[Carmichaelcory]

I propose an alliance between theocracies and democracies alike. Much of western and middle eastern society is based on the principles that were handed down from Abraham. A subgroup in the UN is growing increasingly necessary so that we may lead by example and show the rest of the world that our humility and generosity is not of our own device, but is a consequence of our obedience to God. It is our job to be the shining light and work through international diplomacy, i.e. the UN, to further peace and prosperity and make our God proud.

1. devotion to God
2. belief in one God (let us remember that Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God)
3. compliance with the ten commandments, the laws of God
4. freedom to worship God

Along with these principles, we also share a common value system. We do not shy away from armed conflict to protect our posterity. We value social institutions such as education and a competent health care system. We give up a certain portion of our earnings to our religious institutions to help protect the poor and the voiceless. We value safe streets where couples and families and individuals can enjoy their communities without fear of violence and crime. Most important, we value the love and teachings of our God.

I feel, as i suspect many do, that the best way to harbor peace is not only through international diplomacy, but also interfaith diplomacy. Brothers and sisters, let us usher in a new era of peace and security by putting pressure on the international institutions to recognize God and His will, by lobbying for a new UN council that can be a leader in values and a role model for the world at large.

[Keeslandia]

The Empire respectfully disagrees and will leave it at that.

[Lawtonia]

What about Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, Jedis, Agnostics, Athiests, Pagans, Wiccans and all of the other types of spiritual beliefs? While it is admirable to want a safe and harmonious society and a strong NSUN, It is not a good idead to link religion to the NSUN.

According to the CIA world Factbook, Christians, Muslims and Jews only account for 52.97% of the worlds spiritual beliefs - that is when one is dealing with the real world Here in Nation States we have around 114,000 nations each with differing views on spiritual belief as directed by each individual leader.

NSUN Resolutions are not easy to write and you will notice that there are very few if any previous resolutions that deal with religion. You will probably not be successful with this resolution but don't let it deter you. To make the world a better place is something that one should never give up.

In this case The Enlightened Stated of Lawtonia respectfully disagrees with this proposal.

[Groot Gouda]

Firstly, that's not even near common UN resolution formatting.

Secondly, I don't understand what you want, and

Thirdly, I think the UN is not a place for religion except resolutions which say that the UN should stay out of religion

[Grosseschnauzer]

^^ What he said.

In addition, the schnauzervolk nations (most of which are IDU members) adhere to a strict separation of religion and government. We view religion as an individual, private matter, and in fact consider "marriage" as a religious relationship.
The state authorizes civil domestic partnerships which have been known in other places as civil marriage, and for which there are various government and tax benefits.

[Sober Thought]

Disregarding problems with formatting and UN jurisdiction, I think the fundamental problem is contained in the opening line:

Quote: I propose an alliance between theocracies and democracies [/quote]

A democracy cannot be a theocracy any more than it can be a dictatorship. One may arrive at both theocracy and dictatorship by way of democracy, but the former two by definition do not permit democratic change. Thus, any theocracy foolish enought to ally itself democratic allies will quickly see its hold on the populace weaken.

As to the central planks:

Quote: 1. devotion to God
2. belief in one God (let us remember that Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God)
3. compliance with the ten commandments, the laws of God
4. freedom to worship God [/quote]

1. Within denominations and traditions, there is strong disagreement on what constitutes devotion and what constitutes idolatry. The church my mother grew up in split over the issue of church organs, one faction believing that organs were impermissible because they weren't mentioned in the New Testament and the other that they were permissible because they weren't banned in the NT. And according to the Book of Acts, all Christians should be Communists or die at the hands of God.

2. Again, supposed monotheist Christians have intense theological arguments over the godhead, which itself is suggestive of polytheism. The most pious (i.e., fundamentalist) of each of these three Abrahamic religions are also the most likely to deny (wrongly) this plank in the platform.

3. This becomes difficult when there are such disagreements as 2. It also automatically disqualifies democracies because it requires the violation of civil rights to freedom of religion and conscience. Of course, an ochlocracy (the trappings of democracy but with none of the limits on government interference in personal realms) could coexist with theocracy, at least for a time, but that was not the alliance offered.

Why does Jahweh get protection while Vishnu does not? And some Hindus argue that the Hindu pantheon is no more polytheistic than the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. What's more, there is a strong tradition that Jesus spent his missing years in the sub-Continent (places in present day Pakistan being most commonly asserted) so why isn't Hindusim part of the same group? And if Hindus join, would Southern Baptists stay?

4. Now you're getting somewhere. Democracies must respect civil rights and the freedom to worship is one of those, subject only to the same limits on freedom as any other. So, Hindus are free to offer food to statues of Ganesh but not free to strangle travellers for Kali in the Thuggee cult; adult Snake-handling Christians are free to exercise their Pentecostal gifts but not to subject their children to it. Ritual bodily mutilation, e.g., Jewish circumcision or male genital mutilation, is available to adults making a free choice; Muslim female circumcision or genital mutilation, is not in fact based in Islamic scripture and is normally a cultural reflection of the populace pre-Islam.

So 4 is the only area of common ground, and it is already covered.

For people interested in some of these sorts of argument, feel free to read my NS Wiki page on the Christian Unity Party of Sober Thought. The basic problem is that religion lacks the capacity to compromise that politics requires; they operate on different planes.

[Lawtonia]

Wow! That was brilliant Sober Thought, when does the book come out
We have some brilliant national leaders here in the IDU!