While many claim that there is no war on religion in America, many would agree that there is a serious conflict involving religion and individual rights. Religion has found itself in the feminism, equal rights, and freedoms in the school system debates, often in a derogatory sense. However, many fear that more peaceful religions such as Christianity, Catholicism and Judaism are being replaced by a more chaotic religion such as Islam. Critics of religion, again focusing on western Christian/Judaic faith, include feminists and gay rights activists led by Liberal Democrats. Although that may seem like an unbeatable opponent of religion, the largest criticisms of religion lie in the science and psychological fields of study. Despite all of this, the majority of American people have stuck with their faith, and still believe that religion is merely a positive influence on society, not a negative one. Given the 2014 midterm elections, it seems that the people have voiced their opinion on what they feel is best for the country, which would be what is best for them as an individual and as a nation. Could it be that the anti-religion movement is pulling our nation farther from the country our Framers envisioned? If the American people were the deciding factor, the majority would say yes.
At the metaphorical front lines on the opposing side of religion without a doubt is the feminist movement and gay rights activists. Of course, this does not include all of those who identify in these positions, but it seems the majority have been influenced by the Democratic Party in their attempt at appealing to more liberal and progressive individuals. One of the most debated subjects revolving around religion, is the apparent ‘War on Women.’ While the modern feminist movement has gained a large amount of participants, it has also morphed into an anti-religion movement. While the 2014 midterm elections gained speed, Democratic candidates ran largely on abortion and contraceptive issues. (Reihl, 2014) Despite this, the number of Republican winners made history. For the first time, there are 100 female members of Congress. Mia Love became the First female Haitian American and the first black female Republican elected to Congress. Also we saw a 12 point margin decrease in the 2 year lapse as 47% of women voted Republican, 51% voted Democrat. A huge surprise during the midterm elections was Republican Representative Cory Gardner won over the Democrat Mark Udall. While Mark Udall ran on abortion and contraceptive issues, Gardner ran on a variety of issues including the economy, foreign policy and thwarting high unemployment rates. (Day, 2014) As if this wasn’t a heavy blow to the Democratic platform, Republican Joni Earnst became the first female elected to federal office in Iowa, fiscally conservative Republican, Sara Blair, became the youngest female elected to the House of Delegates. While it is hard to understand why the Democrats chose to run on such petty issues such as abortion, however religion has successfully become a political decision here in the United States, especially in regards to abortion and women’s rights. This could be a result of our society splitting the opinion, or rather, it could be a political tool to separate and gain dependable votes come election time. However, Dr. Peter Francia concluded in 2010 that: “It is not a culture war between red states and blue states, but rather a war between Fundamentalists and biblical minimalists within both the red and the blue states.” (Francia, 2010)
Another hot topic that involves religion and politics is the discussion of gay rights. We have seen a Democratic demonization of religion in relation to the LBGT community. While popular belief is that if a citizen is of faith, that they will disagree with gay rights, the Evangelical Lutheran, Episcopal, Judaism, the United States Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church all support same-sex marriage. (Pew, 2012) Also, while many claim that the Republican Party is solely anti-gay rights, the vote was split in the recent elections with a turnout of 34% Republican and 37% Democrat and a split vote of 49-48. (Langar, Crowder, 2014) It seems that the Republican angst towards gay rights is fabricated by the Democratic Party to gain votes.
Although there are several theories that seem to discredit religion, their findings ultimately leave questions that can only be answered by religion. Although skeptics (mostly from the scientific crowd) generally focus on Christianity, Catholicism and Judaism, the debate encompasses all religions involving a divine being. First, about 40% of scientists are religious in one way or another. (Collins, Pg. 4) One of the theories that has been used to debunk religion is The Big Bang Theory. However, there have been Popes who support the theory such as Pope Pius XII, and the theory strongly supports the Genesis Scripture. (Collins, Pg. 82) Another theory used to debunk religion is the theory of Darwinism and the Theory of Evolution; or rather the theory that we are all related to each other, and related to the same distant ancestor. Some have used the theory to promote Atheism, most noted is Richard Dawkins who has been quoted stating that: “belief in evolution demands Atheism.” (Dawkins, Pg. 374) Despite this, we can refer to Darwin himself when he stated: “…It is just as noble a conception of the deity to believe that he created a few original forms, as to believe that he required a fresh act of creation to supply the voids caused by the action of his laws.” (Darwin, Pg. 452) What may be best in this argument is to cipher what the American citizens believe is viable evidence for belief or non-belief. In a 2004 Gallup poll, only 1/3 of we Americans believed that Evolution was well supported. While 45% believe we were created in present form about 10,000 years ago. However, 34% believe that the word of God should not be taken literally. (Gallup, 2004) This obviously shows the powerful impact that religion has on We The People, and it is difficult imagining a country void of faith. Perhaps the flaws lie in the science where every member of our species is 99.9% similar on the DNA level, or the fact that Self-Replicating organism (beginning of life) origin still unknown. (Collins, Pg. 125) With so many unanswered questions, religion should be maintained as a personal choice-rather than political. Politics and religion would be best if they revert back to being separate topics. Not only could it eliminate some of the issues preventing growth as a whole, but it could diminish many civil arguments that rest with the American People.
“The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given to us westerners in the Jewish-Christian religious tradition. It is a very high goal: free and responsible development of the individual, so that he may place his powers freely and gladly in the service of all mankind.”
–Albert Einstein, 1954.
