Religion and Politics. Comrades in Arms.

Mythology is based upon ignorace and fear. Religion on faith. Religion and Politics have always complimented each other throughout the ages. Both draw mutual support, sustenance and legitimacy. This confers sanctity to their endeavour and elicits mass support.                                        In the ealier part of the first three centuries After Christ, Romans favoured the Pagans, however, with the growing number of Christians, Emperor Constantine, in the year 320, declared it as a Religion of the State after the Pontiffs blessed the monarchy. The Church was, in return, suitably rewarded. Since then, Religion and Power have never parted ways.                   Rulers in Islamic countries, whether monarchs, autocratic, partially democratic or a military dictator, always seek religious benediction and protection. The top Maulvis and Mullahs will be seen with the rulers on various occasions. Their bonhomie, palpable. Both, comically bowing to each other. Perhaps, each thinking, that the other is more powerful and wields wider control. Yet, they sustain each other very well in a symbiotic relationship.                                         Similarly, in most developed democratic countries in Europe and America, solemn State oaths are  taken in the name of God with the Bible in the hand, held closed to the heart. Even the Presidents of the USA takes pledge similarly, sanctified by clergy. Pope is the most revered guest of the State in all these places. During elections sublime religious support is sought with well orchestrated visits to Churches and the Papal cathedrals.                                                Buddhist nations like Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Myanmar and others seek invocation from Monks and Lamas openly. In the World's only Jewish nation, Israel, Rabbis are all over the State In India, there is a plethora of Power centres, fortunately, there is no dearth of Gods either. We have one for each occasion. Really blessed country.                  Communists abhor religion. Call it as the Opium of the masses. Yet, worship its dogmatic leftist ideology like God.        Ecclesiastics and Politics, seek control over people's minds and enlist a mass of followers to perpetuate their hold. Active supporters are rewarded as ordained in their scheme of hierarchy.                     Hence, Religion and Power, have always been the two sides of the same coin. Both, equally intoxicating.