People in Western democracies have certain fundamental
rights and freedoms. Our laws are based on the principle
that the law serves the individual, not the state. and that
state political interests cannot outweigh the interests of
the individual.

In contrast, V. I. Lenin made it clear that, in his political
philosophy, law has but one primary goal. "A law is a
political measure, it is politics."

No Soviet authority or communist leader has abandoned this
concept.

It has been applied in the territories "liberated" by the
Bolsheviks during the October revolution, in the captive nations
occupied by the Red Army during World War II and in the lands won
by military force or "wars of liberation" in Asia, Africa, the
Far East, and the Caribbean.

In our country we believe in a person's right to liberty
and in restraining the power of our rulers. This is a concept
foreign to the system resulting from the Bolshevik revolution
and communist controlled lands.

The distinction between the two concepts is one
believes in freedom, liberty, and the right to the pursuit of
happiness as opposed to the interest, control, and domination
of the state over the individual.

Lenin's perception was so repulsive to the legal traditions of
Western Democracies - that they have long been complacent in the
belief that the specter of Lenin's concept of law was confined
to the sphere of communist influence and control.

Attempts are now being made to spread it further by Putin's
invasion of Ukraine - as a stepping stone, and by China trying
to reach out to other spheres.

We do need to be vigilant. It may be someone else today - but
it could be us under threat tomorrow.

Religion is not oppressed in China, in fact China has higher rates of religious participation than Australia. So much for communism oppressing religion. As a percentage of the population more Cubans, a communist country, practice Christian religion (Catholic) than in Australia.

National surveys conducted during the early 21st century estimated that 80% of the Chinese population practice some form of folk religion, for a total of over 1 billion people. 13–16% of the population are Buddhists, 10% are Taoists; 2.53% are Christians, and 0.83% are Muslims.

mhaze,

While summarising complex historical events in a limited word count inevitably involves some simplification, it’s important to recognize that Europe’s rise was influenced by multiple factors, not just Christianity. Events like the Black Death, Gutenberg’s printing press, and the Reformation were significant, but they were part of a larger mix that included political fragmentation, economic changes, and the rediscovery of classical texts from Greek and Islamic scholars.

Europe’s geopolitical and economic conditions played a crucial role. Unlike the centralised empires of China and the Islamic world, Europe’s competitive state system fostered innovation and exploration. This political fragmentation created an environment where states and cities competed, driving progress. Additionally, new trade routes and colonisation provided the financial resources needed for scientific and industrial advancements.

Intellectual and cultural exchanges between Europe and other regions were also vital. The translation of Arabic texts into Latin during the Middle Ages brought significant scientific, mathematical, and philosophical knowledge to Europe. Chinese inventions such as gunpowder, the compass, and papermaking had major impacts on European development. These exchanges show that Europe’s advancements were part of a broader, interconnected world.

Regarding slavery, the idea that only Christian societies abolished it overlooks the complex historical reality. The abolition movement in Europe and America was driven by Enlightenment ideals and economic changes, not solely Christian doctrine. Slavery persisted in various forms even in Christian societies long after its official abolition, influenced by economic inefficiency and political pressure from activists and enslaved people.

The Reformation was a complex phenomenon influenced by political and economic factors as well as religious ones. The rise of Protestantism provided a counterbalance to the Catholic Church’s authority, aligning with political rulers seeking greater independence. This decentralisation allowed for a variety of ideas and reduced the monopoly of religious dogma, fostering an environment where scientific and intellectual exploration could thrive.

Europe’s advancements resulted from a unique combination of political, economic, intellectual, and cultural factors, with Christianity being one of many contributing elements. Recognizing this complexity provides a more accurate understanding of why Europe emerged as a dominant force in the early modern period.

ttbn,

The idea that the separation of church and state is uniquely a Christian concept based on Jesus’ words demonstrates a naivete on the history of its origins.

While the phrase, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s", has been interpreted to support the separation, it wasn't the main driver of this concept in Western political development. The separation of church and state really took shape during the Enlightenment, influenced by thinkers like John Locke, who argued for individual rights and freedoms, including religious freedom. These ideas came from a broader philosophical movement rather than directly from Christian doctrine alone.

Saying that Australia is a secular state because Christianity dictates it misses the point. Secularism in Australia, like in many Western countries, was shaped by Enlightenment principles emphasising the importance of keeping religious authority separate from government to protect freedom of conscience for everyone, regardless of their beliefs.

The idea that the decline of Christianity is creating a vacuum that Islam will fill is speculative and overlooks the diversity of beliefs and secular trends in modern Western societies. While some Muslims might see opportunities in this context, it’s important to remember that Western societies are characterised by a wide range of beliefs and ideologies. The future cultural and religious landscape will be shaped by many factors, including migration, education, and political developments.