Faith in Public Policy Choices - Essay Example

Faith in Public Policy Choices Student Name Course name Date Introduction The Role in religion in American politics has frequently been a subject of scrutiny. This is essentially because religion is one of the fundamental forces in an overwhelming majority of American citizens. The influence of religion in American political ideologies, policies and governance, has for many years been getting expansive. Although many Americans open handedly welcomed religion as part of their political lives, many are undecided concerning the extent of involvement that religion should have in American politics.1 Some scholars argue that integration of religious believes in the political system is an essential support system for the political culture in America. One big question that can therefore be raised is that; if religion is important in American political life, should faith have a say in public policy choices? This particular essay seeks to evaluate the notion through providing an in-depth analysis of the discourse of faith in American political system. The scope of the analysis will be grounded on foremost providing an evaluation of the concept of faith. In addition the essay will provide a brief historical background of the integration of faith in American politics. Lastly an exclusive examination of the notion will be provided in order to evaluate the possibility of truthfulness surrounding the argument. Brueggemann, (2002) defines faith as a confident belief in an idea, person or thing which does not have proof. Faith can also be grounded on trust or confidence in an idea or a person based on evidences and proofs which can be made factual by future events. In most cases faith as a belief does not have material or logical evidence but rather it is usually informally used to project the future. Sometimes the term religion is used interchangeably with faith; however religion can actually differ from faith depending on an individual’s perception. This is because an individual may have faith on a variety of issues; however the individual may not actually be religious. Scholars however agree to the fact that the practice of religion is built upon the fundamental concept of faith. This is essentially because in order for one to practice religion one must have a confident belief in what they have not seen and person they view as their follower yet they have not set their eyes on.2 Historical background of the integration of faith in American politics Basing on the fact that religion has been an influential aspect in American politics, faith has been integrated in American politics in various historical contexts. From the 1800 American elections, were federalist clergy men believed that Thomas Jefferson, was unfit to lead a ‘’Christina nation ‘’ to 1978 when the Constitutional Convention delegates tried to block the enforcement of America as a Christian based state, yet they failed because they could not separate religion from American politics. 3 Faith was a major force that influenced various political phenomena’s. Furthermore during the late 1970s religion took up a new prominence. This occurred after the rise of social movement theory (SMT). The theory resulted to the formation of religious groups whose aim was to influence politics in America. The motives of the groups were to translate grievances that were religious into political action. Most of the messages propagated by the social movement were based on promoting faith based politics in American society. Faith is still an influential element in contemporary American politics. As evident in recent years , Democrats are eager to embrace what is termed as Religious left so as to outdo the Religious right ; the Republicans. Each section usually has a confident belief that they can win the electorates votes due to their religious based ideologies.4 Discussion and Analysis When making an evaluation of the notion; whether faith should have a say in public policy choices, various point of views can be raised. In some way it can be argued that faith should in deed have a say in public policy choices. Wilburn (2002) highlights that faith is an ingredient that is indispensable in the interaction between world forces and the development of American public policies. He further argues that amidst the struggles of identity and direction the American society had to device policies that would ascertain the American people a sense of identity and direction. Wilburn (2002) brings to light the fact that the aspects of reason and faith sphere headed the idea of a nation with a covenant with God, which was a dominant theme during the American independence declaration. Although not every propagator of American independence was religious, many believed that America was created for a reason, for a gracious purpose and providence. As a result the declaration was a symbol human liberty within a holy light. Public policies therefore were frequently formulated through an understanding that government and religion were two spheres that were mutually exclusive. Basing on the fact that faith has in the past influenced the development American identity and direction it should have a say in the public policy choices. Another factor to back the fact that faith should have a say in policy formulation in America is that faith has been a useful element of fueling public leadership, resulting to some of the most influential American activists and thinkers. Many of these leaders had a strong conviction or faith of a better American future. For instance great leaders such as such Martin Luther King championed there views and dreams through faith. Martin Luther believed confidently in a future he had not seen. 5 In his speech Luther declares that one day the American nation will rise up and live up to its true meaning, where all men are perceived as equal. In deed through the faith and inspiration of great leaders such as Martin Luther policy transformation was enacted which facilitated equality of all races in American society. As evident in contemporary American society Luther‘s dream came true, not only is there equal treatment of all races, but the country is presently governed by a Black man. Therefore using faith in public policy choices can still act as revolutionary aspect that can change the existing challenges facing the American society. Carroll (2006) also proposes that Faith should also have a say in public choices because public policies generally have consequences. Everyone is aware