I have a philosophical question for anyone willing to consider it and share their thoughts. Are religions (specifically Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) compatible with democracy? This question stems from the assumption that religions desire to see their principles trump secular ideals when the two are in conflict in the public sphere. Also, religions desire growth through conversion of nonbelievers and acceptance of their principles. In this way, they tend towards theocracy. Democracies value moral relativism and pluralism. No one group has authority to impose beliefs on other groups. Secular policies are enacted that are acceptable to the public with its plurality of religions. So when they meet in the public arena, moral relativism trumps any specific religious principles. Can anyone reconcile religion and democracy? Or are my assumptions about each incorrect?
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 23:53:07 +0000