Is it that simple?

I ended my last post with stating that we need to acknowledge the dangers of mixing politics and religion. I’ll go into depth as to why it’s a dangerous concept, and how it all started. It is extremely hard to pinpoint the exact origin, but there is sufficient evidence, from historic events and even modern-day society, which shows that a mixture of politics and religion can be used by leaders to further their own agendas. It can theoretically be attributed to the nature of human beings - maintaining and gaining wealth and authority.

History implies that religion has always had a political “edge“ to it, which is why it is frowned upon by analysts in a political context. In fact, most religion-bashers jump at this opportunity. We’ll take the example of the infamous Rodrigo Borgia, also known as Pope Alexander VI. He was a man who utilized his wealth to bribe cardinals to ensure his influence in Europe. He was a skilled politician, and was able to use the power he had as Pope to ensure his rule and his wealth. When Giovanni Savanarola, a preacher, defied his ways, he was publicly tortured and executed. In fact, he was made an example of in front of the people of Florence. Historically, even though he was a man of religion, Alexander VI abused the authority of his position to further his own goals.

Rodrigo Borgia - Pope Alexander VI

source: www.sarapoole.com

It is theorized that when men are put into a place of position, they utilize everything in their disposal to keep themselves, and their party of interest, in power. History has taught us that power corrupts. A rather infamous dictator, who we are all familiar with, used this method to achieve his goals. This man has been tarnished in history as one of the worst examples of a human being. He led to the deaths of millions, and his name is Adolf Hitler. His religious beliefs, though not belonging to a certain religion, extended into his politics; his idea of God wanting to create a “perfect race” seeped into his destructive practices. In fact, he preached of the supremacy of the “Aryan Race” to further serve his political cause. 

Propaganda picture of Hitler leading the German army to fight for racial supremacy.

source:jspivey.wikispaces.com

Although I did not specify the root of the mixture of politics and religion, I theorized the causes from historical evidence and the basics of human nature. Greed has a major role in this situation, as it gives a person the mindset to be selfish. The dilemma it sparks as a result, drives a person to mix teachings with their own beliefs to yield a desired result. It is simple human emotions, which serve as the spark for creating these moral problems that we face as a society.