Imagine this: an Atheist runs for president and has a viable chance of being elected. Assume that he or she is a Democrat, as an Atheist in the Republican party is about as likely as Glenn Beck passing a math test. (An Atheist being nominated for president for the Democratic party is unlikely as well, since the party as a whole hopes to gain votes from moderates.) What would happen?
Firstly, the morals of the Atheist nominee would be challenged; the common belief is that morals are grounded in religion, and those without religion are immoral, rabid sexual monsters (cough*catholicpriests*cough) who would destroy all civilization because of a preference for mass anarchy.
It's more than likely that religious groups would protest fervently, heckle, send death threats, etc.
Why should belief in a deity factor into politics, a seemingly non-theocratic institution, especially in the United States, which was built on religious tolerance? I suppose that's my question of the week to you, my single reader. Feel free to comment if you like.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
because this is america, the land of the backwards and home of the uneducated
ReplyDeleteBear with me for a second with this horrible statement...America was founded on religious tolerance but not atheist tolerance.
ReplyDeleteSure atheists can be moral, law-abiding individuals. However, politics is not really about principles anymore, it is a popularity contest and atheists can't call upon his church congregation for support.
Although I myself am an atheist, I believe that "the church" is one of the few organizations in our society which brings a group of individuals together who otherwise would never be together. It is a shared common experience which everyone can relate to and in human psychology, I believe this gives politicians who go to church a leg up because of this common bond with potential voters.
I don't know if you've ever been to church, but in many protestant churches, there is a shared community bond as kids who graduated from college/high school are called out for their achievements and there is a communal church dinner at the end of each sunday session. It gives a sense of community which otherwise is lacking in today's society.
That is why I believe that the belief in a deity factors into politics. Through the human need for a common thread with someone else.
Sadly, I agree with your statement. It is completely accurate.
ReplyDeleteThe psychology of church and religion is actually a fascinating discussion. Perhaps I'll save it for a later blog post.
I'm just too lazy to sign into my profile to answer.