Clergy, Political Leadership, and Lebanon’s Parties
Resumen
In r/Lebanon, this announcement questions whether clergy should lead political parties and influence national strategy. It focuses on Hezbollah’s religious leadership and asks whether comparable religious authority would be accepted in other Lebanese parties, raising questions about accountability, critical thinking, and religion in politics.
Clergy men as leaders of parties. Not OK for thee, but OK for me.
I noticed One thing that doesn't get brought up quite enough, because it seems to be one of those things that have slipped through our collective consciousness as "that's how it is, 3adé". That the thing I am referring to is: How has it become normal for most Lebanese to see a clergy man always as the Leader of Hezbollah, and just shrug it off as "yeah, it's how their party is, not our business to question their choices".
Well, no. It is irresponsible to not question their choices. Especially in a country like Lebanon. And especially with a party that has total allegiance to a bigger clergy man in another country... And then we keep wondering why the Hezb get "brainwashed" so easily, and why they lack "critical thinking", and how come they say things so detached from reality? While it is true that you don't really need religion as a main ingredient to brainwash people; even a seemingly secular party can do that (SSNP for example). But throw in a dash of divine inspiration in the mix, and you can do wonders. And throw in divine orders (like Nasrallah used to like to do) and you get a whole community ready and willing to commit mass suicide (then come back and nag at the government for their plight...)
So, my next question now is mostly aimed at the seemingly "secular" supporters of Hezb and who don't question any of their choice - but full on religious Hezbos are also encouraged to answer as well.
Since it seems OK for Hezb to have their top clergy man leading a party, and deciding their political strategies and ideologies, which ends up affecting not only the communities that Hezb represent, but all of Lebanon as well. Would it be OK also for other parties to do the same? Would it be Ok for Owet to appoint some hermit from Kannoubin, who starts preaching that his visions told him that the Ottoman Ardognaian Empire os rising again, and that all Christians must arm themselves to the teeth? And to stay strong because the Vatican will fund them through illegal smuggling, and even send crusader missions to a...
Post Author: /u/Darth-Myself
Content Warning: None
