Everyone has morals and beliefs that set a baseline for what they value. Values vary between individuals, but for many, religion is the root from where these values stem from. While it is good to morally question, today personal religious affiliation is increasing in collective matters and actions, expressed in politics, protests, and biased beliefs. It’s important to note that religion and politics are two different domains that should not intermingle, as religion is a personal ideology while politics embody a rational, collective process. Good politics are policy oriented and not concerned with external factors related to politicians and their personal lives. Contemporary politics do not hold the same political legitimacy that it intended
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It’s clear in Tiffany Bohm’s Candidates and their Religion: Does a Candidate’s religion matter? that “the role of religion in American society has changed dramatically over time. While religion has never been a qualification for office, the societal importance of religion means it can be difficult to separate religious views from social policy positions at times when religion appears more influential.” (Bohm 2). This concentration on religion is affecting policy as it is influencing politician’s stances on issues. Evidence shows that religious beliefs and practices influence views on abortion, as individuals exhibiting high levels of religious commitment are much more likely to oppose legalized abortion in all or most cases than those who are less religious. Since Bush’s administration in the early 2000’s, “it’s clear that the Republican Party has publically adopted a platform centered around policy issues based heavily on religious values”, and this is religious affiliation is still present today (Bohm 5). As office-holders vote on this issues and controversial issues like it, their religious beliefs are standing in the way of enacting the most beneficial policy. According to a poll conducted by the pew research center earlier this year, “55 percent of US adults believe that [abortion] should be legal in all or most cases”. Subsequently, while 49% of Americans …show more content…
Additionally candidates are also playing on the recent trends of Islamophobia, as that in itself has become a leading issue in campaigns. As a number of other religious factors dominate campaigns today, religion in its entirety is the forefront of campaigns, negatively affecting the quality of the electoral process. Rather than focusing on many policies, debates and media are centered on immigration politics and religious sectors. Politicians such as Trump and Carson, are playing on the fear of the American public in light of recent attacks. Candidates are using “their religious affiliation as a way to garner trust or convince the voter they are more responsive, competent and moral” (bohm 5). Ben Carson for example is using his faith to gain more support and is joining the heist against Muslims, stating in an interview aired on “Meet the Press” that he “would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation”. Article six of the constitution states that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States”, therefore it’s
It’s clear in Tiffany Bohm’s Candidates and their Religion: Does a Candidate’s religion matter? that “the role of religion in American society has changed dramatically over time. While religion has never been a qualification for office, the societal importance of religion means it can be difficult to separate religious views from social policy positions at times when religion appears more influential.” (Bohm 2). This concentration on religion is affecting policy as it is influencing politician’s stances on issues. Evidence shows that religious beliefs and practices influence views on abortion, as individuals exhibiting high levels of religious commitment are much more likely to oppose legalized abortion in all or most cases than those who are less religious. Since Bush’s administration in the early 2000’s, “it’s clear that the Republican Party has publically adopted a platform centered around policy issues based heavily on religious values”, and this is religious affiliation is still present today (Bohm 5). As office-holders vote on this issues and controversial issues like it, their religious beliefs are standing in the way of enacting the most beneficial policy. According to a poll conducted by the pew research center earlier this year, “55 percent of US adults believe that [abortion] should be legal in all or most cases”. Subsequently, while 49% of Americans …show more content…
Additionally candidates are also playing on the recent trends of Islamophobia, as that in itself has become a leading issue in campaigns. As a number of other religious factors dominate campaigns today, religion in its entirety is the forefront of campaigns, negatively affecting the quality of the electoral process. Rather than focusing on many policies, debates and media are centered on immigration politics and religious sectors. Politicians such as Trump and Carson, are playing on the fear of the American public in light of recent attacks. Candidates are using “their religious affiliation as a way to garner trust or convince the voter they are more responsive, competent and moral” (bohm 5). Ben Carson for example is using his faith to gain more support and is joining the heist against Muslims, stating in an interview aired on “Meet the Press” that he “would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation”. Article six of the constitution states that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States”, therefore it’s