politicsPLURALISM
This refers to the cross-cultural realization that there are many religions
around the globe and even within particular countries. It is basically syn-
onymous with religious diversity. Pluralism is a contributing factor in the
rise of secularization because the wide variety of religions gives rise to
a subjective feeling that one’s inherited religion cannot be a plausible
explanation of reality, if one compares it to other religions. Recognition
of pluralism tends to also promote tolerance.
More recently, pluralism conveys a more ideological meaning because
of a growing conviction that every religion possesses a right to its own
doctrinal position, historical traditions, ritual practices, and spiritual atti-
tudes. If pluralism is accepted ideologically, this entails practicing toler-
ance and mutual acceptance of different religious positions.POLITICS
A concept that is derived from the Greek term “polis,” meaning city or
state, becomes “politics” during the use of Middle English in Europe. It
generally refers to a process whereby groups of people make decisions,
and is also connected to the struggle for influence and power. From the
time of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, who are considered both human and
divine, politics and religion have been intertwined by religious symbols,
integrated practices, and a mutual striving for power.
In ancient Judaism, the notion of a covenant between a superior God
and His chosen people is not only religious, social, and economic, but is
a political agreement between unequal parties. Although some scholars
depict Jesus as a political revolutionary, others say he is not that focused
on politics because he expects the end time at any moment, and it is more
important for a person to prepare for the final moment instead of the on-
going political realm. As the early Christian Latin church develops, the
political sphere of the state enters into a more intimate and supportive
relationship with the church, especially with the rise of Constantine
(312–327), who espouses Christianity as the official religion in order to
control the church and to enhance his own political power. A reaction to
such a movement is made by St. Gelasius, who serves as Pope from 392
to 396, with his doctrine of the two swords: secular power of the emperor
and the spiritual power of the church. During the Middle Ages, the Latin
church advocates a theocracy, with the state in an inferior position to the