Arguably, the issue of religion in politics today has become so controversial and debatable. As a matter of fact, the relationship between religion and politics varies depending on nations. There are counties that believe that religion has nothing to do with politics, and should not influence it. In the real sense, people who belief in politics are the same people who are affiliated to certain religions. In the modern democratic perspective, several ideologies, each having own view of what is wrong and right, compete for advocates, as well as sharing political power. Individuals are always attracted to ideologies that best protect their democratic power, and personal interest; hence, they are driven to vote on the best ideology that fits them. Political advertisement is one of the tools that politicians use to influence and reach the voters. In the contemporary society, religious content has increased in a political advertisement. Moreover, there is a relationship between religion and politics that need to be addressed, especially in electing political leaders (Brown & Hamzawy, 2010)..
Religious content in the political advertisement tend to great a lot of debates, due to the fact that it keeps on increasing and causing controversies. In some occasions, the issue of separating religious content and political advertisement will continue to develop issues. Scholars believe that religious content in political advertisements is a show that demonstrates religion in the political climate. The amount of religious content in a political advertisement has increased due to the fact that politicians believe including religious content in their advertisement will sway the religious voters (Brown & Hamzawy, 2010).
This might be the case, but religious content may cause polarization in countries with diverse religious affiliation. In some countries, people believe that religious content in a political advertisement is a double-edged sword, and should be kept into a private domain. Perhaps to many, scholars region has no place in politics, but only influence a few during political campaigns. Generally, the religious content has increased in a political advertisement, with an intention to influence the religious voters, and present the image of the politician as an individual to be trusted.
Analytically, the religious content in a political advertisement seems to be excessive for the First Amendment standards. The first amendment provides a lot of protection to political advertisement and foregoes its impact in society. This implies that the religious content is in more so excess and some time may convey false information (Brown & Hamzawy, 2010). Many political advertisements lie, and inclusion of religious content may affect religious issues in society. Basically, there are various issues in the political arena that makes the religious content in a political advertisement to be excess of the First Amendments. In fact, religious content creates a lot of tension between the principles of First Amendment.
Religion play tremendous role in politics and political leaders. As a matter of fact, religion should matter when a nation is choosing individuals for government positions. Leadership entails a lot of qualities, of which it should be guided by religious values. In most case, government positions require leaders with integrity and God fearing; this will help them to focus in helping the people, rather than serving their personal interests. The importance of religion leaders for government positions lies in a complex scenario. Religion imparts people with values, principles, and morals, which are needed by political leaders (Brown & Hamzawy, 2010). Possibly, religion helps people elect leaders who can be trusted and be related to in a positive manner. Government position require individual which can handle public resources and share it equally.
Conclusively, political advertisement plays a big role in convincing the voters. Religious content has been used as a tool to sway the religious voters during elections. As politician, winning the trust and confidence of voters entails various strategies. The main thing that is needed is to focus in ensuring that the content is not an excess for the First Amendment. Undeniably, religious beliefs of leaders affect how the country and government positions are run. In addition, religion matters when choosing someone for the government position.
References
Brown, N & Hamzawy, A. (2010). Between Religion and Politics. Massachusetts: Hopkins
