A Study of Religion in Politics - 3234 Words

Policy, Elections, and People A Study of Religion in Politics Introduction Religion has always played a large role in politics. Religion has played a role in the division of parties, political policy, and in influencing voters to vote for a particular candidate. It is presumed that religion has existed since the beginning of time and that it stills holds a prominent position in what occurs in today’s society. Religion, no matter what belief a person may have, often regulates what a person believes, what they consider right and wrong, and also governs the decisions that they will make. These aspects are what make religion a very â€Å"touchy† subject when it comes to politics. Politicians are often asked about certain issues and topics†¦show more content†¦According to her, it often surprises a lot of people when they find out just how prominent religion proves to be in the election itself (Himmelfarb 1). â€Å"Both in society and in the polity, Religion not only has power and influence in politics but also plays a huge role in elections and who will gain power in our Democratic system† (Himmelfarb 1). According to Michael Barone in his article Dividing the Religious Vote published in U.S. News, the lines that divide American voters most deeply are not economics, gender, ethnicity, or even race, but religion. In 1992, the five- percent gender gap and the 24 percent gap between top and bottom level income groups were dwarfed by the gap among voters of different religions. To enlighten us as to voting habits of people with faith, Barone gives the example of Jews and those who areof no religion. Seventy-percent of them voted along Democratic lines while evangelical Protestants were 70 percent Republican. Similar results have appeared in both 1994 and 1996 polls (Barone 1). The power that these religious groups have is also evident in Barone’s article. Barone brings to us facts about the 1988, 1992, and 1996 elections. He states that presidential candidatesShow MoreRelatedCliff ord Geertzs Focus on the Power of Religion1160 Words   |  5 Pageson the symbolic power of religion. He has talked about the fact that it is the symbolic power of religion that has a strong influence on the people. It is the religion, in accordance to Clifford that helps the people in understanding the place that the people have in the world. The actions that are undertaken by the people are also defined by the religion. 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