Historical facts do not support the use of religious convictions in a political setting. Many of today's modern leaders are using just such a political stand to gain votes in elections. Historically speaking, this is a dangerous view to hold.
History
History is filled with atrocities. Horrors were perpetrated in the name of kings and queens, in the pursuit of riches and lands, and in the name of whatever gods might have been prevalent at the moment. In many of these horrors perpetrated in the name of religion, there were political motives that superseded the religious doctrine, blurring the lines between religion and politics until there was little distinction between the two.
In the time when Rome was the major power of the then known world, religious persecution was done for just such reasons. In the year 64 AD, Christianity was a new religion, considered a cult by the majority of the population. Rome at the time was primarily polytheistic, the religious atmosphere ruled by many gods and goddesses. In 64 AD, Emperor Nero was in power. In that year, most of the city of Rome was consumed by a fire, killing thousands and leaving thousands of people without homes.
It was easy to find a scapegoat for the atrocity. Nero named the Christians as responsible for the fire. Some historians say it was to take the scrutiny from himself as the arsonist. Others believe it was to give the public an easy target for their anger over the fires that destroyed their city. Either way, the persecution of Christians was politically motivated.
The religion was mostly viewed with suspicion by those who believed in more than one god. Christianity was spreading rapidly and began to be looked on with alarm by political leaders. They saw this new cult as a threat to their power. Young people were taking up the religion with fervor, and to a society that had existed as it was for centuries, the Christian zeal would have seemed alarming.
Pagan leaders were not the only figures to persecute in the name of religion for political ends. Christianity too has had its own bloody history. Take Mary I of England for example. Called “Bloody” Mary in many historical accounts, this Catholic Queen persecuted and executed well over three hundred Protestants in a five year period in the name of religion and politics. Many Protestant leaders were branded as dissenters and executed in a bid to strengthen the Crown's views on religion and to keep power firmly in the hands of Catholics.
Catholics in Spain used the same religious convictions to strengthen their political power. The Spanish Inquisition brought fear and betrayal to most of the European continent during its long run. Political leaders used their religious convictions to gain power in several ways. They wanted to establish political and religious homogeny by making Catholicism the chief religion and establishing themselves as the only true king and queen.
By accusing powerful political opposition and having them arrested, they weakened the powers against the throne. They did away with the powerful minorities within their borders by exile or execution. There was also great profit to be had by the crown. The monarchy confiscated the property of those found guilty in the Inquisition, and therefore filled their coffers.
Modern Times
So how does this discussion of history relate to modern times? Not many people live their lives as those did in ancient times. With the information age in full swing, there isn't anyone who still believes that the earth is flat, or that it is the Devil that causes disease. But basic human nature still applies. Some people will do anything for power, and once they get it, they will do anything to keep it and to attain more.
America is one of the most powerful countries in the world. Our Constitution outlines clearly our stand on religion and its place in our country. Freedom of religion is given to every citizen of the United States. The freedom to practice whatever faith we believe in as we see fit without fear of persecution. This same rule applies to all religions.
But many religious groups are now lobbying in government bodies and donating to political campaigns. What this does is put pressure on political leaders to side or vote in favor of such groups out of gratitude or feelings of obligation. It places an emphasis on religious doctrine into the political forum, where it should not be, challenging the “separation of church and state” that is a basic right in the United States. In the past couple of decades, political leaders have begun to express their religious views to the public at large and the practice is growing.
Dangers
The danger with this sort of political stand is proven historically. Religion and political powers do not mix well. First, religion…especially in America is too diverse to put emphasis on any one doctrine. There is very little in the way of common ground between some religions, and to find a happy medium would be impossible.
Second, there is a separation of church and state in this country. Bringing religion into politics is a direct violation of this. Most people who are truly religious make no distinction between their religion and their secular lives. They live their lives according to the doctrines of their church or creed. To bring that into the political arena is dangerous.
Politicians declaring their religious views should be a cause for concern. Power will always play a roll in seeking appointment to office, and the search for more power will be expected. It is human nature. Should we, as Americans, allow a leader's religious views to dictate laws that everyone must live by…even if those views differ from our own religious convictions? Is that what we truly want in this country of freedom? That a politician's religion should become such a powerful tool in government workings?
Learning from Mistakes
Human history has given us a blueprint of what does not work, but it seems that many aren't listening to the lesson. Allowing religion into politics is a dangerous policy. Leaders may seek to use faith based teachings to improve the government, but may instead start a holy war.
Human nature being what it is, the quest for power may become too great for these men and women to contain, and will make for a dangerous atmosphere bred in superstition and fear, allowing the suppression of other views in favor of the “more powerful” view.
