“Costs of Incarceration Rising in US.” The headline is familiar and unremarkable. It could be from the last decade or last week, from a local tabloid or a national newspaper. The article will review the usual statistics—the United States has the largest prison population in the world, recidivism rates continue to climb—and will conclude that … Read more
Throughout the past eleven years of being a New Yorker, I have had lived squished between the two seemingly conflicting worlds of a devoutly Catholic family and the colorful and vibrant Progressivism of New York City (and now, of course, the People’s Republic of Cambridge). For a long time, I believed that these two worlds … Read more
How does religion affect the individuals’ political views? Does religion have a place in public life? What about in government? We asked seven Harvard Political Review writers these questions. Here are their reflections. photo: urbanchristiannews.com
Religion tends to be an essential component of the political scene in the Middle East, even if a given country isn’t officially an Islamic republic. I come from Turkey and even though Turkey is theoretically a secular republic, religion is the primary decision-making factor in politics. Turkey is ruled by an Islamist party. This is … Read more
The most important way that religion has influenced my political beliefs is that the separation of the state from any one specific religious doctrine is extremely important. The state does not and should deny religion; for example, I believe we should keep ‘In God We Trust’ on our money as the vast majority of people … Read more
As a progressive Democrat, I may not seem like the most likely person to attribute a great deal of my political beliefs to my religious upbringing. But growing up in the tradition of Reform Judaism, my faith instilled in me values of generosity, open-mindedness, and a watchful eye toward oppression. My synagogue, the same one … Read more
Politics all comes down to values. At the end of the day, Obamacare might cost some money, but it will save lives—which matters more to you? Immigration reform might make some Americans lose their jobs while giving other people a better life—is that a fair trade? More progressive taxes might “punish” success while letting the … Read more
I remember the first time I declared myself to be an atheist. I was in fourth grade, and I was being raised in a Unitarian Universalist Society, where such free thought was encouraged. This was long before I had any conception of liberalism vs. conservatism, right vs. left, or Democrats vs. Republicans. Most of my fourth … Read more
In the past 150 years, Mormons in America have undergone a remarkable transformation, from outcasts to central players in American politics. Nevertheless, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign brought to the fore a series of uncomfortable truths about America’s relationship with Mormonism. Despite hopes that his campaign would break down barriers for Mormons in America, Romney’s reluctance … Read more
“Wait, you’re a Democrat?” I have been asked this question at college enough times to be puzzled by it. Am I really that cryptic about my political affiliations? Do I unintentionally rattle off conservative talking points? The real reason becomes clear with further probing. “I just figured, what with the whole Catholic school thing…” So … Read more