Post by danl02 on Nov 11, 2007 23:55:53 GMT -5
We Live in Theocracy’s Visage
How Religion is a Major Influence of the State
Word Count: 494
Since the first Puritan settlers came to the Americas, the United States underwent some extreme changes: religion is no longer part of the state in name. Religion is nevertheless a major influence in American society. The Judeo-Christian belief system is the foundation of America’s laws and its cultures. The founding fathers of the land of the free mentioned God profusely; the Constitution even outlaws Biblical sins. It should be of no surprise that today’s leaders use God no less than people of centuries passed.
In the presidential election of 2004, George W. Bush became the leader of the United States with the aid of Christianity. At the time, some of the major concerns were related with war and religion. Taking advantage of the religion card, Bush acted the way all good Christian should: he had a negative view of abortion, was against same-sex marriage, and wanted to outlaw stem cell research permanently—all because a religious text known as the Bible said so. Several times he made this a focal point in his debates while his opponent, John Kerry, showed little interest in following Christian doctrine. Little did Kerry know, this would cost him the election. During the last moments of the 2004 presidential race, Republicans called upon the religious inhabitants of Midwesterners to support a fellow Christian. As a result, enough swing votes went in favor of Bush, making him president for two terms in a row.
Bob Dylan warned against “never ask[ing] questions when God’s on your side” (Dylan). Many people do not question their decisions because the Bible tells them so. In lieu of the war, at the last moment of the elections people focused on religion instead so that God would be on their side. Politicians should be allowed to mention something as normal as religion; a person even arrogant as John Smith thanks God. However, the populace should not let religion be the deciding factor in their decisions. America is no longer run by Puritan ministers simply because they are closest to God. The presidents should be no different.
Bush made mistakes during his first term, and people knew it. Claiming to have God on his side did not make those wrongs right. Just as the early colonists started a holy war against heathens in the Americas, this religious leader started a "Crusade" against the terrorists. Crusades are not right when over 3,000 people die before the elections simply because they have the approval of God. If God really is on America’s side, then he should “stop the next war” (Dylan).
People should stop making political decisions based on religion. If they don’t, how is the American democracy any different than a theocracy other than in name? Instead, they should ask questions. Even if a person claims do be doing God’s will, one should ask if it’s the right thing regardless of beliefs. And when a politician starts spouting about God, it should lead to suspicion rather than reverence.
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www.bobdylan.com/songs/withgod.html
How Religion is a Major Influence of the State
Word Count: 494
Since the first Puritan settlers came to the Americas, the United States underwent some extreme changes: religion is no longer part of the state in name. Religion is nevertheless a major influence in American society. The Judeo-Christian belief system is the foundation of America’s laws and its cultures. The founding fathers of the land of the free mentioned God profusely; the Constitution even outlaws Biblical sins. It should be of no surprise that today’s leaders use God no less than people of centuries passed.
In the presidential election of 2004, George W. Bush became the leader of the United States with the aid of Christianity. At the time, some of the major concerns were related with war and religion. Taking advantage of the religion card, Bush acted the way all good Christian should: he had a negative view of abortion, was against same-sex marriage, and wanted to outlaw stem cell research permanently—all because a religious text known as the Bible said so. Several times he made this a focal point in his debates while his opponent, John Kerry, showed little interest in following Christian doctrine. Little did Kerry know, this would cost him the election. During the last moments of the 2004 presidential race, Republicans called upon the religious inhabitants of Midwesterners to support a fellow Christian. As a result, enough swing votes went in favor of Bush, making him president for two terms in a row.
Bob Dylan warned against “never ask[ing] questions when God’s on your side” (Dylan). Many people do not question their decisions because the Bible tells them so. In lieu of the war, at the last moment of the elections people focused on religion instead so that God would be on their side. Politicians should be allowed to mention something as normal as religion; a person even arrogant as John Smith thanks God. However, the populace should not let religion be the deciding factor in their decisions. America is no longer run by Puritan ministers simply because they are closest to God. The presidents should be no different.
Bush made mistakes during his first term, and people knew it. Claiming to have God on his side did not make those wrongs right. Just as the early colonists started a holy war against heathens in the Americas, this religious leader started a "Crusade" against the terrorists. Crusades are not right when over 3,000 people die before the elections simply because they have the approval of God. If God really is on America’s side, then he should “stop the next war” (Dylan).
People should stop making political decisions based on religion. If they don’t, how is the American democracy any different than a theocracy other than in name? Instead, they should ask questions. Even if a person claims do be doing God’s will, one should ask if it’s the right thing regardless of beliefs. And when a politician starts spouting about God, it should lead to suspicion rather than reverence.
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www.bobdylan.com/songs/withgod.html