Religion has always been a powerful tool in the hands of politicians. In the Middle Ages, popes used it to legitimize their decisions by launching crusades or excommunicating rulers. But how does it look today?
In Israel, Judaism is used to justify settlement policies in the West Bank. Prime ministers and ministers often invoke religious arguments to strengthen their positions and gain the support of religious communities. Traditions and biblical stories become tools for politicians trying to convince both national and international observers of the righteousness of their actions.
In Iran, religion is inseparable from politics. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country became a theocracy where the clergy controls all aspects of political life. Ayatollahs, led by the Supreme Leader, make decisions on the most important state matters, and the law is based on Sharia. Religion is not just a spiritual issue but the foundation of power and social control.
In the United States, Christianity is regularly used by politicians, especially those with conservative views. During his election campaigns, Donald Trump often emphasized his attachment to Christian values, which helped him gain the support of evangelical voters. The defense of the traditional family, opposition to abortion—these are topics that politicians often link with religion to gain support.
What connects all these examples is the way religion becomes a tool of power, a means to achieve political goals. The question worth asking is: is religion in politics still a matter of faith, or has it become mere calculation? Does spirituality still matter, or has it been reduced to rhetoric aimed at gaining votes and maintaining power?
It’s worth reflecting on how much religion today is still a matter of personal belief and how much it has become a tool in the hands of politicians who use it to legitimize their actions.
Feel free to join the discussion—how do you see the role of religion in today’s politics?