The Bible as a form of propaganda
“As the term is used in America, reformist propagandas are those which set out to modify conditions in the name of moral standards… As the term is used in Europe, reformist propagandas are those directed at broad or deep political, economic, or social changes by gradual modifications of an existing structure rather than by its replacement by a new one.” (Lasswell, 16)
The major significance and impact of the Bible makes it a form of propaganda. Throughout most of Feudal Europe the Bible was interpreted in such a way to give the Church political, social, and landholding power over the common people. People could not oppose authority because they were uneducated. Fortunately, the printing press was invented and changed the state of illiteracy and eventually aspects of the existing structure. Common people were now able to interpret the Bible on their own which in turn helped them realize they were not destined to be in servitude and they could create their own fate. The Bible is a form of propaganda because while it was limited to a few people it was able to inflict oppression and after it was spread to the masses it was used for liberation.
The major significance and impact of the Bible makes it a form of propaganda. Throughout most of Feudal Europe the Bible was interpreted in such a way to give the Church political, social, and landholding power over the common people. People could not oppose authority because they were uneducated. Fortunately, the printing press was invented and changed the state of illiteracy and eventually aspects of the existing structure. Common people were now able to interpret the Bible on their own which in turn helped them realize they were not destined to be in servitude and they could create their own fate. The Bible is a form of propaganda because while it was limited to a few people it was able to inflict oppression and after it was spread to the masses it was used for liberation.
posted by Z. Jarvis at 5:36 PM
1 Comments:
A good quotation and discussion, but you have two topics here: The first is the quote, the second is the Bible as powerful tool of persuasion. Choose one topic next time and develop it.
Religion is a powerful instrument of mass persuasion not just for religious movements but also for political persuasion, especially in American politics.
It would be very difficult to be a successful politician without being able to use biblical language and images in you campaign.
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