| There is nothing democratic about religion, and there is nothing religious about democracy. |
| When America's founding fathers established a democratic government in their fledgling country, they wisely stipulated that it must not be mixed with religion. They had studied a history of the church manipulating and controlling governments, and knew that the inherent conflict would overwhelm representative government.
The essence of democracy is that power and decision making flow from the bottom up. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." That is the essential caveat of democracy. On the other hand, religion is the ultimate top-down power structure. God (or someone who claims to represent him on Earth) makes the rules without consultation or consent. According to Catholic theology, the Pope is infallible (the historic record not withstanding) and his edicts flow down through the Catholic hierarchy to the adherents. Religion and democracy are inherently incompatible. |
No one has submitted a comment on this statement yet.
Be the first and submit your feedback below.
Submit your comment below |