McGrorty,+Barry

How does religion influence politics among Rastafarians, The Church of the Latter Day Saints, and Scientologists?

Separation of church and state is an ongoing issue in the United States. Although Religion is legally not supposed to influence politics, many trying to achieve political office will use Religion as a vehicle. Separation of Church and State was enacted to promote individual thought, and to stem Religion fueled political propaganda. Scientology, Rastafarianism, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormonism) are three very different beliefs with varying political influence.

Religion has a heavy influence on politics and political decisions in the United States.

Religions What is Rastafarianism? Rastafarianism is the belief that Haile Selassie I, “The former, and final, Emperor of Ethiopia” is an incarnation of God called Jah. The Rastafarian movement encourages the rejection of western society, called Babylon, and the ritualistic usage of cannabis to “cleanse the mind and soul and grow closer to Jah”. Rastafarians discourage voting, seeing it as “an evil of Babylon. However, political involvement is encouraged, especially the legalization of cannabis and the promotion of cooperation and peace.

What is The Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormonism)? Mormonism is a sect of Christianity. Mormons believe that all people are the children of one divine being known as God. “Mormons believe that God is perfect in all moral attributes. Unlike human beings with our many shortcomings, God is perfectly kind, perfectly patient, and perfectly loving; all knowing, all seeing, and all-powerful. God is perfectly merciful, and yet perfectly just. Like any good Father, He is an example—the perfect example—for His children. Mormons recognize that we constantly fall short of the divine ideal, but striving to follow our Father's perfect example is a noble pursuit; indeed, it is central to the reason we've been placed on earth, central to the very purpose of life.” Essentially, Mormons believe that there is a divine being that created the Earth and bestowed laws upon it. Mormons encourage political involvement, but they do not endorse or support one political party. Mormons dictate morals to their followers, and say what is right and what is wrong. In that, Mormons have much political influence over their followers.

What is Scientology? “Scientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths.” Science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard founded scientology in 1955. “Man is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized — and those capabilities can be realized. He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results.” There is much controversy over the story of Xenu (Xemu), which is allegedly the basis of Scientology.

Since Scientology encourages “individualism” and doesn’t force beliefs on its followers. Therefore, Scientology can influence a follower’s beliefs, but won’t force them to comply. Like Mormonism, Scientology dictates right and wrong, and takes morale stances on certain issues. Personally, L. Ron Hubbard believed that politics could be overcome by Scientology.

"Once the world is Clear - a nation, a state, a city or a village - the Scientology-organization in the area becomes its government! And once this has taken place the only policy accepted as valid is Scientology policy." – L. Ron Hubbard

One’s religion has much influence on political candidates and stances, be it not voting, defining morals through the bible, or endorsing a particular political party.