Religion and politics: Analysis on the role of theology in developing past and present society

It is widely regarded that a society governed by communitarian, and socially libertarian values is perhaps more inclined to accept progressive ideas and function with the general public as its main interest. This would thus explain the prevalence of an increasingly secular or non-religious population in such societies, as well as also the generally anti-colonial and indigenous inclusive values defining their policies. In this post, further observation as to the role (or lack thereof) of theology in politics will be made. With reference to Proudhon's philosophy, the trends in types and distribution of religious societies, the historic and present day factors influencing this will be analysed.

                                                                            Proudhon

Through the observation of economic structures and human behaviour, Proudhon views authoritarian societies as being very much led by political thought and philosophy. In spite of the principle of absolute economic liberty and sovereignty in decision making by governments having had a major role in the oppression evident under authoritarian regimes, he considers more social and religious philosophy to have been the main factor contributing to the development of these regimes. This is evidenced through his analysis of the clear correlation between authority and liberty of which the power of God and the influence of religion on society are used as a hypotheses. This can be observed with the ever dominant colonial and neo-colonial superpowers of the West having used religion (or lack of religion for that matter) to develop their cultural power, establish constraints between the different ethnic groups on colonised territory. This was so as to exploit them and their land for their own gains and exert greater authority and control with the State being viewed as a "principle of organization that transcends society". Furthermore, this also allowed them to preserve and increase the profile of their own ancestry proving to be instrumental in assisting the development of an established caste system. The intended result of this would have been a more centralised and unitarian State in which power was concentrated and greater authority was evident.

Religion, in spite of its intentions to unify people and further emphasise humanitarian values and regard for the wellbeing of others, has appeared to be a significant direct force of compliance under colonial rule paving the way for authoritarianism and totalitarianism. Political theology, therefore, appeared to be something of a means of promoting this, at the same time as opposing liberalism and rejecting social progress. It is thus considered to perhaps have come about due to issues in political theory (Taubes, 1955), and the first documented use of the term to have come about through a discussion on the place of literature and poetry within the functioning of the State between Plato and Adeimantus, in which Plato critiqued Greek mythology and its portrayal of various Greek gods, and their societal influence. This led to it becoming a mainstream term regarding the connection and influence of God with the people and their way of living. The expansion and interpretation of this philosophy is evident when one looks in depth at Victorianism and attitudes of the general public towards religion in the Victorian era. This being an era in which rapid economic growth, social and cultural change was observed as well as much change having arisen as a result of colonial and imperial influence, the structure of society and the prevalence of religion within it had changed. This was evidenced through greater understanding of other religions and native customs in a predominantly Christian society through the growth of the UK's Muslim population. This had come about as a result of this imperialism having caused for the UK to become a key destination for many Muslim immigrants to migrate to. Furthermore, this also led to the increasing conversion of British people to Islam at this time (for instance, Lord Stanley of Alderley who was the first Muslim to become a member of the House of Lords). This did, however, become the subject of much disapproval by other British people in that the newly converted Muslim population became subject to much rejection and lacked acceptance in society. This was likely the result of thoughts that this might lead to the influence of the British Empire to wane and the views of the ever present conservative and Catholic society wanting to preserve British values and customs.

When observing the role of religion in today's society and in the light of present day conflict globally, religion, along with colonialism and imperialism continues to remain the main reason for the establishment of conflict over territory and the marginalisation of specific ethnic groups. This can be observed with the current Israel Gaza conflict, which was deeply rooted in nationalist principles, fear of persecution, and the desire to exploit land and people so as to allow Jews to have a specific homeland. What is ironic is that, the Zionist Jews as a heavily marginalised group with desire to escape conflict and persecution were directly using persecution and committing genocide, as well as, arguably, as nationalists and colonialists, very much antisemitic in nature associating Jews with genocide and complicity in war crimes. This begs questions as to the true values of religion as well as the way religion is used in present day rhetoric, both political and in more quotidian terms. The main key issues relate to the use of religion as an instrument of mass compliance under the law, in causing division between key ethnic groups, and in advocating for or responding to past colonial and imperial history. This leads us to question: what truly constitutes being religious and in what society will this function, as well as the possibility of rejection of Proudhon's values regarding the use of religion to run society.

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