STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Pope Francis and President Vladimir Putin of Russia shake
hands on November 25, 2013 during President Putin's visit.

POLITICS MAKES STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Religion and Politics do mix as seen in this photo. Whether we like to admit it or not, religion influences politics.  When it is convenient, we like to claim that we believe in the separation of "church and state" in the United States for we are guaranteed "freedom of religion" in the "Bill of Rights" in the United States Constitution.  Some interpret this as the right to "Christianize" the USA. Yet, we are a nation of diverse Christian beliefs.  Which one shall we follow?  Then, there are the non-Christian religions.  Are they protected also?  Do they have a right to influence politics also?

Religion plays a huge role in our country and greatly influences decisions made.  We have recent examples.

Harpool Nomination for Federal Judge

Springfield attorney, Douglas Harpool is being considered for a position as a United States District Federal Judge.  In his confirmation hearings, Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) asked Harpool about his views on abortion. In the past, Harpool has been "pro-choice" in the past and also very critical of the GOP.  Harpool is a Democrat.  

Abortion seems to be a litmus test for confirmation as a Federal Judge.  Conservatives are pro life because they believe it is murder. Some base this on their religious beliefs.  Liberals on the other hand are usually pro-choice. The paradox of pro-life usually means the person is also for capital punishment while pro choice usually means anti-capital punishment.

The Chairwoman of the Texas Textbook Committee 

TEXAS TEXTBOOK CONTROVERSY

The Texas School Board once again struggles with the approval of textbooks to be used in the classrooms of Texas Public Schools.  A Biology textbook approval stalled when "errors" in the textbook primarily about "evolution" were referred to a committee to select experts who will review the "errors" in the textbook.  "Creationists" pushed for this move. Do religious beliefs supersede science?  If so, whose religious beliefs shall prevail?  Should parents who believe in creationism send their children to religious private schools who teach more to the beliefs of parents?

Texas is one of the largest school textbook purchasers in the nation so what Texas selects becomes the major seller pushed to other school boards around the U. S.

Secretary Kerry of the US and the Foreign Minister of Iran shake
hands after they reach agreement in Geneva this weekend.

THE IRAN NUCLEAR
AGREEMENT

This weekend, the United States, France, Great Britain, China, and Germany reached an agreement over nuclear proliferation or the right of Iran to use nuclear energy to make atomic bombs.

After 34 years of hostility that began with the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, the United States and Iran have concluded talks with a 6 month agreement to ease some economic sanctions with the promise from Iran to not seek to develop nuclear energy to develop a nuclear bomb.  Iran is allowed to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.It is ironic that the United States seeks to deal with an Islamic government that supports chants "Death to America" in its streets.  What influence will the religion of Americans have on this agreement?  

In a few days, we will enter a New Year:  2014, an election year for members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.   What role will religion play in this election?

There is no way around it, religious views do affect elections, laws, economic decisions, and our daily lives.  In future blogs, we will discuss the roots of religious beliefs that greatly influence the people of the United States.

Think about it.

Roy

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