Even if covered like so, the US election is not simply an expensive sport. While no country can go alone in today’s world the economic, military, diplomatic power of the United States of America make it the single most influential nation on earth. There is really no exaggeration in saying that US politics matter to the entire world.

As the 2016 presidential election draws to a close, Universe of Faith takes a look at six policy issues that raised by this erratic political season. Understanding what political parties talk about is more important than what they say about it; in this strict list Universe of Faith identifies the central themes prevalent in today’s American society and, arguably, the western world.

#1 Society seeks an Optimistic Identity

The slogans of the four main parties are inspirational and unifying, carrying a sense of community, enthusiasm and national esteem. Apart from a rousing communication strategy the choice reflects concerns about a splintering, unequal society and a struggle with the fears and effects of globalisation.

“Stronger Together , Democrats

“Make America Great Again , Republicans

“Power to the People , Greens

“Our Best America Yet , Libertarians

#2 Climate Talk is Universal Language

Temperatures rise over this argument and while Greens candidate Jill Stein has made environmental protection and green economy the foundation of her campaign, Republican Donald Trump altogether dismissed Climate Change as a hoax and wants to withdraw from the Paris 2016 accord. Both Libertarian Gary Johnson and Democratic Hillary Clinton are on Stein’s side albeit taking a less radical stance. Candidates do not speak in one voice on the impact of economy development on environmental care and vice versa but the discussion is decidedly an important one.

#3 Immigration has become a Political Puzzle

Republican candidate Trump entered the scene calling not only for a halt on immigration but also the deportation of undocumented immigrants living in the US. Libertarian Johnson, in contrast, wants a simpler and more efficient entryway into the country. Stein for the Greens similarly wants to create a more welcoming America and the Democratic candidate Clinton is proposing health benefits for undocumented immigrants. With so much airtime and news columns dedicated to the incoming flow of people from less developed countries, immigration is a major concern for the 2016 electorate.

#4 Society Suffers from Security Anxiety

One of the most thrown-about terms in this election was “terrorism , turning foreign policy debates into discussions on national security. Again, candidates stand worlds apart on the subject and while Clinton is a firm believer in soft-power, alliances and diplomacy, Stein understands security leadership as initiating global nuclear disarmament. Johnson accepts that a case for deployment of troops to keep trouble away may be made in particular situations. Trump proposes to disengage from present alliances and increase military spending at home. The war of words among candidates reveals the uneasiness with safety among Americans.

#5 Economic Acumen Rules

The four parties agree that a broader and stronger middle class is the best plan for a better economy. The Democrats aspire to end “quarterly capitalism in favour of longer-term economics that benefits the up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Johnson wants to scrap taxes on earnings and introduce taxation on consumption instead while Stein promises a $15 hourly minimum wage across all states. Trump wants to pull out of multinational trade deals and protect American industries at home. Economic performance (and the interpretation of that) remains the ultimate test for presidents.

#6 Racial Injustice is Widespread

The question of race still strikes a sensitive chord across the electorate. The two major party candidates have locked horns over the practice of “stop and frisk by police officers. Trump believes that it is an effective deterrent against violent attacks but Clinton strongly opposes the method. Stein wants to demilitarize the police force and enact a Reconciliation Commission to heal racial division. Johnson intends to remove mandatory minimum sentences on a number of offences that mostly disadvantage non-whites.

Nathanael Muscat

The post Six Thing the US Election Taught Us About Society appeared first on Universe of Faith.

1. Faith in the Wild, Anglican , Bear Grylls

You would expect a man dropped in the wild with nothing but a swiss-kinfe, to pray a lot. However, star survivor Bear Grylls admits that faith is not about finding safe escape in times of need but about finding joy and the sense of being held. http://tinyurl.com/327xhey

2. Rooney’s Religion, Catholic , Wayne Rooney

Asked by a journalist about the rosary around his neck, Wayne Rooney replied “It’s my religion . Although the interview was swiftly interruped by a media officer on behalf of the team, the striker’s blunt answer reveals just enough about the English Football captain’s faith. http://tinyurl.com/zd7l5qp

3. Served by the Queen, Anglican , Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II reigns over more than 140 million people across the globe, from the UK to Grenada and from the Solomon Islands to Canada. The Queen is one of the most popular and longest-reigning monarchs ever, yet in no uncertain terms she declares Jesus “the King she serves .  http://tinyurl.com/jf7an8y

4. Comedian, Actor, TV Host, Catholic , Stephen Colbert

Featured twice in Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people, Stephen Colbert is a familiar face on American TV. When he is not impersonating Donald Trump, you’ll find him engaged in a mocking discussion with some untouchable. Known for his biting wit, Colbert believes that Jesus, too, has a sense of humour and that the Church is a joyful sign of God. http://tinyurl.com/jy9fahc

5. Hall of Faith, Catholic , Babe Ruth

Arguably the greatest baseball player of all times, Babe Ruth admits that for him “knowledge of God was a big crossroads . Eventually, the Pitcher found comfort in God’s embrace and revealed that even when he was away from the Church, he would still drop to his knees in prayer. http://tinyurl.com/hll8l7k

6. Welcome to the Family, Catholic , Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman considers the Catholic Church as part of her “essence and was keen on baptising her own daughter, Sunday Rose. The actress was clearly moved by the simple and “beautiful ceremony in a small church outside of Siena, Italy. http://tinyurl.com/hz7tsyf

7. God’s Quarterback, Evangelical , Tim Tebow

One of the best-knowns of American Football, Tim Tebow, divides opinion on his sporting qualities. But when it comes to concrete acts of charity, everyone agrees on the quarterback’s generosity of spirit. Tebow finds inspiration in the Word of God, creating a sensation when he used to write bible verses on his eye black during games. http://tinyurl.com/hhrsqs4

8. Faith in the Oval Office, Catholic , Joe Biden

Joe Biden became the first Catholic Vice President of the US, serving under Obama’s two terms. Facing the situations in world’s most powerful office, Biden finds “solace in his religion. He also admits that his faith carried him through his most terrible experience, his son’s slow death. http://tinyurl.com/hgvhx7r

9. Freestyle Faith , Kate Ziegler

Long-distance freestyle swimmer Kate Ziegler has won 15 medals in international competitions, but knows that her success does not only rely on her abilities. The American sees her skills in the pool as a gift from God and recites a scripture verse each time before jumping in. https://patchworkheart.podbean.com/e/young-catholics-respond-kate-ziegler/

10. Faith on Camera, Catholic , Steve Carell

Actor Steve Carell claims that although his adherence to the Church is “casual , he actively maintains it. The comdian feels that he has been shaped by his Catholic faith and Meryl Streep observes an “uncommon openness and humanity about him. http://tinyurl.com/d8kuvkn

Compiled by Nathanael Muscat

Read more:
– Short Church Quotes By Famous People
– “I Lived With Mother Teresa” – Mother Teresa Personality Traits
– Celebrity Faith Database

The post 10 Famous, Faithful, Practising, Christian Celebrities appeared first on Universe of Faith.