It hard to separate religion from politics. Even if we believe that we shouldn't use politics to force our political opinions on others, it is almost inevitable that we will try. Theological liberals work to impose their vision of justice, while theological conservatives try to impose their view of sexuality. Both groups often claim that their values are not directly tied to religion, but the memes they share suggest otherwise.
This happens because our view of God influences our moral values. Our faiths influence what we think is best for humanity, and therefore what is best for our nations. Often, for liberals, the assumption is that God wants a socially just society in which the poor and weak are cared for and minorities are protected. There is plenty of scripture and tradition to justify this perspective. Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to think that God prefers personal morality and self-reliance. There's plenty of scripture and tradition on their side too.
I don't think we can completely escape this trap. Even secular humanists' political opinions are usually shaped by their view of nature and what it means to be human. They want foreign, domestic and fiscal policies that reflect those views, because they think such policies will help humanity thrive. Perhaps the best thing we can do is recognize that our conversation partners from other perspectives are probably no more or less biased than we are. That won't always be true, but it's a good starting place for a healthy discussion with our neighbors.
This happens because our view of God influences our moral values. Our faiths influence what we think is best for humanity, and therefore what is best for our nations. Often, for liberals, the assumption is that God wants a socially just society in which the poor and weak are cared for and minorities are protected. There is plenty of scripture and tradition to justify this perspective. Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to think that God prefers personal morality and self-reliance. There's plenty of scripture and tradition on their side too.
I don't think we can completely escape this trap. Even secular humanists' political opinions are usually shaped by their view of nature and what it means to be human. They want foreign, domestic and fiscal policies that reflect those views, because they think such policies will help humanity thrive. Perhaps the best thing we can do is recognize that our conversation partners from other perspectives are probably no more or less biased than we are. That won't always be true, but it's a good starting place for a healthy discussion with our neighbors.
William Penn House Brochure (2017)
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| The brochure reflects support of social justice activism, which is sometimes political in nature |
I think you were honest and right. My religious beliefs absolutely influence my political beliefs. It would be foolish to say otherwise. Most people I have met are doing their best according to their world vision. Some people are awful no matter what, but again I say, most people do their best. I wish more of my politically active friends would look at the people they are arguing with through that lens. You are a person, and you are who you are for valid reasons most of the time. Yelling at you and degrading you as a human will never persuade you to look at life through my eyes. There are times to be harsh as even Jesus called out the Pharisees and used a whip to clean out the temple, but I feel like most people go straight for the whip without knowing the heart of the person in front of them.
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