I’m not much into politics; however, I watch the news to stay informed of current events. One topic that has been consistently in the news lately is religion and its role in politics. Specifically, the influence of Christianity on American politics.

Christianity has always played a significant role in American history and culture. Most Americans identify as Christian, with various denominations such as Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox. Due to this large demographic, it’s no surprise that Christianity has also significantly impacted American politics.

Most Democrats are for abortion rights and gay marriage, while Republicans are traditionally more conservative on these issues. These values align with Christian beliefs, which often leads to the perception that the Republican party is the “Christian” party.

However, this belief is not entirely accurate. There are many Christians who identify as Democrats and support liberal policies. Similarly, some non-religious individuals align with Republican values.

Being a Christian, I could somewhat grasp the partisan divisions, but to make things more complex concerning abortion rights, only the voice of Christianity is heard because Christianity is the predominant religion in America. I never looked at it this way until I watched the PBS documentary POV Shorts Under G-d. The film is about a national Jewish response to the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The documentary raises an essential point about the role of religion in politics – whose voice is being heard? While Christianity may be the majority religion in America, other religions have their perspectives and beliefs. Considering and including these voices in political discussions and decisions is crucial but not given.

Moreover, it’s essential to remember that not all Christians have the same beliefs or interpretations. Just as there are different political parties and views within each party, there are also various denominations and beliefs within Christianity. Recognizing and respecting these differences is essential, rather than assuming all Christians have the same opinions on political issues.

Religion should not dictate politics, but unfortunately, it often does. The documentary shows that their religious backgrounds impact Yehuda’s beliefs and struggles with his girlfriend. While religion is a crucial aspect of many people’s lives, it should not be the determining factor in political decisions that affect an entire society.

Furthermore, the influence of Christianity on politics also raises concerns about the separation of church and state. This concept, outlined in the US Constitution’s First Amendment, ensures that no religion controls the government. However, with Christianity being the dominant religion in America, it can be challenging to maintain this separation.

In conclusion, the intersection of religion and politics is a complex and ongoing issue in American society. Regarding abortion, I don’t think the government should be involved. It should be the people’s decision. It reminds me of when the government got involved in selling and transporting alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933 under the terms of the Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition). It didn’t stop people from drinking; it just created more problems. The same can be said for government involvement in personal and religious beliefs. It’ll just create more discourse and illegal activities.

To give credence to my viewpoint, the POV documentary I mentioned shows that not all voices of religion are heard from a political standpoint. It’s essential to recognize and respect the diversity of beliefs within Christianity and other religions and the separation of church and state in political decisions. Only then can we truly have a fair and inclusive political system representing all voices, regardless of religious affiliation.