RELIGION AND POLITICS

RELIGION AND POLITICS

Cultural anthropology teaches us that every culture on
earth, whether sophisticated or primitive, is comprised of
the same seven elements: Family, Government (law),
Economics, Education, Science and Industry, Language and
Religion. Subjects such as politics, manufacturing and
recreation are included in Science and Industry. The
importance given to the various elements of a culture
determine to a large degree the focus of the culture.

A survey of the world’s current religions leaves no doubt
as to the source of knowledge serving as their basis, and
how they developed using that knowledge. I want to compare
the culture of what is called “Christianity” to those
of the rest of the world. And more particularly, I
want to use the type of followers of Christianity who
accept Divine revelation as the major authoritative
source for their beliefs and practices.

All other religions, sects and philosophies are marked
by the personal efforts of its adepts to find God, or to
define the god they think they have found. Another name for
that is “humanism.” All serious students of the history of
cultures and religions know that, without exception, each
recognizes some form or description of a deity or higher
power. An atheist probably thinks of himself as god.

Our America has been experiencing a definite shift in its
cultural focus since World War II to a more secular
orientation. Along with that trend, the popularity of
keeping religion and politics separated has grown. In
reality, religion and politics cannot be “divorced.” Our
core American values and beliefs are intricately
intertwined. Religion goes a long way to forming our
worldview and to a large part determines how we vote. It
has been said that true objectivity in journalism is shaped
by the worldview of the Bible.

An excellent example is the favoritism that America shows
toward modern Israel. Having a population made up of a
majority of “professing” Christians, Americans realize that
their religious roots are in Judaism. Christian believers
benefit from the promises God made to Abraham about 4,000
years ago.

Millions of Americans believe that as soon as a person
excludes God from their life equation, they are leaving
themselves open to a disaster in life, or in eternity or
both. Those, who really understand the God of all wisdom,
believe that His participation in every facet of life is very
desirable.

Is it reasonable to think that fallible man can steer his
own ship of life, without consulting the One who made the
ship? In that case, he is left to his own devices or, worse,
has to depend on others to provide information to make his
decisions.

Your freedom as an individual permits you to formulate
your opinions and to make your conclusions.