Religion, Politics and Money 

Here’s another installment from my Tucson Festival of Books series.

The panel included authors Sarah Jones, Katherine Stewart, and Sarah McCammon. While the saying goes that religion, politics, and money are three topics that should never be brought up at a dinner party, these experts were ready to engage in a lively discussion about these subjects.

I was particularly interested in hearing Katherine Stewart speak, as I recently finished reading her book, “The Power Worshippers.” In it, she defines Christian Nationalism as the infusion of moral values into politics. For adherents, anything that challenges their vision is seen as “oppression.” They often express unwavering support for strong leaders, saying things like, “I don’t like Trump, but I have to think about the Supreme Court.” They advocate for what they call a “Biblical economy.”

Religion can negatively impact politics in several ways. It can increase societal polarization by creating conflicting moral viewpoints. Policies influenced by specific religions can marginalize non-believers, leading to discrimination and undermining pluralism. Additionally, laws based on religious doctrines may not reflect the diverse values of all citizens, creating ethical dilemmas. There is also the risk of political manipulation, where religious leaders prioritize their interests over the public good, leading to potential corruption. Furthermore, religious beliefs rejecting scientific findings can hinder progress in education and civil rights. Finally, a strong religious influence can threaten the separation of church and state, compromising individual freedoms.

At the end of the lecture, I raised my hand and was chosen to ask a question. I inquired, “Do you think wealthy private religious schools will fill the void created by the dismantled Department of Education?” All the authors answered unanimously, “Yes.”

My books Memory Road Trip (e-book or paperback) and Time Traveled (e-book or paperback) are both available! You can also find them at most major international book sites.