1. Religion and Politics

2. Validation of Rule
Historically, most rulers have governed with some type of religious authority
Religion has sanctioned the rule of kings and emperors

3. Social Stabilization
Religion in history has also functioned as a support of social cohesiveness and order

4. Hinduism
“Dharma upholds both this-worldly and other-worldly affairs” - Krishna

5. Confucianism
“ He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.” - Confucius

6. Buddhism
“When the ruler of a country is just and good, the ministers become just and good; when the ministers are just and good, the higher officials become just and good; when the higher officials are just and good, the rank and file become just and good; when the rank and file become just and good, the people become just and good.” - The Buddha

7. Judaism
Israel, the Covenant and the Diaspora

8. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's” - Jesus
Christianity
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's” - Jesus

9. Catholicism
The Politics of the Papacy

10. Muhammad, the Caliphate, and Sharia Law
Islam
Muhammad, the Caliphate, and Sharia Law
The Expansion of Islam 630 – 750 A.D.

11. Dissent, Individual Salvation and the “Protestant Work Ethic”
Protestantism
Dissent, Individual Salvation and the “Protestant Work Ethic”

12. Secular Humanism
Born in 18th century Europe – the Age of Enlightenment
Affirms that people can lead a “good” life without the influence of religion
Emphasis of reason over the supernatural

13. Other key terms
Theocracy – government by religious figures, laws based on religious teachings

14. Fundamentalism – the belief that the holy texts are literally true, and can form a reliable basis for thought and action in this world

15. Separation of Church and State
The idea that organized religion and the government should be kept separate
Does this mean the end of morality? What can morality, “goodness” and government be based on if religious influence is taken out?

16. Contemporary Issues
Nativity scenes on city property – the “War on Christmas”
Sex Education in schools
The Ten Commandments’ place in courts
Abortion Rights and Birth Control Funding
Gay Marriage Rights
The banning of the Hijab