Is Religion Different From Politics?

Politics is by far one social institution that has successfully found its deceptive head in almost all aspect of our lives. It has been a threat to cohabitation among several African countries and the world at large. Though politics has been defined in several ways, one definition that sums its essence is that; "Politics is a Social relation involving intrigue to gain authority or power". Taking this definition into consideration, one will agree that at least an aspect of our life has to do with the struggle to gain authority over something / somebody or a group of people.

Unfortunately religion is not different in any way. Since the days of Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ, there has been a peculiar desire to gain power over a section of people. In fact, this became even more grounded after the death of these Prophets. We can talk of Jihad (Holy War) when it comes to Islam, just as we can equally talk about radical evangelism in relation to Christianity. The basic idea behind these two religious activities was to convert people to the faith and subsequently widening the shadows of these religion among various groups of people. (The desire to gain power over a large group officially people).

The defense by some religious activists which sought to suggest that the willingness to convert people to their faith isn't because of power but to help others gain access to internity or paradise, stands no solid grounds if one is to take into consideration the current occurrences in the religious field.
The activities of some Islamic sects and other Christian denominations speaks volume of the existence of unrealized or unspoken politics among religious groups.

The desire of most religious leaders (especially Christians) have shifted from giving people opportunity to eternity or paradise to membership and loyalty. Thus, the intrigue to gain power has risen so much that the focus is now on who is powerful, and who has the largest following. Again, it is now the question of who is your 'father' and who you worship with. It is now the argument of who performs the best of miracles and signs of wonders. The essence of evangelism and the willingness to convert people is now for membership and the desire to gain massive power over people; perhaps as an inflencial figure.
Just like politics, it is equally no news that religion has equally threatened cohabitation or healthy atmosphere in many countries.

Some 'religious faithfuls' go as far as supporting their stance not to associate with people from other religious bodies with verses from their 'Holy Books'. It is therefore becoming extremely difficult to segregate or differentiate between Religion and Politics. Since they both share a common basic; the desire to gain power.

✍🏾 *Benard Makafui Mordedzi*
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