that policies have power to alter the lives of people in society. However these alterations are not only limited to economic, political and intellectual outcomes. Carroll (2006) further highlights that public policies have an impact on the entire fabric of life due to the fact that they are founded on certain assumptions concerning human nature, hierarchy of values and the purpose of life. In other words public policies are eventually rooted on fundamental spiritual consequences. Carroll (2006) argues that we have to acknowledge the fact that public policies are grounded on assumptions that are basically spiritual in nature; as a result they should go hand in hand with faith. For instance the United States founding fathers illustrated the importance of faith in policy formulation when they entrusted the institution of government, to lead the nation. They even choose to make amends on the constitution that would facilitate the separation of church and state.6 Faith can also be termed as an essential ingredient of enhancing transformation in contemporary society. It is evident that the American society is currently facing numerous social, political and economic challenges, which many believe that with the right kind of policies such problems can be entirely eliminated. In deed it is true that transformations in society can be intersected with good public policies however policies should have a clear framework of initiatives to aid change. As a result faith base organizations or ministries have aided effective implementation of public policies. For instance the urban black youth were in most cases associated to criminal activities. As a result a lot of regulations were formulated in order to reduce the involvement of black youth in crime. However the policies could not entirely work without the efforts of faith based ministries and religious groups through faith based outreach programs , which have greatly contributed in solving many societal problem such as crime, delinquency ,alcoholism and drug abuse which could not entirely be solved using public policies. 7 Hugh and Wilfred (2003) argue that whether people agree or not there is a great connection between public policies and religion. As a result faith which is a fundamental aspect in religion is frequently part of the policies developed in America. The authors further argue that policies of governance and religion are two aspects that are not the same however neither can exist in isolation. One way to approach the aspect is by evaluating the impact of public policies and faith based services on civil society. Both public policies and faith based services greatly influence political rhetoric and the views of the electorate. For instance in the year 2000, President Bush was elected due to his stand on policies that were majorly influenced by faith based ideologies. As a result the implication of him gaining control of the state implied that in order for him to satisfy his electorates, he would influence the implementation of policies that matched up with his proclaimed faith. For example, within the first month of his presidency, Bush undertook key policy initiatives bearing in mind the question of politics and religious faith. He made proposals of educational reforms, limitations for funding agencies for family planning; he also established a new office for faith based action that was aimed as provision of government assistance to religious groups and churches. Furthermore the outcome of the 2000 elections indicated that individuals who reportedly participated in religious services got 58% of the votes. What is evident that sometimes it becomes difficult to separate faith from public policies. The Progressive Policy and Faith Initiative under the Center for American Progress also back the fact that faith is a fundamental aspect in policy choices. The organization articulates and identifies the spiritual and moral – ethical values that underpin policy issues. From a research conducted by the organization faith is an element that is fundamental in policy development due to the fact that government and society are both strengthened basically because their aim is to work for the common respects and good of human dignity. As a result the integration of faith in American policy choices would result to promotion of a just, strong and free America that enhances opportunity for all.8 Harry (2008) brings to light the fact that America is at a cross road. In his book In Personal Faith, Public Policy Jackson argues that the United States as a nation must make a choice between Gods destruction and his blessings. As a result the Christian church must be a leader in ensuring the public policy choices are based on moral grounds. Jackson proposes that it is essential to have a unified church that has the same standing on moral policies in order to resolve most of the challenges that America is facing. Therefore the church should develop a culture where religious faith provides moral influence to the policies choices made in the country. Harry further highlights that faith based ideologies can be useful in achieving victory in various debated on policy issues such as protection and preservation of life (the abortion debate), immigration policies, racial harmony , protection of religious freedom, developing positive environmental policies and defending marriage and family life by supporting divorce reform and promarriage policies both at state and national levels. Harry therefore proposes that faith should not be eliminated from public policy choices if America intends to triumph over the many challenges that are currently being witnessed.9 On the other hand it can also be argued that faith should not have a say in public policy choices. Hugh and Wilfred (2003) argue that although many people within the American society want religion and faith to be a more influential aspect in their policy choices and political lives. About 80-90% of American citizens do identify themselves as Christians however most of these Christians who claim to be believers usually dismiss some fundamental beliefs of Christianity. Many also believe that it does not matter whether religious beliefs become influential in policy choices made for the country. Hugh and Wilfred (2003) highlight that what these implies is that the integration of faith in public policy choices is a great mystery that needs to be uncovered . This is essentially because controversy has frequently arisen in America concerning the moral grounds of various policies for instance