics in America advances five theories for placing in a meaningful context the sometimes bewildering complexity of relations among religion, politics, and culture in American society (Fowler, 2004: p84). The culture wars thesis illuminates the contours of religion and politics today by emphasising Americans' deep social divisions over values and lifestyles. Conservatives stress the importance of traditional values: religion, marriage and family, discipline, heterosexual behaviour, and opposition to abortion and gay sexuality. Liberals stress the value of choice and diversity in every area of life, including religion, family, and sexual lifestyles. Both groups oppose abortion, support public expressions of faith, criticise secular public schools, and decry the effects of the sexual revolution (Erbe, 2004). A cultural alliance has formed between conservative evangelicals and fundamentalists, some Catholics, and a few ultra-orthodox Jews. (Fowler, 2004)

This ecumenism of orthodoxy is pitted against liberal Protestants from the old-line denominations--Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and members of the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ. (Craig, 2004) Together the old-line liberal Protestants make up about 33 percent of the American churchgoing population. When liberal Catholics and most Jews join them on social issues, this coalition makes up a formidable 45 percent of religionists in ...