by Shaun Hayes » 04 Apr 2009, 11:21
Hi all
It seems to me that politics is the process, generally, of pursuing and maintaining a particular point of view or views, and doing ones best to ensure that that is maintained by any means one can get away with.
Religion is the maintenance of a particular point of view or views, and . . . . . . . etc
On their own both these systems are a right royal pain, but just about manageable, with the odd uprising here and there. However, when the Political politics and religious politics start to merge and become synonymous, as I believe we have been seeing in the USA and also UK increasingly, as well as many moslem nations since the seventies particularly - then we are on a road to a cultural war, as history has oft shown before. It is important that the voices of moderation speak out now, whilst they are able to !!!
Secular society allows for all beliefs (within the law) and this is what we need particularly in our political leaders.
Personally I do not believe that Druidry is the one true religion, nor do I believe it is the one true religion for me, nor do I really see it as a religion at all, though certain aspects of it are for me. I see it as a spiritual path that works well for me now, I hope it will continue to do so, however my path continues regardless, as I think all of ours do.
Examples of spiritual life are just that, examples. Prophets, christs, seers, channellers, saints, martyrs, shamen, wise ones etc etc etc are just people doing what they see (saw) as the right thing. Be inspired as you wish, but don't ever fight for them, and as for dying - well that's just as silly as placing the future of your faith in a piece of wood, or cloth, or a picture, or a cup or even a sword !!
My final point is that when religion and politics are conjoined then the sort of laws like the one referred to at the UN will be used to promote one particular view and to suppress all others, that is why it is a dangerous road to travel in an increasingly non-secular world, and why one particular religious/political view promoting it should be viewed with great suspicion.
Shaun.