Religious Politics

President George W. Bush has been under criticism for his recent inclusion of religion in his diplomatic addresses. His visits to the Middle East have been of a sensitive nature, not only politically, but also religiously. He is noted as saying that monotheism is the basis for freedom, and subsequently democratic ideals. An article in the International Herald Tribune noted that many scholars would disagree with President Bush that actually, monarchy was much more in line with Christian ideals. He received criticism, because it was deemed inappropriate to talk about religion in these visits, but I think he also highlights the debate over the relationship between religion and politics for individuals.
This article reminded me of the importance of questioning the alliance of politics with religion. In the United States many religions tend to sympathize with one party or another, almost all Christian religions in the U.S.A support democracy and capitalism. Truly, the United States was founded on Christian principles, but particularly those of a deist nature which claimed that God created the world, but has little active presence in it. Upon further reflection, it is clear that capitalism has advantages, but exclusive support of a system that has its flaws could be detrimental.
In a similar way, the trend of orthodox Catholics to vote on the Republican ticket without any reflection is also dangerous. Certainly, the Republican platform is prolife, which is also an essential teaching of the Catholic Church. However, there are many different platforms of both parties, which individuals must discern whether these are in line with his or her own beliefs. Catholic moral teachings demonstrate that man as a rational individual, must act according to his conscience and his Truth. There is nothing in Catholic moral teaching that suggests that the Republican party is the "Catholic Party." It might serve many Catholics to also consider not only whether the party is prolife, but whether political canidates have personally shown that they will fight for the prolife cause. It is possible that there will be a Democratic canidate who will not actively support abortion, but will fight for other positive things and that he would be a better than a weak Republican canidate who won't do anything to support life.
President Bush may or may not have applied religion correctly in his diplomatic visits, but he brings up an important point of discussion. Can we divorce our personal beliefs from our politics? Will politicians ever act only from their platforms instead of their religion, or lack thereof? Whenever a person acts, they are acting from their individual background, experience, and beliefs. If they were not to do so, they would be mere automatons. At least Bush is admitting that he is not a puppet of his party, but a man who sees the world from a particular framework. In the upcoming canidates, perhaps both canidates and voters alike should consider not only the party platforms, but the men and women who are running for office.