A study done by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics and released in April indicates that while college students regard religion as important in their personal lives, they don't want to see religion playing a bigger role in the nation's political life. It shouldn't be a surprise, though, that the results were divided along partisan lines.
American's United reports:
The poll showed that 38 percent of Republicans believe religion should play a greater role in government as opposed to only 16 percent of Democrats. Fifty-six percent of GOP students said they want to hear politicians talk openly about their religious beliefs, while only 21 percent of college Democrats agree.
Sixty-two percent of Republicans said religion is losing its influence on American life and an overwhelming majority of them said that was a bad thing. Conversely, 54 percent of Democrats believe that religion is increasing its influence on American life and by a two to one margin say that is a bad thing.
Especially heartening is the fact that, when it comes to determining whom to vote for, 34% say they give no consideration to a candidate's religion while 25% give only a "little" consideration to a candidate's religion. Most also disagreed with the idea that religious groups should become active in partisan political campaigns on behalf of candidates for public office. Only 16% strongly or somewhat agreed with this sort of thing occurring, a fact which does not bode well for the efforts of politicians hoping to rescind tax laws which forbid churches from getting involved in political campaigns.
Separation of Church & State:
- Separation of Church and State 101
- Secularism 101
- What is the Separation of Church and State?
- Religion's Place in the Public Square
- Myths About Church/State Separation
- Church and State News
- Church & State Polls
Secularism & Secularization:
Republicans, in general, seem to see life as an orderly, authoritarian patriarchy. God, the ultimate big daddy in the sky, gives everyone instructions on how to live their lives. The founders of the U.S. government were divinely inspired, giving the president divine right to rule the nation, and God made fathers masters over families of subservient wives and children.
Democrats, on the other hand, seem to live in chaos.
By that reckoning, a democracy would serve republicans poorly unlike a theocracy would. I wonder if they’ve been preparing for a revolt.