Wald And Calhoun-Brown: The Influence Of Religion On Politics

This conclusion by Wald and Calhoun-Brown illustrates the balancing effect by religion on politics. There are good effects by the religious influence, allowing for decisions to be undertaken on a morally “correct” basis. However, there are also negative ramifications, such as the problem of religious intervention and opinions on purely political matters. These things alternate and switch based upon the specific scenario, and neither one is a consistent occurrence over the other. Furthermore, the history of this alteration shows that the effects of this can be both positive and negative. The religion has the power to elevate the political standing of many figures, and it also has the supremacy to negatively impact an equal amount. This impact …show more content…
However, it is not the sole perpetrator in this influence. Other influences were “a new intellectual force and the lure of economic advantage.” (Wald, 59-60) These other influences often take away from the effects of religion on the political problems, and assert their own influence upon politics. Through this diversion the evil from religion is mitigated, and can even be entirely lost in the overwhelming impact the economic and intellectual atmospheres have on politics. On the flip side, these aspects can also highlight the negative aspects within religion, furthering the evil vibe that it gives off. Religion can wander into political topics which have relevance with economic and intellectual institutions, and appear to be out of place and crossing the boundaries. This overstepping may also encroach on some of the power that is held by these other institutions, and they may feel threatened enough to retract, further laying blame on religion. Through this balance of good and evil, religion manages to exist and influence politics both for the good and