The most oppressive regimes in the world today as those driven by religion. A country and state is for all the residents that live within the border not just one religious class. A country can be defined not how it treats the majority by how it treats the minorities within its borders. A country by definition has to be secular but protect the rights of all individuals within it and that includes the right for people to practise their chosen faith.
The current worst offenders are Saudi Arabia and Iran, religious dictatorships that abuse the rights of citizens and residents in the name of religion. In Saudi the religious police sanctioned by the government to,enforce Islamic rules have been responsible for an increasing number of deaths of those they pursue. This is just wrong, a persons faith is between him and god and it is not for them to force their beliefs and behaviours on others.
Iran is another case. They discriminate against non Muslims in their society especially the Bahia and oppress others through denying women education at university in certain subjects and allowing under age marriage. By underage I mean below 12 years of age, but really it should be anything below 16.
Let's not forget the other places, Afghanistan under the Taliban was a brutal place. Oppression of women, beheadings and stonings. Even in the last few weeks the religious insurgents in Mali stoned a couple to death for being unwed.
Not not in the developing world is this a problem. In America politics is driven b religion in some instances and this is scary. Only this week Todd Akin running for the senate talked about 'legitimate rape' in his defence of anti abortion and pro life campaigns. Saying that women who were forceabily rape would not conceive as their bodies would stop it. Such shameful ignorance.
So let's keep religion out of politics, your religion or lack of is your own individual choice. The government is for all and should not be driven by writings in old books which often contradict themselves. Laws should be based on reason or logic, not some ancient scripture that is open to interpretation. Do you really think we should be still stoning people to death? Is this the mark of a civilised society?
You sd in the US it is driven only in SOME instances? You need to do a re-check. Just this morning was hearing all about Haley, the Indian born Sikh Nimrita who converted to christianity and is a Gov. I suppose you have also heard of Bobby Jindal. He too became "Bobby" before entering Politics or making a name for himself. Now do you really think this would have been possible had they NOT converted??? And you still aver its only in SOME instances? I dont think so!
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree we need to keep religion out of politics! Its rampant even in India. And wrong on all counts. ... Tinks.
The US is not a homogenous country, which is why I said in some instances. The deep south and mid west are very religious places, whereas the north east and west are not. However it would be virtually impossible for a candidate to declare themselves Muslim or atheist and get elected currently.
DeleteIndia is a good example of why politics and religion should not mix. They have politicians that pander to certain religious groups to get their votes when they should be aiming to represent all Indians in their district. This inflames the problems between Christian, Hindu and Muslim sectors.
I completely agree Moza. We are the best example why Religion and Politics should NOT be mixed. It only serves one purpose - to divide people based on their religious beliefs. Does nothing positive. - Tinks.
DeleteFollowing your posts here after enjoying them thoroughly on QL. I think people need to be more open minded and take the sarcasm positively. In my perspective, religion is a discipline which people follow in order to achieve a reward in their afterlife. Politics is a game of power and in no way can be mixed with religion, though the power can influence the religion.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm thinking of setting up a rival website to QL that is not quite so reactionary.
Deletedo you agree with Hitchens - There isnt a moral act or saying that a non believer would not say/do but there are wicked things that only a religious person would do and justify.
ReplyDeleteKeep religion out of govt, school science classes and tax the church.
I believe good people do good things and bad people do bad things. Only religion can make some good people do bad things, even though they believe they are doing right.
DeleteIn fact I would agree with you on taxes the church, the mosques and e temples. They are run as businesses just like any other corporation. The Vatican is one of the richest corporations in the world if not the richest.
begs the question- :what is it good for???" Absolutely nothing
ReplyDeleteIt gives some people peace of mind when they can't handle death
DeleteAll you need is love. I wouldnt want to live around people who belittle this life by thinking there is another around the corner. WMDs in these persons hands would be n extremely scary prospect.
ReplyDelete