Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Why is being religious so closely tied with conservative politics?

Jinn · 10-24-2007, 10:30 AM

IN YOUR OPINION, why is being religious so closely tied with conservative politics?

It is an accepted point by contemporary media that most religious people are conservative, at least anecdotally. As a case in point, the pejorative "religious right" is used often, but you'll never hear of the "religious left." If you accept the point that religious people are more typically conservative, why do you think that is the case?

In my musings on the subject, I've come up with a few reasons, depending on how I come at the issue:

* Conservatives value tradition and the status quo over radical change; this is also valued by churches and their congregations, because religion is very based in tradition.

* Dramatic differences between peoples and societies are scary to religious and conservative persons alike, and both religious organizations and conservative organizations promote homogeny in their ranks.

* Conversative politicians (by happenstance) support positions also supported by strongly religious people, issues like gay marriage and abortion.

* There isn't actually a difference in the number of religious members in both parties, but religious conservatives are more vocal than religious liberals.

* Liberalism is seen by religious individuals and conservative individuals as a scourge on society, and so both groups naturally avoid groups associated with liberals.

* Religious texts and Conservative groups both promote strong loyalty and dedication, and their shared interest in a defined heirarchy and devout loyalty bond them.

So what do you think it is? A reminder that this is IN YOUR OPINION, as it'd be nearly impossible to provide an accurate, unbiased, and representative sample of political or religious motivations.

10-24-2007, 10:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	Why is being religious so closely tied with conservative politics? IN YOUR OPINION, why is being religious so closely tied with conservative politics? It is an accepted point by contemporary media that most religious people are conservative, at least anecdotally. As a case in point, the pejorative "religious right" is used often, but you'll never hear of the "religious left." If you accept the point that religious people are more typically conservative, why do you think that is the case? In my musings on the subject, I've come up with a few reasons, depending on how I come at the issue: * Conservatives value tradition and the status quo over radical change; this is also valued by churches and their congregations, because religion is very based in tradition. * Dramatic differences between peoples and societies are scary to religious and conservative persons alike, and both religious organizations and conservative organizations promote homogeny in their ranks. * Conversative politicians (by happenstance) support positions also supported by strongly religious people, issues like gay marriage and abortion. * There isn't actually a difference in the number of religious members in both parties, but religious conservatives are more vocal than religious liberals. * Liberalism is seen by religious individuals and conservative individuals as a scourge on society, and so both groups naturally avoid groups associated with liberals. * Religious texts and Conservative groups both promote strong loyalty and dedication, and their shared interest in a defined heirarchy and devout loyalty bond them. So what do you think it is? A reminder that this is IN YOUR OPINION, as it'd be nearly impossible to provide an accurate, unbiased, and representative sample of political or religious motivations. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel