Liberalism is a popular political movement. It is mainly secular in nature. However, a new breed of liberalism is on the rise that is based on the same good principles of secular liberalism. That breed of liberalism is religious liberalism, and I'm going to tell you more about it.
Whenever you think of religion and government at the same time, the only brand that comes to mind is theocracy. You think of nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran. You might also think of the ancient kingdoms ruled by David and then his son, Solomon. Repressive rules come to mind: men and women are probably segregated as much as possible. Gun control is enforced, drugs are regulated (I hate drugs, because of what they do to your body, but regulating medicinal drugs is ridiculous), modes of entertainment are almost completely prohibited in public, among other things. Also, women are forced to cover their entire bodies. You feel that such a conservative society is close-minded and not open to principles of freedom and multiculturalism.
Such a government would be authoritarian in nature, and, like most authoritarian governments, would seek to control your life and what you do bit by bit. You could say that such a government is "playing" the role of a higher power, ultimately God. Regardless of religious beliefs, God is the Ultimate Authority, and no human being can usurp His Majesty and His position. And it is our job as believers in God to usurp and turn the tables on anyone who seeks to take that position. That's initiating a religiously liberal rule.
Hang on... what about the code of religious liberalism? That is, what is it and what's the basis of it? The idea is that God is the Ultimate Authority, and that He created us so as to test us and see if we follow His Word or not. It is not up to anyone else other than a certain person to define his/her own actions and carry them out; in the end, God will judge the person for his/her actions. Gun control is abolished: whether the person decides to use it for good (defense) or bad (murder) is up to him/her. Drugs shouldn't be regulated, but, again, everyone has a choice on whether to use it or not. Abortion should be met with the same perspective. Also, privatization should be maximized: the government should not seek to practice unnecessary authority and intrude into fiscal efficiencies. Affirmative action and other racist policies should be erased, because in the eyes of God, we are all equal. Taxes should be minimized, as giving from the less able (citizens) to the more able (government) is akin to stealing, and we all know how God views this crime.
Well, there's more to religious liberalism, but I'm going to be dealing with it in parts, this time in accordance with Islamic teachings (and I assume henceforth that they are also compatible with teachings from other religions). I will be covering abortion, drugs, fiscal matters (namely taxation), affirmative action, and other things. The series will also get you deeper into my political philosophy, and will help you learn more about it. I know that many of you don't believe in God, but if you think that religiously-minded people can't become liberals... think again.
Salaam,
Saracen
Whenever you think of religion and government at the same time, the only brand that comes to mind is theocracy. You think of nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran. You might also think of the ancient kingdoms ruled by David and then his son, Solomon. Repressive rules come to mind: men and women are probably segregated as much as possible. Gun control is enforced, drugs are regulated (I hate drugs, because of what they do to your body, but regulating medicinal drugs is ridiculous), modes of entertainment are almost completely prohibited in public, among other things. Also, women are forced to cover their entire bodies. You feel that such a conservative society is close-minded and not open to principles of freedom and multiculturalism.
Such a government would be authoritarian in nature, and, like most authoritarian governments, would seek to control your life and what you do bit by bit. You could say that such a government is "playing" the role of a higher power, ultimately God. Regardless of religious beliefs, God is the Ultimate Authority, and no human being can usurp His Majesty and His position. And it is our job as believers in God to usurp and turn the tables on anyone who seeks to take that position. That's initiating a religiously liberal rule.
Hang on... what about the code of religious liberalism? That is, what is it and what's the basis of it? The idea is that God is the Ultimate Authority, and that He created us so as to test us and see if we follow His Word or not. It is not up to anyone else other than a certain person to define his/her own actions and carry them out; in the end, God will judge the person for his/her actions. Gun control is abolished: whether the person decides to use it for good (defense) or bad (murder) is up to him/her. Drugs shouldn't be regulated, but, again, everyone has a choice on whether to use it or not. Abortion should be met with the same perspective. Also, privatization should be maximized: the government should not seek to practice unnecessary authority and intrude into fiscal efficiencies. Affirmative action and other racist policies should be erased, because in the eyes of God, we are all equal. Taxes should be minimized, as giving from the less able (citizens) to the more able (government) is akin to stealing, and we all know how God views this crime.
Well, there's more to religious liberalism, but I'm going to be dealing with it in parts, this time in accordance with Islamic teachings (and I assume henceforth that they are also compatible with teachings from other religions). I will be covering abortion, drugs, fiscal matters (namely taxation), affirmative action, and other things. The series will also get you deeper into my political philosophy, and will help you learn more about it. I know that many of you don't believe in God, but if you think that religiously-minded people can't become liberals... think again.
Salaam,
Saracen
Comments
Post a Comment