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.
During 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. Those at the helm in Islamic countries, whether monarchs, autocrat, partially democrat 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. They sustain each other very well in a symbiotic relationship. Similarly, in the developed democratic countries in Europe and America, solemn State oaths are taken in the name of God with the Bible in the hand, held closey to the heart. The Presidents of the USA take pledge in the same manner sanctified by clergy. Political paties go by the name, Christian Democratic etc. 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. Politics and ecclesiastic, both seek control over people's minds and enlist a mass of followers to perpetuate their hold. Active supporters are rewarded as ordained by the Pontiffs. Through out the ages, Religion and Power, have always been the two sides of the same coin. Both, equally intoxicating.
During 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. Those at the helm in Islamic countries, whether monarchs, autocrat, partially democrat 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. They sustain each other very well in a symbiotic relationship. Similarly, in the developed democratic countries in Europe and America, solemn State oaths are taken in the name of God with the Bible in the hand, held closey to the heart. The Presidents of the USA take pledge in the same manner sanctified by clergy. Political paties go by the name, Christian Democratic etc. 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. Politics and ecclesiastic, both seek control over people's minds and enlist a mass of followers to perpetuate their hold. Active supporters are rewarded as ordained by the Pontiffs. Through out the ages, Religion and Power, have always been the two sides of the same coin. Both, equally intoxicating.
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