Can Democracy Survive in Countries Full of Religious Zealots and Rivals.

[Tmy]

For example Iraq. Can democracy control the religious rivals or would the country be doomed to faliure.

Even in the States theres a contstant fight to keep Christians at bay. If they were to take control ofthe govt they woudl turn the place to a religious state.

Is there any zealot filled country were it works. I dont think Israel works, and I cant think of a country where it does.

[Chaos]

Plainly: No.

Church and State don´t mix. Whenever religion gets involved in the state, a totalitarian dictatorship is the result.

I can name three nations run by a religious organization: Iran, (Taliban) Afghanistan, and the Vatican. Neither is even remotely democratic.

[Luke T.]

For example, America, circa 1690 - 1800.

[Tmy]

Originally posted by Luke T.
For example, America, circa 1690 - 1800.

IS that an example of a country where it worked? The US is/was controle by Christians, and even many of those subsets would run off and start their own states because of problems. Non believres (aka Indians, aka "Savages") werent really part of the democracy and were treated horribly.

Lets say Iraq becomes a democray mush like the US. First day this is what happens: Senator from the province of New Kurds-land-ville files a bill for seccession.

All hell then breaks lose.

[corplinx]

It survives in america even though Pat Robertson's people have a big voice in the ruling party.

[Luke T.]

I think the biggest thing the U.S. had going for it was its isolation. At the time our country was formed, there were no immediate, local threats around us.

This is not the case anywhere else in the world today. A democracy is incredibly weak and unstable in its beginning stages, and is susceptible to outside forces. It is easily taken advantage of. We see that in Iraq. They are surrounded by a host of nations who do not want to see a democracy succeed in the middle east.

Although religious zealotry might be the main impetus behind attempts to undermine democratic success in Iraq today, that motive is merely one of many mechanical interferences any nation might face when trying to get democracy off the ground.

[Luke T.]

You might say that the greatest obstacle to democracy is the attempt to wrest power from the few and give it to the many. Doesn't matter if the "few" are ayatollahs or princes.

[Tmy]

I think the problemis that democracy is based on compromise and change. Religion is not. Its ridged and old fashion. There is little if not no debate. Most religions are organized in a top down fashion.

[Luke T.]

Originally posted by Tmy
I think the problemis that democracy is based on compromise and change. Religion is not. Its ridged and old fashion. There is little if not no debate. Most religions are organized in a top down fashion.

So are aristocracies.

[Abdul Alhazred]

Originally posted by corplinx
It survives in america even though Pat Robertson's people have a big voice in the ruling party.

Not after making that crack about nuking the State Department, he doesn't.

[peptoabysmal]

Originally posted by corplinx
It survives in america even though Pat Robertson's people have a big voice in the ruling party.


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