Categories: uncategorized
Date: 18 January 2006 15:10:29
Considering the context of my post I thought a quote by Lenin would be a good title.
Being a great lover of history and politics I find that my personal views are sometimes brought into conflict with my faith. I do not believe that being a Christian prevents you from supporting any of the main political parties. However it does preclude support from parties that are divise of society and/or preach intolerance of others.
In theory we are a Christian country, yet no one can say that there is any politician that currently espouses a truly Christian vision on their policies. No matter how much they may parade their beliefs there is no politican that puts his faith first in decision making. As humans should we really expect others to do what we don't?
The political scene in the UK is currently dominated by Iraq, terrorism, poverty, energy and education. The politicians are divided on each issue as the general public are. We are never told exactly what is happening on any issue but are treated to new revelations emerging every day that throw a non to flatering light on our political servants.
Yes, I use the term servant. That is what they are, in a democracy, supoosed to be. Unfortunately the majority of them never are or ever will be.
Our own political system is at fault here. The government, of any party, no longer feels accountable to the voters. They get elected for a term and then press ahead with a programme that they never made us aware of. If we disagree, even if we voted for them, our voices go unheard. We are told that we do not understand the complicated issues at stake or do not sufficent information to work with.
Yet the government hides behind these things. They do not deal honestly with the electorate on anything.
Iraq - we were lied to, whether you support the war or not.
Terrorism - we are forced to relinquish freedoms that were hard won by our fathers.
Poverty - the government makes promises but never actually insures that they're met. Should our aid budget really be spent trying to push the privitisation of water provision in African countries such as Tanzania or Liberia?
Energy - more and more politicians maybe going "green" but there push to meet targets or emmissions, renewable energy & recycling are half hearted at best. If Brazil and Sweden can move further ahead why can't we?
Education - the government have authorised the employment of known sex offenders in our school system. We now find that the scrutinisation of applications by sex offenders has been privitised and is untaken by AXA PPP, using doctors with no specialist experience or qualifications in the field. Just to save money! What is more important a few pounds saved or the safety of children?
Don't get me wrong, these faults are endemic to which ever party is in power. Regardless of political persausion decisions are made that effect our daily lives that have little regard for democratic or with enough thought of future implications.
Government has always been about decided today and leaving others to sort out the mess tomorrow. Is this what we really want to happen in future?
Far from separating religion and politics I think that, with leaders with more faith, religion in politics could actually improve life for everyone.