Politics and Religion Essay

To firmness of purpose the suppositious question whether or not, if I was a political leader in the early seventeenth light speed, I would use religion to my own ends would be very difficult and daunting. At the very outset, it should be noted that the 17th century was a very exciting period. It was characterized by major movements, shakers, upheavals and pivotal points. To be brief and concise, allow me to offer a timeless, albeit simplistic answer to this above mentioned hypothetical question. My answer would be NO, and I offer three reasons to back my answer.1. Politics and devotion must never mix. Most democratic countries declare in their bow principles and policy that there should be a separation of Church and State. So much so, subject areas of spiritual import can not and must not inhabit alongside matters of political and worldly dominions. To mix both would be to invite chaos and perhaps, bigotry, social injustice and create inequities due to over zealous religiosity . 2. Lessons in History tell us that religious standards imposed by those who wield political influence crumbled in time.Such lessons definitely point out that indeed, drop dead judgment dictate that a political leader should not use religion to advance his own ends. We see abdications, uprising and other violent overthrows and accomplished uprising involving religious disquiet and bigotry towards political leaders, not only in the 17th century, but all throughout history, when religion is used by political hands. Religion, being the opium of the masses may prove beneficial at times, but in the long run, like the effect of drugs or opium, people conform to to their senses, and again, as earlier pointed out, there must be a separation of matters of faith and matters of state.3. Using religion to advance ones ends, no matter how noble is morally wrong. One should use sheer power of conviction, political will and strength of character and unbridled and sterling leadership qualities if one is to be an effective political leader. The use of spirituality or religion in advancing ones political ends is a moral wrong. This by example, as the Spaniards once were, is called mammon after Christ/Cross. Up until now, the Roman Catholic Church is plagued and beset by the wrongs committed by the Church officials during the dark ages.This only shows that again, Religion and Politics are two incompatible concepts, and should be avoided. While an enlightened governance or political leadership is a paradox, it should not be an impossibility. later on all, conscientious leadership is a desired trait for a political leader, however, out and out, politics and religion should not be put out in one outfit, especially so in such turbulent a time as the 17th century. For the above stated reasons, I reiterate my answer No. If I was a political leader in the 17th century, I will not use religion for my own end.