Are Politicians Any Different from Religious Figures?
Beliefs, Promises, and the Human Condition
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
We have all been frustrated by the repetitive nature of seeking hope and disappointment whether it is in our political structure or religion. Remember the phrase about doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome? This is precisely what election years feel like. It has only made me more doubtful in the past few years as to trusting those that are elected into office, people who swore an oath on serving their citizens.
Over time, I have become increasingly demoralized by the nature of politicians and their meaningless campaigns. It is like a vicious cycle that reminds me of religious and cult beliefs where people are let down. From time to time, a new candidate shows up claiming that he/she will bring good changes and become the voice of reason. However, over time they do what countless other politicians did before them and it turns out to be a disappointment for their supporters.
In recent months, I've extensively researched religion, prompted by the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel. This tragic event spurred my exploration into the historical backdrop of the region, prompting questions about why this land has been the focal point of conflict for so long. The concept of this land being considered 'holy' piqued my interest, leading to an investigation into the earliest known inhabitants, the Canaanites, and their Semitic-speaking origins.
My curiosity then drove me to explore the Abrahamic religions, with a particular focus on Judaism. This monotheistic faith traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham. As I got deeper into the history, I discovered the intricate story of the ancient Hebrew-speaking Israelites, their kingdoms, the Babylonian Exile, and the subsequent influence of various cultures, such as Greek, Roman, and Islamic, ultimately shaping the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a pivotal moment, giving rise to the current Israeli-Palestinian context with both Jewish and Arab populations.
It all seems to have begun with a man named Abraham, who thought he received a divine message from God proclaiming the existence of only one God. Abraham's unwavering faith in this singular deity led to God's promise of blessings for his family and a specific land.
It's baffling to me to think that the beliefs of one individual like Abraham could have such a monumental impact. Since his time, the region we now know as Israel has been marred by conflicts stemming from the narratives associated with Abraham. The fact that people embraced his teachings and three major monotheistic religions have since emerged, each with its interpretation of the truth, is fascinating to me.
Looking back and analyzing from a wider perspective I think about how the teachings propagated by political leaders are any different from those in politics with charismatic qualities? How does Abraham’s telling of God’s message differ from the declarations made by other persuasive figures that attracted followers? The promises made by politicians who promise to eliminate problems soon and bring a better future - isn’t that the same technique used by religious and cult leaders?
Determining whether what religious leaders preach is true can be quite perplexing. After all, the only way to find out is to, well, die. Once that happens, there's no way to return and share what was learned with the living about the accuracy of religious beliefs that are being taught. Similarly, when it comes to politicians and their promises, the real test lies in their ability to collaborate with many others in positions of power to bring about any real change. History shows us that keeping such commitments is challenging. It’s as challenging as the religions who are facing the difficulty of living up tenets of their faith.
Abraham's legacy has left a mark on human civilization. I still find belief systems to be fascinating and keeps me wondering; what truly distinguishes religious beliefs from the teachings advocated by figures like Abraham? This man claimed to receive divine messages from one God and millions followed him - for thousands of years! Are the commitments made by politicians seeking to bring salvation any different from the assurances given by religious leaders like Abraham? Both offer the promise of a better tomorrow, and great things if only those looking for power can stay in those position. I always look at the bigger picture. The persistent theme of unmet expectations in cults and other religions, as well as politicians and political parties, leaves me scrutinizing the very essence of all belief systems.
Clayton Craddock is a devoted father of two, an accomplished musician, and a thought-provoker dedicated to Socratic questioning, challenging the status quo, and encouraging a deeper contemplation on a range of issues. Subscribe to Think Things Through HERE, and for inquiries and to connect, email him here: Clayton@claytoncraddock.com