Your Compass for Understanding World Affairs

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the three major monotheisms in the world, all have their origins in the same original story. As the world evolves, the once distant continents now resemble a system of nearby neighborhoods in this international community. That being the case, an understanding of the religions dominating these regions will help sharpen the picture of our planet. From the conflict between Israel and Palestine to the controversial issues of abortion and stem cell research here in America, having a theological background will allow a person to not only better understand the process, but also become an active part of it.

One of the major developments as of late was the Pope’s visit to the Middle East. According to the BBC, he made it open and clear that the Palestinians have a right to a sovereign homeland and called on them to resist any temptations to act violently against Israelis during this very tense period. War has been waging between the Palestinians and Israelis for decades, both wanting land they claim was promised to them by their individual gods. This shows that politics and religion are virtually inseparable in some of the world’s most intense conflicts.

Dating back to the 13the century, St. Thomas Aquinas, considered the Catholic Church’s greatest theologian, wrote in his Summa Theologica the three conditions that exist for a nation to engage in a just war. According to The Washington Post, he believed that it must be ordered by a competent authority, the cause must be just, and the combatants must have “a right intention, so that they intend the advancement of good, or the avoidance of evil.” These were, and to some degree are still, the foundational explanations for political moves by many countries around the world.

Religion and politics are related by blood, literally and metaphorically. There is a historic background between policy and religion that drives much of what America does around the world, and what the countries of the world do to America. To gain a theological background not only allows you to have an expert understanding of domestic and world affairs, it allows you to be a part of the process by engaging in debate and guiding others who want to understand. It also allows an individual to take on a leadership role as a clergy member in their community, giving guidance and focus to hundreds, if not thousands of people. The belief in success with a theological degree is not one that requires a leap of faith. It just requires a leap in the right direction.