Introduction
People all over the world are affected by this issue as the mixing of politics and religion remains a heated discussion several parts of the world. Politics and Religion are two facets of life that often leads to debates and confrontations among different sections of society. Both issues are able to generate particular interest among the majority, as people have their own point of view on certain political and religious issues. It can also be said that politics and religion are able to bring people together as the populace are able to put their support behind one god or party that is closest to their beliefs (Hammond). It looks like the discussion over mixing politics and religion would go on in the future as people all over the world cannot come to an agreement. Therefore, the question of mixing religion with politics would always create tension as people have differing opinions based on their experiences.
Opposition
Some people believe that religion and politics should not be mixed as it presents a great risk to a religious minority. They believe that religion is an important aspect of the public sphere of life and should not be mixed with the politics that is related to the private sphere of life. They believe that the intermingling of these spheres of life is bound to lead confrontation among people and could easily lead to evil. The opposition also presents several real life scenarios where the mixing of religion and politics had led to the birth of evil, such as the prevalence of Taliban in Pakistan (Gutting). These examples care enough evidence for some people to completely avoid the thought of mixing religion with politics.
Even in America there are several political candidates who are openly condemning the mixing of politics and religion as see it as a dangerous concept. Hillary Clinton, former First Lady and the current Democratic nominee for Presidential office in America has outlined her views: “I am adamantly opposed to anyone bringing religion into our political process” (CBS News). People start to fight tooth and nail over the thought of some political leaders when they start to profess their religious values and openly claim that religion and politics need to walk hand in hand. Therefore, it is understandable that many people are unwilling to accept the mixing, but it happens as many are unwilling to listen to the other side’s arguments.
Opinion
I would like to present my opinion on the need to mix religion and politics and the reason people should continue their discussion over the mixing. There are no two issues that are more crucial for the well-being of the people than politics and religion. Politics focuses on the well-being of people it governs and religion basically focuses on the well-being of people in the coming future. It seems that these issues are directly linked to the well-being of the governed populace. By allowing people to separate religion and politics, rights and needs of people will be stolen that many are dependent upon for their well-being. Many people all over the world still use their religious beliefs and values as a proxy for their political beliefs (Mcdaniel). Therefore, it is only logical that people mix religion with politics and discusses these issues passionately among their family and in their community.
Another logical reason for mixing religion and politics was given by Barak Obama in 2006. Obama pointed out that many political leaders shun the ongoing debate with the mixing of religion and politics. Such action allows others to intervene and present a fabricated image of religious people in the country. Obama called for protecting religion in America from such people as they present a risk of tainting the religion and present religion in a negative sense. Obama called for American politicians to enter these debates and discuss their point of view; as such an action would ensure that religion is protected from the dangerous people who are hell bent on making a profit of the religious values of many Americans. The alienation of religion and religious values has created a boundary between people and politicians that is a major risk for the people. Obama asked for an action from political leaders and ensure they do not shy away from religious issues thinking they will not be accepted as – “others will fill the vacuum, those with the most insular views of faith, or those who cynically use religion to justify partisan ends” (The New York Times).
Politics and religion should be mixed in countries, because we live our daily life according to our religions, so we shouldn't separate religion from our politics laws. According to Benjamin Disraeli “Religion should be the rule of life, not a casual incident in it” (Disraeli). Another reason for mixing politics and religion is the number issues they intersect over. There are several issues that concern both political and religious values such as tax reductions for not-for profit organizations, public schools, legalized marijuana, abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, war, religious symbols, torture of prisoners, and public property statues. By labeling these issues as just political, the values of the many people in the country would be cornered. People suggesting that religious conviction can be separated from political decisions are a bit partial (Ashford, 2016). It is important for people that oppose the mixing of religion and politics, they are asking to severe public and private sphere of their own life. Therefore, it is wise to at least respect the values of many people and understand that avoiding the discussion of religion provides an opportunity for others to grab the baton and paint a negative image that separates the society.
Common Ground
When it comes to mixing politics and religion, the world remains divided as there are often discussions of the negatives of mixing religion with politics. These people are countered by the opposers who clearly outline the importance of mixing politics and religion. It is important for both sides to understand that religion and politics are important facets of everyday life. Even though it has proven to be dangerous in some parts of the world, still it does not mean that people who consider the mixing of religion and politics end up getting alienated. As there are many people who enter the fray and willingly paint a negative image of religion by professing the importance of religion in governing their lives. Therefore, it is important that people mix religion and politics and protect the integrity of the cause behind mixing religion and politics. My mixing politics and religion, we will ensure that people are able to relate to both sides of the political divide and ensure religious people feel they are represented. It is the best solution over the debate of the mixing politics and religion as people cannot separate their public and private spheres of life or let shady and devious people to take positions that creates a divide among people.
Works Cited
Ashford., Bruce. Two Reasons Why Religion and Politics Cannot Be Separated. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. billygraham.org. 17 May 2016. Web. 4 September 2016.
CBS. Unaired 60 Minutes clips with Clinton and Kaine. CBS News. cbsnews.com. 24 July 2016. Web. 4 September 2016
Disraeli., Benjamin. Religion should be the rule of life, not a casual incident in it. AZ Quotes. azquotes.com. n.d.. Web. 5 September 2016.
Gutting., Gary. Should Religion Play a Role in Politics?. The New York Times. Nytimes.com. 27 June 2011. Web. 5 September 2016.
Hammond., Barbara. Politics and Religion Should NOT Mix. The Huffington Post. huffingtonpost.in. 15 September 2015. Web. 5 September 2016.
Mcdaniel., R. COMMENTARY: Mixing religion and politics this election. The Monitor. themonitor.com. 24 July 2016. Web. 5 September 2016.
The New York Times. Obama’s 2006 Speech on Faith and Politics. NY Times. nytimes.com. 28 June 2006. Web. 5 September 2016.