the abortion debate, where there are those who support abortion and those who claim that it should be illegal yet both views are held by individuals possessing the same religious faith.10 It can also be stated that faith should not have a say in public policy choices due to the fact that not all American citizens are religious. The main aim of developing public policies is to ensure that the needs of every citizen are served by the established policies. In the context whereby the American nation has a large percentage of religious believers, the basic implication is that not all policies should be founded on religious ideologies. Trying to theologize every aspect of public life may seem rather biased. As a result policies can be developed from moral principles that can enhance positive change to society. Wilburn (2002) brings to light the fact that there is a looming crisis that is presently cropping up in the U.S .A whereby nonreligious people are becoming more hostile to Christians and Jewish because they portray them as people who just want to impose their theocracy into American politics and policies. As a result very seriously religious individuals are progressively becoming alienated from the scene of contributing to American public policy issues. In order to eliminate such kinds of controversies, it would rather be conducive if faith did not have say in public policy choices. Hugh and Wilfred (2003) also argue that many citizens are willing to see religious leaders speak out their views concerning public policies, however in real sense they do not care much if they do. In 2001 spring, President Bush initiatives that were faith based were greatly becoming popular, three quarters of American citizens expressed how supportive of the initiative whereby social groups were receiving funding from the government in order for them to effectively give social services. However a similar proportion opposed government funding to faith based initiatives by highlighting that other religious groups such as Buddhist and Muslims were left out as marginal groups. The separation of the state and the church also provides a well grounded reason for opposing the fact that faith should not have a say in public policy choices. Liberal politicians argue that the separation of the church or faith with the state is essential because it will assist in eliminating the possibility of curtailment of liberty and of religious repression. In despite of the fact that the advantages and protections accorded to faith may be attached to promises of enhancing equality and refrain from persecution. The aspect of introducing religious view points into public issues such as public policies may result to a situation whereby religious groups strive to attain political power as opposed to working towards improving the faith of those who do not believe. As a result the separation of the church from the state should also be applied in public policy choices. This would be useful in reduction of wrangle between the church and the state concerning political power.11 Wilburn (2002) argues that the integration of faith into public policy decisions may result to a situation whereby policies may be made on grounds of rhetoric as opposed to the relevant data that exists on the ground. For instance in 1996 policy and scholarly analysts brought out a revelation that congregations that were African American based that were providing social services were mostly likely to benefit from changes in policies which were greatly sphere headed by religious based bodies. The analysts and scholars warned that the effectiveness of what was termed as faith based programs that are ’’ transformative’’ would be compromised by lobbying for government funding. Wilburn (2002) further argues social problems which are supposed to be resolved with public policies should not be viewed as a market place for gaining public funds. Therefore it is essential to exclude faith based sentiments in public policy development.12 From the above discussion it is evident that it may seem controversial if faith should have a say in public policy choices in America. In my opinion I think that faith should have a say in public policy choices. Conclusion As highlighted by the above discussion in someway it can be argued that faith should have a say in public policy. Some of the basic reasons to support this fact include the fact that faith has facilitated the formulation of identity and direction for American citizens. In addition faith has been a useful element of fueling public leadership. Also the integration of faith in policy development has been an incentive of enhancing transformation in contemporary society. Other factors include; there is a great connection between public policies and religion as a result separation of faith from public policies would not be a good idea, also faith is an element that is fundamental in policy development due to the fact that government and society are both strengthened. Some of the opposing factors include aspects of exclusion of non religious people from policy development, rise of power wrangles would arise from religious groups, and also policies may be made on grounds of rhetoric as opposed to the relevant data that exists on the ground. As highlighted from the Analysis above the notion is quite controversial, however it is essential to take note of one important factor that religion and politics are two spheres that are diverse yet interrelated. As a result integrating faith in public policy choices is an aspect that requires further in depth research in order to come up more conclusive view points. References Brueggemann, W, Reverberations of faith: a theological handbook of Old Testament themes, 2002 Carroll, R, Faith, The Skeptic's Dictionary, 2006. Driskell, R, Embry, E. & Lyon, L, The influence of religious beliefs on political participation; Baylor University Press, 2008, p 54 Faith and Progressive Policy, Washington, 2005. Hugh H& Wilfred, M, Religion returns to the public square: faith and policy in America Wilson Center Press, 2003. Harris, S, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror and the Future of Reason, The Free Press, 2006. Harry ,R, Personal Faith, Public Policy, Frontline , 2008. Russell, B, "Will Religious Faith Cure Our Troubles?". Human Society in Ethics and Politics, ,2009. Robert, W, Saving America?: faith-based services and the future of civil society, Princeton University Press, 2004 Wilburn, J, Faith and public policy, Lexington Books, 2002 Read More