While many blame religion for poor life choices, religion has been proven to promote mental, spiritual and social grown of the individual. While mental illness is an issue that has plagued the United States, one must ask why there has been a push for its separation from mental health studies and treatment. 43.7 Million adults with any kind of mental illness, 9.6 Million Adults have a serious mental illness and 1 in 5 children have, or will develop a mental illness during their lifetime. (NIH, 2012) According to leading expert Kenneth Paragment, PhD, Faith based programs for rape victims, drug addicts, divorcees, and women with eating disorders proven effective. He also stated that: “Empirical studies of many groups dealing with major life stressors such as natural disaster, illness, loss of loved ones, divorce and serious mental illness show that religion and spirituality are generally helpful to people in coping, especially people with the fewest resources facing the most uncontrollable of problems.” (Paragment, 2013) It is odd that there is a feminist movement focused on obliterating religion, when religion helps rape victims, which are majorly women.
With the constant war on religion, one would think many American citizens would distance themselves from any and all religion. However, as anti-religion rhetoric grows momentum, so does the number of people turning to faith along with the number of people who believe it is a) a positive influence on society and b) logical when compared to science. When focusing on the statistics regarding faith, it seems that this decision should be left for the American people. 70% of Americans say religion is losing influence, and 80% of Americans think that Conservative Ideology is losing its impact. This is probably due to the Democratic campaign against religion and the GOP. Despite this, 75% of Americans who are religious believe that if more American’s were religious, it would have a positive impact on our society. Also, 94% of Americans who claim religion is unimportant in their own lives believe it would have a positive influence on society. (Newport, 2013) Many would like to think that religious influence is not related to political influence however, as we see the the left wing anti religion rhetoric amp up, the number of those who identify with a religion and the democratic party are dwindling. 52% of non-religious Americans are Democrat compared to the 29% who are Republicans while 49% of very religious Americans are Republican compared to Democratic affiliation of 36%. It is also interesting to note that religious African Americans lean Democrat, while Hispanic, Asian American’s and Caucasian Americans lean Republican. (Newport, 2014) With known Democratic involvement in the KKK, it is confusing why African Americans tend to sway to blue on Election Day. It seems that the Democrats’ strategy worked in 2008 and 20012, however it did not work in 2014, and hopefully will not in 2016.
In conclusion, when looking at the larger picture of religion as a whole and its influence on American life, it is easy to see that religion has earned its right within our daily influence. While the First Amendment protects the freedom of all religion, we must not use religion as a form of criticism of either side, left or right, and must not victimize certain religions that are deemed ‘intolerant’ (even if they are generalized by fabrications). Religion has become a tool utilized by residents of Washington to split the nation in two, assigning allegiance to being religious or anti-religious. While we focus on issues such as religious freedom, women’s rights and gay rights, our national debt clock still ticks, our unemployment rate is still rising, our border has crumbled and we have allowed large groups of people in the Middle East, Africa, and even here in the United States to continue fearing their surroundings. It seems we have become a complacent society, focusing solely on the individual in America rather than the nation of America. Could it be possible that with a larger influence of religion in our lives that we may overcome the lacking moral responsibilities we have to ourselves and our neighbors to promote a healthier, and more harmonious society? In addition, would we have a more cohesive society if we banished religion from politics altogether? While science only presents more questions and political rhetoric promotes a hostile environment, it seems that this decision will be left for the American people to decide. As of right now, religion seems to be what the American people are longing for: That religion has taken the place of the American government as something we can believe in, a solid foundation we can stand on and real hope we can rely on in times of sadness and dismay.
Riehl, D. (2014, October 17). Democrats Losing Mid-Term War for Women. http://www.breitbart.com/InstaBlog/2014/10/17/Democrats-Losing-Mid-Term-War-for-Women
Day, S. (2014, November 13). Midterms brought a wave of ‘firsts’ for GOP and USA. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/a-wave-of-firsts-for-gop-and-usa/article/2556102
Bass, D., Francia, P. (2010, May 25). Lost Democrats: Faith and the 2010 Elections. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diana-butler-bass/lost-democrats-faith- and_b_587431.html
Pew Research. Religious Groups’ Official Positions on Same-Sex Marriage. (2012, December 7). http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/07/religious-groups-official-positions-on-same- sex-marriage/Midterms brought a wave of ‘firsts’ for GOP and USA
Langer, G., & Crowder, A. (2014, November 4). Midterm Elections 2014: National Exit Poll Reveals Major Voter Discontent.
Collins, F. (2006). The language of God: A scientist presents evidence for belief (p. 305). New York: Free Press.
Darwin, C., & Beer, G. (1996). The origin of species (p. 452). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dawkins, R. (2006). The God delusion (p. 374). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Newport, F. (2013, May 29). Most Americans Say Religion Is Losing Influence in U.S.
Einstein, A. (2005, May 28). An Ideal Service to Our Fellow Man.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4670423
Mental Health and Education Statistics. (2012, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/index.shtml
Newport, F. (2013, May 29). Most Americans Say Religion Is Losing Influence in U.S.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/162803/americans-say-religion-losing-influence.aspx
Newport, F. (2004, November 19). Third of Americans Say Evidence Has Supported Darwin’s Evolution Theory.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/14107/third-americans-say-evidence-has-supported-darwins- evolution-theory.aspx
Newport, F. (2014, July 28). Religion Remains a Strong Marker of Political Identity in U.S. http://www.gallup.com/poll/174134/religion-remains-strong-marker-political-identity.aspx
Liberty Is A Lifestyle 