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M
Religion should play a big role in politics.Without religion in politics we have legalized abortion on demand,the denial of religious expression in public,the removal of prayer and the Bible from our schools.There is irrefutable evidence that shortly after this removal occured our society began it's free fall.
I am not sure about the role of politics in religion.I believe that is why the Church is in the mess it is in,we have allowed outside influences to dictate church policies.Sugar-coating the Word and not telling people EXACTLY what the Bible says is all about being politically correct.
I am not sure about the role of politics in religion.I believe that is why the Church is in the mess it is in,we have allowed outside influences to dictate church policies.Sugar-coating the Word and not telling people EXACTLY what the Bible says is all about being politically correct.
I was having a great discussion about this the other night in the chatroom.
Personally, I would love to live in a Christian theocracy where the laws of the land were taken right from the bible. However, I know that this is only likely to happen if the majority of people in my country vote a Christian political party into power, and even then there would likely be massive resistance to the establishment of a theocracy.
However in saying that, I don't think that Christian interests should unfairly influence the decisions of a government. A government that was truly based on Christian principles would obviously make good decisions in our eyes, such as banning abortion and gay marriage. However, if the majority of people in a nation want both legalised, I don't believe in trying to stop them through the use of the government and legal system. I know as Christians we would be more comfortable in a world that conforms with our morals, but I think if we want our morals and values to be adopted by the rest of society, the way to do it is evangelism, not lobbying the government.
If a government in a nation where Christians are not the majority is upholding laws based on Christian principles just to appease Christians, to the detriment of people who don't share those values, to me it is similar to the apartheid in South Africa, where a government representing the interests of 20% of the population was ruling the entire country.
In conclusion, I believe that religion should influence politics, but only if its influence is proportionate to its popularity.
Personally, I would love to live in a Christian theocracy where the laws of the land were taken right from the bible. However, I know that this is only likely to happen if the majority of people in my country vote a Christian political party into power, and even then there would likely be massive resistance to the establishment of a theocracy.
However in saying that, I don't think that Christian interests should unfairly influence the decisions of a government. A government that was truly based on Christian principles would obviously make good decisions in our eyes, such as banning abortion and gay marriage. However, if the majority of people in a nation want both legalised, I don't believe in trying to stop them through the use of the government and legal system. I know as Christians we would be more comfortable in a world that conforms with our morals, but I think if we want our morals and values to be adopted by the rest of society, the way to do it is evangelism, not lobbying the government.
If a government in a nation where Christians are not the majority is upholding laws based on Christian principles just to appease Christians, to the detriment of people who don't share those values, to me it is similar to the apartheid in South Africa, where a government representing the interests of 20% of the population was ruling the entire country.
In conclusion, I believe that religion should influence politics, but only if its influence is proportionate to its popularity.
I am undecided , for I believe this to be a loaded question. by all means religion should influence our politics if we are a Christian nation , but the vice versa, is contrary to the first part of the question, politics should never influence our religion. the Word Of God is the Only thoing that should influence our religion. for the Word of God is our religion. Col 1:18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that IN ALL THINGS he might have the preeminence.
M
I think it is not even possible to not let religion influence politics. Opinions are allways based on ones worldview. It determines the way we look at the world and ourselves. Christians know we are created in the image of God. Atheists think we are just pretty smart animals. These different views lead to very different opinions. So whether it's the religion of Christianity, the religion of atheism/humanism, or something else, religion WILL influence political opinions.
F
The poll is to choose whether RELIGION should OR should not influence POLITICS.
I have no answer for this --
This deals with RELIGION and POLITICS --
RELIGION and the CHURCH is different, STATE and POLITICS are sometimes interchangeable.
US and the Philippines both have in their Constitutions the separation of the CHURCH and the STATE.
Not RELIGION and the STATE.
The Church has its own distinct function, as well as the STATE.
They work together and not against each other ---
Problems come when they cross each others "jurisdiction".
So as we are pilgrims in this world,
We (as CITIZENS of the STATE) are to render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's
and
We (as CITIZENS of the HEAVENS) are to render unto God what is HIS.
Christians are to be law abiding citizens while on Earth as well as keep God's commandment.
I have no answer for this --
This deals with RELIGION and POLITICS --
RELIGION and the CHURCH is different, STATE and POLITICS are sometimes interchangeable.
US and the Philippines both have in their Constitutions the separation of the CHURCH and the STATE.
Not RELIGION and the STATE.
The Church has its own distinct function, as well as the STATE.
They work together and not against each other ---
Problems come when they cross each others "jurisdiction".
So as we are pilgrims in this world,
We (as CITIZENS of the STATE) are to render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's
and
We (as CITIZENS of the HEAVENS) are to render unto God what is HIS.
