The Idiocy of Political Dogmatism - When Politics Becomes Religion

The Idiocy of Political Dogmatism - When Politics Becomes Religion

In a time where political discourse has jumped from rational debate into something akin to religious absurdity, we find ourselves at a crossroads where the very fabric of society could unravel. This phenomenon, where politics is treated with the blind faith typically reserved for religion, but without any foundational belief other than opposition to the "other side," poses an immediate significant threat to societal stability and progress.

At the heart of this issue lies the transformation of politics from a mechanism for governance into a battleground for identity and ideology. Political parties, once platforms for policy debate, have morphed into tribes where loyalty is demanded not based on shared values or vision for the future, but on an unwavering opposition to the "enemy." This mindset is not about choosing a side based on merit or ideology but rather about defining oneself through opposition. In other words, "I hate you" politics.

When the primary motivation for political allegiance becomes to oppose rather than to advocate, the very essence of political discourse is lost. This leads to a scenario where individuals support or oppose policies not based on their merits but on who proposes them. Such a dynamic fosters a political environment where compromise is seen as betrayal, and where the goal isn't progress but victory over the other side.

When politics mimics religion in its dogmatic adherence, trust in the political system falls. People begin to see political figures not as representatives working for the public good but as warriors in an endless cultural war. This leads to widespread cynicism, reducing voter turnout, and increasing public apathy towards governance, which is detrimental to democracy.

A political landscape dominated by opposition for opposition's sake results in paralysis. Legislation becomes less about solving issues and more about scoring points against the other side. This leads to a lack of action on critical issues like healthcare, and education, as each decision becomes mired in partisan mudslinging rather than constructive dialogue.

The more politics resembles religion, the deeper the societal divides become. Communities break down, not along lines of policy disagreement but along ideological fault lines, where communication between sides becomes not just difficult but seen as unnecessary or even heretical. This polarization can lead to social unrest, as was evident in various countries where political divides have led to violence or civil conflict.

The final nail in the coffin of a society that worships political opposition is the death of civic discourse. When disagreement is viewed not as a pathway to better solutions but as an existential threat, the space for debate shrinks. Without this space, society loses its ability to self-correct, adapt, and evolve, leading to stagnation or, worse, collapse.

Schools, media, and community leaders need to foster an environment where political education focuses on understanding, critical thinking, and compromise rather than on winning at all costs. Encouraging virtues like empathy, openness to debate, and the acceptance of compromise as not just acceptable but essential for progress can begin to heal divides. Political systems need reform to discourage partisan warfare. This could involve changes to electoral systems, campaign finance, or how media covers politics to highlight policy over personality. A cultural shift away from viewing politics as a zero-sum game to one where both sides can gain from cooperation is crucial. This involves celebrating examples of successful bipartisanship and condemning tactics that promote division for division's sake.

While political engagement is vital for democracy, treating politics as a religion of opposition leads to societal defeat. It's high time we recognize the signs of this absurd idolatry and work towards a more constructive, less antagonistic form of political involvement. Only then can we hope to maintain the integrity and functionality of this nation.