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Are Americans programmed to just agree with religious beliefs? Mainly Christian beliefs? What I am referring to is mostly in status positions such as politics, high management positions, work culture, and yes even the churches. Of course, not in ones private lives or their own mind.
I state this because I doubt we will ever see in the near future a president who is openly atheist, or agnostic, or maybe even muslim. Mitt Romney is a politician that comes to mind. During the 2008 presidential primaries at least a handful of folks admitted to me that if Romney was not a Mormon that they would vote for him. So basically, at least in the USA, Romney's political weakness is being a mormon! Yet, if he was to say that he was a Christian even though he isn't and even though he would be selling his integrity for denying his mormon faith, he would probably have been the Republican rep. for presidency.
It is no different in the corporate world. For example, lets say the CEO of a major MAJOR corporation was to announce that he is an atheist, or a muslim, there is no doubt that the bottom line of that company will suffer. So, if there was such a CEO, he would most likely agree with religious beliefs that he does not agree with just to keep the status quo. If not, it will be all over the media and Christian groups will boycott such corporation. Even many non christians may do so as well. Especially if said CEO was to admit that he is a Muslim. Many will state that Islam is taking over the USA and supporting XX Corporation is supporting the terrorist. In this case, it is almost as if being a Muslim is worse than being an atheist.
It is as if though when it comes to religion and mostly christianity, many christians and non christians do not want to "Rock the boat" and argue or challenge many Christians on their beliefs because there is very little to gain and lots to lose; especially in corporate america and in the work place.
Bottom line, it seems that if someone is in a prominent or influencial position, hinting or challenging anything that has to do with Pro Christianity can and probably will hinder their political or career advancement.
Quite the contrary. We're programmed to disagree with anything different from what we believe. Find out what someone believes, and you'll know right away what they don't agree with.
It all comes mostly from upbringing. Parents brainwash their kids with religion from an early age because its much easier then. Try to instill the same beliefs and values when kids are 18-25 and you'll see how many are "programmed" to agree with religious beliefs.
Are Americans programmed to just agree with religious beliefs?
Quote:
Originally Posted by observer
Are Americans programmed to just agree with religious beliefs? Mainly Christian beliefs? What I am referring to is mostly in status positions such as politics, high management positions, work culture, and yes even the churches. Of course, not in ones private lives or their own mind.
I state this because I doubt we will ever see in the near future a president who is openly atheist, or agnostic, or maybe even muslim. Mitt Romney is a politician that comes to mind. During the 2008 presidential primaries at least a handful of folks admitted to me that if Romney was not a Mormon that they would vote for him. So basically, at least in the USA, Romney's political weakness is being a mormon! Yet, if he was to say that he was a Christian even though he isn't and even though he would be selling his integrity for denying his mormon faith, he would probably have been the Republican rep. for presidency.
It is no different in the corporate world. For example, lets say the CEO of a major MAJOR corporation was to announce that he is an atheist, or a muslim, there is no doubt that the bottom line of that company will suffer. So, if there was such a CEO, he would most likely agree with religious beliefs that he does not agree with just to keep the status quo. If not, it will be all over the media and Christian groups will boycott such corporation. Even many non christians may do so as well. Especially if said CEO was to admit that he is a Muslim. Many will state that Islam is taking over the USA and supporting XX Corporation is supporting the terrorist. In this case, it is almost as if being a Muslim is worse than being an atheist.
It is as if though when it comes to religion and mostly christianity, many christians and non christians do not want to "Rock the boat" and argue or challenge many Christians on their beliefs because there is very little to gain and lots to lose; especially in corporate america and in the work place.
Bottom line, it seems that if someone is in a prominent or influencial position, hinting or challenging anything that has to do with Pro Christianity can and probably will hinder their political or career advancement.
It seems that many believers are very insecure in their faith. Any viewpoint counter to theirs is a threat to their belief structure.
"What? Billy is only 7, how is he supposed to know what political beliefs he has?"
This brings back a memory. In my kindergarten class, during a presidential election season, the teacher set up voting booths in the classroom to conduct a mock election. I believe that the teacher, suspecting that the children would vote as their parents vote, wanted to get a good idea of the political leanings of her student's parents. BTW, it was split down the middle, 7-7. So either that was a reflection of the parents' political persuasions, or we just flipped a coin and voted accordingly. However, I think the teacher was right.
This brings back a memory. In my kindergarten class, during a presidential election season, the teacher set up voting booths in the classroom to conduct a mock election. I believe that the teacher, suspecting that the children would vote as their parents vote, wanted to get a good idea of the political leanings of her student's parents. BTW, it was split down the middle, 7-7. So either that was a reflection of the parents' political persuasions, or we just flipped a coin and voted accordingly.
I wait until I've heard all the celebrities' opinions before I vote.
I state this because I doubt we will ever see in the near future a president who is openly atheist, or agnostic, or maybe even muslim. Mitt Romney is a politician that comes to mind. During the 2008 presidential primaries at least a handful of folks admitted to me that if Romney was not a Mormon that they would vote for him. So basically, at least in the USA, Romney's political weakness is being a mormon! Yet, if he was to say that he was a Christian even though he isn't and even though he would be selling his integrity for denying his mormon faith, he would probably have been the Republican rep. for presidency.
I am now a Libertarian but was a registered Republican during the 2008 primaries. I voted for Mitt Romney in the Florida Primary as I believed he was most qualified and had the best ideas for President. As an Anglican, soon to be Catholic, I had no problem with him being of the Mormon faith. I do not care what religious affiliation a politician claims as long as he does not try to push it on the country.
-Pat Healey
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Are Americans programmed to just agree with religious beliefs?
However, I think the teacher was right.