Christians are to be law abiding citizens while on Earth as well as keep God's commandment.
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P
Religion(Christianity to be specific) will never be able to co exist with politics in any form whether religion is in politics or politics in religion. As Christians we are taught to seek God's Kingdom first. For we all know that it is a kingdom that will never come to ruin unlike the ones that are around today. And politics in religion is the worst idea ever!!!
F
MORALITY and LEGALITY are TWO different things.
What is LEGAL is not necessarily MORAL.
LEGALITY is an exercise of the STATE, MORALITY is defined by GOD.
ex. In some countries, Prostitution is made LEGAL because the STATE derives a lot of Money from such activities.
The Money it gets is used to "defray the necessary expenses of the Government".
So in this country, Is Prostitution LEGAL - answer is YES,
BUT is it MORAL - answer is NO. [T he Bible says it is IMMORAL ]
Hope this helps.
What is LEGAL is not necessarily MORAL.
LEGALITY is an exercise of the STATE, MORALITY is defined by GOD.
ex. In some countries, Prostitution is made LEGAL because the STATE derives a lot of Money from such activities.
The Money it gets is used to "defray the necessary expenses of the Government".
So in this country, Is Prostitution LEGAL - answer is YES,
BUT is it MORAL - answer is NO. [T he Bible says it is IMMORAL ]
Hope this helps.
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M
Sorry for those who don't like the poll options - I'd change it if I could, but I can't.
However, it seems that in order for one to influence the other, the reverse has to come with it (if religion influences politics, politics in turn will influence religion, etc), which is why I included the vice versa. Especially since I used the blanket term of "religion" rather than "Christianity" specifically. If Christianity influences politics, then the politics will reflect Christianity, which will influence other religions.
Keep discussing though, it's very interesting to see what everyone is saying. I really just posted this because I was curious to see what the views on the subject are here. I don't have any sort of agenda with the question.
However, it seems that in order for one to influence the other, the reverse has to come with it (if religion influences politics, politics in turn will influence religion, etc), which is why I included the vice versa. Especially since I used the blanket term of "religion" rather than "Christianity" specifically. If Christianity influences politics, then the politics will reflect Christianity, which will influence other religions.
Keep discussing though, it's very interesting to see what everyone is saying. I really just posted this because I was curious to see what the views on the subject are here. I don't have any sort of agenda with the question.
This is a difficult question.
History shows us that countries that are 100% influenced by religion (theocracies like Iran or Spain [under the inquisition] ) or countries that are 100% influenced by a religion like doctrine (like in a fascist state... nazi Germany, UdSSR) commit by far the worst atroxcities.
Mainly because those countries establish a system in which it is acceptable to commit those crimes (burning of witches/genocide/suicide bombings). So are countries who don't follow any religion/doctrine more peaceful?
Not at all.
Most of the wars of the 19th/20th century weren't motivated by religion but by greed.
Here is a short overview of the conflicts of the past centuries:
http://www.timelines.info/history/conflict_and_war/18th_&_19th_century_conflicts/
If you look them up (as I did) you will see that only 3-5 were religious. Most were territorial wars where one tries to conquer/punder the other for profit.
So the answer is probably somewhere in the middle.
History shows us that countries that are 100% influenced by religion (theocracies like Iran or Spain [under the inquisition] ) or countries that are 100% influenced by a religion like doctrine (like in a fascist state... nazi Germany, UdSSR) commit by far the worst atroxcities.
Mainly because those countries establish a system in which it is acceptable to commit those crimes (burning of witches/genocide/suicide bombings). So are countries who don't follow any religion/doctrine more peaceful?
Not at all.
Most of the wars of the 19th/20th century weren't motivated by religion but by greed.
Here is a short overview of the conflicts of the past centuries:
http://www.timelines.info/history/conflict_and_war/18th_&_19th_century_conflicts/
If you look them up (as I did) you will see that only 3-5 were religious. Most were territorial wars where one tries to conquer/punder the other for profit.
So the answer is probably somewhere in the middle.
L
Ok, Jesus said that what is Ceasars, let Ceasar have. Also I am reminded of when Jesus was comming back from his 40 days in the dessert. When Satan was tempting him. His last try to persuade Jesus was to offer Jesus all the kingdoms on earth if Jesus would bow down to him. If you find and read Jesus reply. You will see that Jrsus did not refute nor deny that Satan owned those kingdoms to give.
There-for, it is my understanding that Satan holds the power over all governments and is the answer as to the problems they all have. I also will remain not in with any earthly government. I hold with Gods kingdom.
There-for, it is my understanding that Satan holds the power over all governments and is the answer as to the problems they all have. I also will remain not in with any earthly government. I hold with Gods kingdom.
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