Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain
(Sprache: Englisch)
This research paper aimed to find out the extent to which faith plays a part in the political decision making of Christian MPs. The MPs who were used in this study were from Christians in Parliament All-Party Group. Interviews took place with seven MPs, in...
Voraussichtlich lieferbar in 3 Tag(en)
versandkostenfrei
Buch (Kartoniert)
46.30 €
- Lastschrift, Kreditkarte, Paypal, Rechnung
- Kostenlose Rücksendung
Produktdetails
Produktinformationen zu „Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain “
Klappentext zu „Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain “
This research paper aimed to find out the extent to which faith plays a part in the political decision making of Christian MPs. The MPs who were used in this study were from Christians in Parliament All-Party Group. Interviews took place with seven MPs, in order to question them about the role of their Christian faith as they work within the political arena. These interviews took place in London and consisted of nine questions, dealing with three concise topics; the Christians in Parliament group, personal influences of faith and the future of religion and politics. Amongst a great deal of interesting data, there were a number of key themes that can be drawn from this research. Christian MPs have a unique pressure upon them which derives from their faith and having to balance this in their job as a politician. In response to this pressure, this paper has found that MPs are determined in their endeavours to keep the Christian faith embedded in British society. Also, this paper has highlighted the great extent to which faith impacts individual MPs decision making. Overall, this research has furthered understanding of the impact of faith on Christian MPs and the extent to which this affects their decision making processes. It has enabled us to recognise the constant conflict faced by Christian MPs. This research has also raised awareness of the challenges for Christian members, whilst highlighting the debate regarding the extent to which religion continues to play a part in politician s decision making. As well providing a compelling insight, this work is a platform for further research into this area of study.
Lese-Probe zu „Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain “
Text Sample:When Faith and Politics combine:
Having concluded that CiP operates in more of a supportive role as opposed to being politically strategic, this work will now move on to investigate how MPs manage their lives as politicians of faith. The questions themselves focused on three different areas, the first was about reconciling being a Christian and a politician. I wanted to understand whether this was an issue, and if so, how they manage their faith whilst being an MP. Secondly, I asked members whether they felt able to represent their faith in parliament or instead, did they feel constrained in doing so. The final question asked members whether their faith had ever caused any conflict to arise, which had compromised their political position.
Reconciling being a Christian and Politician:
Moving on from the questions related to CiP and its role and influence within British politics, I asked MPs, do you find it difficult to reconcile being a politician and a Christian? This question was constructed in order to challenge each MP to reveal a little more about how they manage their faith and political life. In no way was it aiming to catch any MP out, instead this question intended to gather opinions on what is an intriguing and largely unknown topic. The question itself resulted in a number of varying and interesting answers which this paper will now go on to discuss.
When asked whether each MP found it difficult to reconcile being a politician and a Christian, the majority responded saying they did not find it difficult. One MP replied saying, Not at all (Interview 2, Conservative MP, Conducted 17th October 2012), another No. I don t think it is hard to reconcile (Interview 3, Conservative MP, Conducted 16th October 2012). However, this opinion was not echoed throughout all of my interviews. A Labour member and interestingly the youngest MP, which may say something about the difficulties facing young religious members specifically, answered Yes to this
... mehr
question. He continued, suggesting that because he found it hard to be a politician and Christian, this was not a unique factor ... I think it is very hard to be a politician and anything (Interview 1, Labour MP, Conducted 17th October 2012). This answer suggested to me that he was someone who feels the pressure of managing his faith; however he did not feel that this was a problem unique to him. This is an interesting point, considering all other members suggested they did not have a problem reconciling the two issues.
One MP explained that when it came to making a political decision he looked at it from a Christian perspective. He said, it doesn t matter whether it is a issue of welfare state changing or education changing or whatever, I still look at it as a Christian. And I think that although there have been attempts to exclude Christianity from the curriculum, as far as I am concerned I will battle to keep it there (Interview 5, Labour MP, Conducted 16th October 2012).
Such a dogmatic approach to decision making was also supported by a Conservative member who explained that, everybody has a world view and my world view happens to be a Christian one. I m just as entitled to voice that here in Parliament as someone who is an atheist or someone who has another faith (Interview 2, Conservative MP, Conducted 16th October 2012).
There seemed to be a general opinion, quite rightly, that both being a Christian and a politician did not particularly require reconciling. Both topics can combine without dispute, after all in a free and equal country where is the issue? What was evident was that these Christian members were very happy to admit that their Christian values are extremely influential. There was quite rightly no shame in confessing their faith and it is clear that it plays a substantial role in their decision making from the evidence they offered.
One MP explained that when it came to making a political decision he looked at it from a Christian perspective. He said, it doesn t matter whether it is a issue of welfare state changing or education changing or whatever, I still look at it as a Christian. And I think that although there have been attempts to exclude Christianity from the curriculum, as far as I am concerned I will battle to keep it there (Interview 5, Labour MP, Conducted 16th October 2012).
Such a dogmatic approach to decision making was also supported by a Conservative member who explained that, everybody has a world view and my world view happens to be a Christian one. I m just as entitled to voice that here in Parliament as someone who is an atheist or someone who has another faith (Interview 2, Conservative MP, Conducted 16th October 2012).
There seemed to be a general opinion, quite rightly, that both being a Christian and a politician did not particularly require reconciling. Both topics can combine without dispute, after all in a free and equal country where is the issue? What was evident was that these Christian members were very happy to admit that their Christian values are extremely influential. There was quite rightly no shame in confessing their faith and it is clear that it plays a substantial role in their decision making from the evidence they offered.
... weniger
Autoren-Porträt von Joshua Bell
Bachelor of Politics at the University of Lincoln, UKMaster in Global Justice
Research funded by the Houses of Parliament
Bibliographische Angaben
- Autor: Joshua Bell
- 2014, Erstauflage, 92 Seiten, Maße: 15,5 x 22 cm, Kartoniert (TB), Englisch
- Verlag: Anchor Academic Publishing
- ISBN-10: 3954893150
- ISBN-13: 9783954893157
Sprache:
Englisch
Kommentar zu "Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain"
Schreiben Sie einen Kommentar zu "Faith and Politics: An Investigation into Christian MPs in Britain".
Kommentar verfassen