Activity 2: Discussion—Religion and Politics
Context
Religion and politics have a long intertwined history that has often been the source of conflict. In the pre-modern period, “religion loomed large” and was of significant influence in the realm of politics. It is important to understand the mutual influence that religion and politics have shared in modern times. Consider the following events as historical examples of the relation between religion and politics.
Emperor Asoka (India) Maura dynasty—Ruled India ca. 269–232 BCE.
King David, reigned over the Kingdom of Israel, 1002–970 BCE.
Roman Emperor Constantine and the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE.
The moral and religious fabric of society is woven through with many social issues that are shaped by politics. There is no consistent ethic that guides the decision making of many US citizens as they evaluate the importance of political issues that have moral implications. Sometimes political ideology influences the ethical behavior or moral decisions that people make. This activity will help you evaluate the foundation for your choices.
Description
The theme of religion and politics is the core of this week’s reading. Take time for personal reflection to form your thoughts about the relationship between religion and politics. You might consider examples such as the Supreme Court ruling banning prayer in public schools or the imprint of “in God we trust” on US coins. Some families believe that religion and politics don’t mix. Research an article on “religion and politics” from a contemporary popular magazine such as Time, Atlantic Monthly, Rolling Stone, New Yorker, Weekly Standard, or The American Spectator. Identify social issues that reflect the relationship between religion and politics, for example, prayer in schools, or the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance.
Delivery
From the reading material, post your reflections on the topic of religion and politics. Identify the article you found and the social issue that you are illustrating. Share these with the class.
Grading Criteria
Discussion Rubric
Activity 3: Discussion—Power and Authority
Context
Power and authority was discussed in Part A of this Specialization in Religion. Here we will examine the role of power and authority in religion. In ancient times, those with political power claimed religious authority. In India, Emperor Asoka (265–238 BCE) converted from Hinduism to Buddhism, and Buddhism became the dominant religion in India for a period. In 325 CE, the Nicene Council was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine after his conversion to Christianity and legalization of the religion in 313 CE. In contemporary times, those with religious authority sometimes have powerful influence on the political development of their societies. Rev. Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority was politically influential during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
The use of power and authority is woven throughout religious history. In ancient Judaism, the laws of the Pentateuch addressed religious, social, economic, and political life. Sometimes the power and authority is within religion, and sometimes there is a challenge between religious belief and secular authority.& An example might be the Plowshares anti–nuclear movement. Based on the Hebrew scripture from Isaiah to “hammer swords into plowshares” (Is. 2:4), some religious activists have demonstrated at nuclear weapons sites in the United States and been arrested, tried, and imprisoned as criminals. In 2002, three Dominican nuns were arrested and imprisoned for their nonviolent civil disobedience at a nuclear missile silo in northeast Colorado. Their religious convictions were in conflict with the government’s policy.
Description
Identify one other example of power and authority, and examine the mutual influence between religion and politics. You might consider the Leadership Committee of Women Religious (LCWR) and the issue of Vatican authority over women religious orders (nuns) that was discussed at its 2012 conference in St. Louis. You might search YouTube for examples on power and authority in religion.
Delivery
Post key aspects of the use of power and authority in your chosen example to the Forum, and comment on your classmates’ postings.
Grading Criteria
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