The results of the study highlighted six patterns that "reflect religion's increasing importance in international affairs ... making them impossible to ignore in the conduct of foreign policy."
The first pattern is the increasing influence of religious groups throughout the world. The study concluded that both long-established and newly founded religious groups are gaining influence in many areas of the world which affects all sectors of society including politics, culture, business, and science.
The second pattern is the positive and negative affects of globalization on religion.
The third pattern is the significant political implications that changing patterns of religious identification is having in the world.
The fourth pattern is the important public role religion plays when governments lack capacity and legitimacy during periods of economic and political instability.
The fifth pattern is that of extremists using religion as a catalyst for conflict with other religious communities.
The sixth and final pattern is the deepening political significance of religious freedom as a basic human right and a source of social and political stability caused by the growing presence of religion.
In light of this recent study, three members of the Washington Post’s “On Faith” panel weighed in on the question “Should U.S. foreign policy get religion?”
Feisal Abdul Rauf, chairman of the Cordoba Initiative and author of “What’s Right With Islam Is Right With America”, agrees that religion should play a role in U.S. foreign policy. He believes that while religion and politics can be a dangerous mix, religion is a fundamental variable missing from current peace initiatives. He adds, “If the highest ethics of religion are mixed with politics rooted in justice, the combination can be positively powerful and extremely effective.” Sustained peace can only be achieved by “reaching people at their core religious values” which all include love of God, love of each other, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Next, Herb Silverman, founder and president of the Secular Coalition for America, weighs in on the subject. Silverman believes that involving religions in politics is a recipe for disaster. Instead, he suggests that U.S. foreign policy should get secular. Silverman believes that learning about the religious and cultural practices of the countries the U.S. is engaged in will help the U.S. communicate more effectively, determine what changes are equally beneficial and achievable and at what cost, and develop rational strategies to accomplish missions. Silverman believes that this can only be accomplished by looking at what hasn’t worked in the past, and not repeated it. He offers the following list of assumptions:
“1. God is on our side, which means Satan is on the other side. This turns the engagement into a binary and simplistic battle between good and evil, with no room for compromise or negotiation.
2. American exceptionalism makes us a role model for the world, and we can judge other countries and cultures on the extent to which they adopt our values
.
3. All religions are good, and adherents who act in a manner we dislike are acting contrary to their religious doctrines.
4. Government officials may proselytize here and elsewhere, favor one religion over another, or religion in general over non-religion.
5. If we satisfy powerful religious leaders or factions, then we may ignore human rights.
6. We must either go it alone or take the lead when we act in coalition with other countries.
7. We can occupy a country indefinitely.
8. Perceived economic benefit for us is sufficient justification for foreign engagement.
9. We should do more talking than listening.
10. There will be no unintended consequences.”
Lastly, Welton Gaddy, leader of the Interfaith Alliance, offers his insight. Gaddy sees religion being included in U.S. foreign policy as a complex situation with no black and white solution. While he agrees that it is important and beneficial for the U.S. government to understand the nature of religions in other governments and the role they play, the U.S. government has no business trying to “shape, direct, or influence religion’s role anywhere.” He believes that it is equally critical for U.S. policy to respect religion abroad and locally. He concludes his statement saying, “Recognizing the power of religion in the world is the better part of wisdom for anyone working on international concerns. Thinking that any government, especially ours, can and/or should use religion as a foreign affairs strategy is a prelude to disaster. The foundational principle of religious liberty merits our government's strong support abroad as well as at home even if other governments fail to appreciate or duplicate a similar commitment. “
In the video below, Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, and a member of the task force behind the report, recently talked with Odyssey Networks about the recommendations of the report and why they are needed.
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