Dominionisme dan Politik Agama di AS

Jumat, 20 September 2013

The term "dominionism" is used different ways by different people. When new terms are developed, that is to be expected. If we are to use words and phrases to discuss ideas, however, it pays to be on the same page concerning how we define those terms. This is especially true in public debates.

In her 1989 book Spiritual Warfare, sociologist Sara Diamond discussed how dominionism as an ideological tendency in the Christian Right had been significantly influenced by Christian Reconstructionism. Over the past 20 years the leading proponents of Christian Reconstructionism and dominion theology have included Rousas John (R.J.) Rushdoony, Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, David Chilton, Gary DeMar, and Andrew Sandlin.

Diamond explained that "the primary importance of the [Christian Reconstructionist] ideology is its role as a catalyst for what is loosely called 'dominion theology.'" According to Diamond, "Largely through the impact of Rushdoony's and North's writings, the concept that Christians are Biblically mandated to 'occupy' all secular institutions has become the central unifying ideology for the Christian Right." (italics in the original).

In a series of articles and book chapters Diamond expanded on her thesis. She called Reconstructionism "the most intellectually grounded, though esoteric, brand of dominion theology," and observed that "promoters of Reconstructionism see their role as ideological entrepreneurs committed to a long-term struggle."

So Christian Reconstructionism was the most influential form of dominion theology, and it influenced both the theological concepts and political activism of white Protestant conservative evangelicals mobilized by the Christian Right.

But very few evangelicals have even heard of dominion theology, and fewer still embrace Christian Reconstructionism. How do we explain this, especially since our critics are quick to point it out?
The answer lies in teasing apart the terminology and how it is used.

Christian Reconstructionism is a form of theocratic dominion theology. Its leaders challenged evangelicals across a wide swath of theological beliefs to engage in a more muscular and activist form of political participation. The core theme of dominion theology is that the Bible mandates Christians to take over and "occupy" secular institutions.

A number of Christian Right leaders read what the Christian Reconstructionists were writing, and they adopted the idea of taking dominion over the secular institutions of the United States as the "central unifying ideology" of their social movement. They decided to gain political power through the Republican Party.

This does not mean most Christian Right leaders became Christian Reconstructionists. It does mean they were influenced by dominion theology. But they were influenced in a number of different ways, and some promote the theocratic aspects more militantly than others.

It helps to see the terms dominionism, dominion theology, and Christian Reconstructionism as distinct and not interchangeable. While all Christian Reconstructionists are dominionists, not all dominionists are Christian Reconstructionists.

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Religion and Intolerance in Contemporary American Politics

In a 2008 report from the Pew Research Center on religion in American life, one of the principal findings had to do with the tolerance believers extend to those affiliated with other religious denominations and sects. The New York Times hailed these findings with the headline, “Survey Shows U.S. Religious Tolerance.” The article goes on to note that 70 percent of Americans affiliated with a religion agree that “many religions can lead to eternal life.” From this frame of reference, tolerance seems to predominate in the contemporary United States.

While the conclusions of that study are on their own terms believable, they ought not be taken to mean that religionists have a propensity toward tolerance more generally.

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Kristenisme Dalam Dunia Politik

Kristenisme saat ini sudah menjadi aliran politik. Politik kristenisme banyak dipraktekkan oleh partai-partai politik di Amerika Serikat, khususnya oleh kalangan Partai Republik.

Lihat pengertiannya di sini.

This morning a friend sent me a definition of Christianist from The Urban Dictionary

Christianist*

1. Christianist
One who claims to be a follower of Christ and His teachings but who actively engages in acts and deeds that are contrary to His teachings.
A pastor who calls for the murder of someone whose political beliefs are disagreeable to him (or her) is a Christianist, not a Christian.

2. Christianist
A member, or members of the Christian religion that uses it as a negative weapon against a person, or an entire group of people.
An anti-gay Christianist group, NOM, believes they're protecting marriage by banning gay marriage.

3. Christianist
A member of the Christian faith who seeks to use a religion of peace and tolerance for political and personal gain.
Pat Robertson and his band of Christianists are doing everything they can to keep the Republicans in power.
*Definitions from the Urban Dictionary


Perhaps Rep.Akin fits this definition. This sort of thinking escapes the NTS category. While I struggle with the distinction, I find I must believe that there is a difference between Christians and Christianists.

Hindu: Agama Diharapkan Menuntun Kehidupan Politik

Di dalam bangun kerangka kehidupan manusia, paling tidak ada dua instrumen utama, menjadi sumber enersi dan jalan manusia, untuk menjadi tumpuan perjungannya. Baik perjuangan tujuan hidup perseorangan, kelompok, komunitas, lembaga dan organisasi massa, maupun lainnya. Konsep kesejahteraan lahir bathin di dalam agama Hindu disebutkan dengan idiom, ‘’Moksartam Jagaddhita’. Ini dimaksudkan sebagai tujuan utama kehidupan, baik menyangkut rohani maupun jasmani yang berdasarkan dharma.

Agama dan politik berpengaruh, apabila disadari dan diperankan dengan sadar, disiplin dijalankan olah manusia tersebut. Seperti kesejahtraan rohani membawa kesejukan hati, yang menyebar ke dalam masyarakat, sehingga akan mendorong suasana kedamaian. Dalam suasana damai, kesejahteraan materi menjadi lebih mudah terpenuhi.

Rasa damai membuat orang bekerja dan berusaha dengan nyaman. Mendorong terwujudnya kesejahtraan materi semakin meluas dan berkwalitas. Suasana ini bukan mustahil mendorong dan lebih mendekatkan pada terwujudnya, moksartam jagaddhitam.

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