Religion in Politics

[Dave]

As I've mentioned on a few occasions, I'm not religious to speak of... don't even really consider myself spiritual even. I'm best described probably as being agnostic which I believe means that you think their is a possibility of a higher power/god but are not convinced of the possibility. With that said, let's broach the subject of when politics and religion get mixed up. Myself, I believe everyone has a right to practice or not practice whatever religion they so desire. A big majority of the country is religious, that's a fact. Obviously there are going to be plenty of people that serve the public on either the local, state or federal level that go to church and/or consider themselves to be religious.

Here's where we get to the heart of the discussion.. how do you feel when said politicians base decisions on their religious views? For me, it depends on in what way they are using this view. If they are making the decision because they believe that their god told them to do so, then I'd be worried. If a person is using their political perspective in part to make a decision then I'm a bit less worried. There are a few moral aspects that are usually in play to in making some decisions and there are plenty of times when those moral decisions are made on the basis of their religion.

I'd prefer if there was a little less religion in politics really.. I always get a little queasy when I hear someone say that their god told them to do this or do that. I'd just assume a important decision be made on the basis of fact more then anything else, it would probably help keep more wars from happening as religion tends to start more wars then most anything else.

[Sweater Cows!]

R'Amen

[AQUAMAN]

People have made religion in politics an overblown issue all through history, but it truly hasn't been a serious concern for the USA. Faith based Presidents such as Kennedy, Carter, Bush I, Reagan, and many others respected what our forefathers deemed as appropriate and reasonable without letting it interfere with their policies. Huckabee is the most recent candidate that was picked on too, and he is also a fine man. Fear mongering by the liberals is the poison here, and their cries to obtain distortions to achieve a higher agenda, that of liberalism/socialism. Don't be fooled by this old poison.

[XLFD]

Religion in politics is not the problems, as Aquaman said, as long as the officeholder can keep it distinct from their policies, and consider their full constituency.  The bigger problem we are currently facing is the discrimination against those who may be considered too religeous or practicing a poorly understood or unpopular religion. 

Mitt Romney took too much flak for his Mormon faith in the last presidential primaries, Sarah Palin took a lot of criticism for the strength of her faith, Huckabee and Perry have been lampooned unfairly for some of their faith-based opinions.  Obama has had some unfair criticism of his religiosity.  Some of this can be fair game if the candidate makes it so, but often it isn't and is driven by extremists.

[Willy]

Dave

I agree with you.

 

Aquaman

Well said.

[easymoney]

Do you find that your religeous beliefs in any way hampers your ability to do your job????

[Dave]

Who is that a question too?

If by chance it was directed to me the answer would be no. I'll try and look at anything of a ethical issue from a factual basis and go from there.

[easymoney]

no one in particular, to many people throw in religion, without ever thinking of their own.

[AQUAMAN]

Good point as usual easymoney, thanks.

[Edie Lindsey]

EZ$$$, That's what all candidates need to candidly answer, even the secular, godless progressives. 

[easymoney]

never going to happen. I'm sure visiting all 57 states was just an honest mistake. anyone can make a mistake, even a presidential canidate. to bad people weren't listening. altho there are 57 muslim states

[AQUAMAN]

The old adage that religion alone should be of serious concern is hogwash at best. When JFK ran for the office of President, he was also questioned and lampooned as a Catholic, and whether those particular beliefs were too over the top, as none past elected had that faith. If you are going to vote on an individual based primarily on his/her religion, then maybe all faiths should just be combined, and not separate. Maybe if someone is younger than any other elected to that office, then you should just elect the oldest candidate, not the one with the best ideas and policies. These all dovetail together imho.