Can We Remove Politics from Our System of Beliefs?

A Philosophical Exploration of the Interplay Between Politics and Personal Convictions

Introduction

In contemporary society, the question of whether politics can be excised from our system of beliefs is both urgent and complex. Politics, broadly understood, is not merely the machinery of governance or the arena of policymakers; rather, it is the intricate weave of values, power dynamics, collective decision-making, and societal aspirations that permeate nearly every aspect of human life. To contemplate the removal of politics from our belief systems is to ask whether one can disentangle the threads of public life from the tapestry of private conviction—a challenge that invites philosophical, psychological, and pragmatic considerations.

The Nature of Belief Systems

Every individual harbors a system of beliefs: a constellation of ideas, values, assumptions, and narratives that shape their understanding of self and world. These beliefs are forged through experience, education, culture, and interaction with others. Some are explicit, such as religious doctrines or moral codes; others are implicit, influencing attitudes toward family, work, and society.

Belief systems are not static. They evolve, responding to new information, crises, and shifting social landscapes. They are deeply personal, yet inherently social, arising from and contributing to a larger community of meaning.

Politics: Definitions and Dimensions

Politics is often narrowly defined as the exercise of state power or affiliation with political parties. In reality, politics is far broader, encompassing the distribution of resources, negotiation of interests, articulation of values, and contestation of visions for the future. Wherever there is a group—be it a family, organization, or nation—there is politics.

Political beliefs, then, reflect not only opinions about government but also judgments about justice, equality, freedom, authority, and the common good. These beliefs guide our choices, from voting and advocacy to everyday acts of cooperation or dissent.

The Interpenetration of Politics and Belief

To consider separating politics from belief systems, one must first recognize their profound interconnection. Politics is, at its core, the contest over what beliefs will be enacted in laws, policies, and norms. Likewise, belief systems are shaped by the political environment: by the education system, media landscape, historical events, and the shared assumptions of the culture in which they develop.

Religious beliefs, for example, may seem apolitical, yet they often have political implications—concerning the rights of individuals, the structure of society, or the role of law. Ethical beliefs about justice, compassion, or responsibility inevitably inform political positions. Even the most personal convictions, such as the value of honesty, can become politically charged when they confront systems of power or social expectations.

Arguments for Removing Politics

The desire to remove politics from belief systems often arises from frustration: the divisiveness, polarization, and conflict that political debates can provoke. Some argue that politics corrupts pure belief, introducing partisanship and bias where there should be truth and principle. For others, the hope is that by setting aside politics, individuals and communities can focus on universal values such as empathy, peace, or mutual understanding.

There is precedent for attempts to cultivate apolitical spaces. Spiritual communities, scientific organizations, and artistic groups sometimes seek to transcend politics, aiming for higher truth or beauty. In these contexts, the aspiration is to create environments where collaboration and creativity can flourish, unencumbered by the pressures of partisan conflict.

The Limits and Challenges

Yet, the attempt to wholly remove politics from belief systems encounters profound obstacles. First, the formation of beliefs is itself a political act: to choose what one values, and what one rejects, is to participate in the shaping of society. Every belief system implies a vision of the world—who should have power, who should be heard, what relationships matter—and these are, by definition, political questions.

Moreover, in pluralistic societies, the boundaries between private and public are porous. The right to hold and express beliefs is protected by political arrangements; the ability to act on those beliefs is regulated by law. Thus, even the notion of an apolitical belief system presupposes a political context that enables such autonomy.

Attempts to suppress politics can also backfire, leading to the politicization of previously neutral spaces. When organizations declare themselves apolitical, they may inadvertently align with dominant power structures or silence dissenting voices. The absence of explicit politics can become an implicit endorsement of the status quo.

The Role of Dialogue and Reflexivity

Rather than seeking to abolish politics from belief systems, a more fruitful approach may be to cultivate thoughtful engagement and reflexivity. By acknowledging the political dimensions of our beliefs, we become attuned to our own assumptions, biases, and the potential impact of our convictions on others.

Dialogue across difference is crucial. Through respectful conversation, individuals and communities can explore the intersections of personal and political life, seeking common ground while honoring diversity. Reflexivity—the ongoing interrogation of one’s own beliefs and their social implications—can foster humility and openness, reducing the risk of ideological rigidity or exclusion.

Can We Create Apolitical Spaces?

While it may be impossible to eradicate politics entirely from belief systems, there is value in creating spaces where political contestation is moderated or bracketed. Educational institutions, for example, can strive to promote critical thinking and inquiry without succumbing to partisanship. Religious groups can emphasize spiritual development while respecting diverse political views. In the arts, creativity can flourish in environments where expression is not constrained by ideological boundaries.

Yet, these spaces are always provisional, subject to the pressures of the broader society. The challenge is to maintain integrity—to avoid the politicization of every aspect of life, while remaining alert to the ethical and social consequences of our beliefs.

Conclusion

The dream of removing politics from belief systems reflects a longing for peace, clarity, and unity in a fragmented world. While the complete separation of politics and belief is likely impossible, given their intrinsic interrelation, there is wisdom in seeking to mitigate the excesses of partisanship and ideological conflict. This requires vigilance, dialogue, and an ongoing commitment to ethical reflection.

Ultimately, our beliefs are not isolated islands but part of the continent of human society. By engaging politics thoughtfully—rather than denying its influence—we can hope to build communities marked by greater understanding, justice, and compassion. The challenge is not to banish politics from our hearts, but to ensure that our politics are worthy of our deepest beliefs.

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Norman R Van Etten