Ask a Political Scientist: Religion and Politics on Campus

Editor's Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MSU Exponent, its editorial staff, advisers, or Montana State University.QUESTION: It seems like religion has become an important factor in these midterm elections, with more Democrats trying to tap into a long-time Republican held Christian base. How will this change the direction of the Democratic Party, and do you foresee it conflicting with a rising socialist movement?ANSWER: In “On the Jewish Question,” Karl Marx observed that “…America is pre-eminently the country of religiosity.” In a debate with the philosopher Bruno Bauer, Marx argued that making religion private, and the state secular, was not a clear path to solving the “problem” of religious difference for modern politics.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.