Religion: A pawn in the political game of power

By Georgie Earley
Reader Contributor

History clearly shows that infusing religion into government leads to division, repression and conflict. Yet almost half of all governments are intertwined with religion to various degrees. Once entrenched, that’s hard to reverse. 

In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church merged into politics around the fourth century. By the sixth century, it was a religious, political and military regional authority. By the 12th century, the pope was wealthier and more powerful than kings and emperors. And as its wealth and power grew, so did its repression, which by the 16th century resulted in a bloody reformation until the last man was executed in 1826 in Spain for failing to attend mass and for teaching heresy. 

Similarly, here in the “New World,” by the late 1700s, 11 of the 13 colonies had tax-supported churches that dominated politics. They restricted speech, voting rights and land ownership; and many required compulsory worship and religious oaths for public office. The repression both in America and in Europe prompted the framers of our constitution to create a secular government free from religious entanglements. 

In the past century, we’ve seen division and religious-based civil conflicts between Sunnis and Shias in the Middle East, Protestants and Catholics in Ireland, Christians and Muslims in the Philippines and more. At least 10 countries are currently involved in religion-based international conflicts. 

So why does this pattern persist? 

Research by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs points to “religious outbidding,” where “political leaders use religious identity to strengthen their legitimacy.” Religion, as with any ideology, creates strong in-group identities that, when threatened or exploited, can fuel conflicts, dividing communities and justifying violence against “others.” When used politically, absolute beliefs lead to structural injustice, political exclusion and/or militant extremist action. 

We are now seeing this in the United States. Laws and policies being passed increasingly reflect narrow religious perspectives. More than 100 well-funded organizations openly advocate for reshaping public policy to make America conform to their singular religious belief. For example, in 2025, the group WallBuilders introduced 96 bills through “Project Blitz,” targeting education, health care and environmental, economic and social policy. Twenty-eight of these bills sought to incorporate religious ideology into public schools across at least 16 states, including Idaho. Many are now in court.

Long-upheld safeguards are also being challenged. The 1954 Johnson Amendment was enacted to prohibit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, from engaging in political campaigns. This rule has helped to prevent tax-deductible donations from funding political activity; prevent wealthy donors and politicians from using nonprofits as shields for undisclosed political donations; protect nonprofits from manipulation through political campaign funding; and preserve political neutrality within and between religious institutions. 

Bonner County has more than 500 nonprofit and religious organizations, including more than 30 houses of worship in Sandpoint, each with its own doctrinal view. Politicizing churches could easily create division within, and conflict between, these organizations and other nonprofit groups in our community and throughout our country. 

Yet, in July 2025, the IRS intended to settle a lawsuit regarding the Johnson Amendment, which, when combined with language included in the 2026 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, would have opened the door to political activities for religious organizations while preserving their tax-exempt status. A federal judge dismissed the case in March. The IRS decision is now being appealed, but for now, the Johnson Amendment stands. 

In Idaho during the 12-week 2020 legislative session, 559 bills were introduced; 341 passed. In 2025, 1,378 bills were drafted, 790 were introduced and 341 passed, many advancing sectarian parochialism. In 2026, 2,665 bills were drafted, 817 introduced and 350 passed, leaving little time for lawmakers to read and understand the enduring impacts of each bill or for public input. Some had none. 

In February, lawmakers attempted to repeal Idaho’s Blaine Amendment, which has prohibited public funding for religious institutions since 1890. Then-Senate Bill 1365, which failed narrowly, would have allowed certain political donations through churches and their donors to avoid disclosure requirements, overriding Idaho’s Sunshine Law, which, it’s worth noting, was created by a 1974 voter initiative and passed with 77% of the votes. 

Then, on April 9, Gov. Brad Little and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield announced a partnership with the religious organization Turning Point USA to ensure Club America chapters are present on every high school campus “without administrative obstruction.” 

When governments align too closely with any single ideology, history repeatedly shows freedom erodes and conflict grows. It’s incumbent on citizens to pay attention and ensure balance. And in our democratic republic, it’s worth remembering: What’s granted to one is granted to all, regardless of belief. 

Thomas Jefferson said that “religious beliefs are a matter which lies solely between man and his God.” In a democracy, respect for differing views is not just a courtesy, but a cornerstone of liberty. So let’s elect leaders who demonstrate that respect, who know history and will represent and serve the people — not a person, party or ideology.

Georgia Earley is a Bonners Ferry resident.