When will America have its first atheist president?

Question

y r all men: you're right, but the lack of religious beliefs helps!

Answer 1

When hell freezes over. Though maybe you should modify that to "acknowledged atheist"

Answer 2

Unfortunately it will be a long time from now. That is because religious people vote for the candidate who follows their religious beliefs, not necessarily the best person just one who believes in their God. That is one of the biggest shameful things that happens as that promotes so many stupid religious people getting in to power who are inept and corrupt, but hey, they practice the right religion.
Secondly, atheists have a tendency to respect others and their beliefs and morals. Religious monkeys do not and think it is their right to push their values and beliefs on others, and that they have the right to interfere and control other people's lives. Hence atheists tend to stay away from politics, where pushy religious people get into politics.

Answer 3

Based upon the fact over 40% of Americans believe the Earth was created about a thousand years after the Sumerians invented glue, I'd say the prospects of an atheist president aren't very good.

However, I truly believe that someday religious fundamentalism (not religion as a whole) will be defeated entirely. And then the way for a secularist leader will be open.

I also have a feeling that many of our nation's leaders haven't been as religious as they'd like us to believe. The prejudice against atheists in our society s simply too great for them to "come out" as it were, and have any hope of being elected.

Answer 4

To sum up the above:
Any aspiring political person, aiming to gather as many votes as possible in the race for the top slot would not DARE to admit that he/she was an atheist. Instantly, they would lose the zillions of votes from the over-religious US population.
From MY point of view, and I'm not even a US citizen, I would FAR prefer there to be an atheist in control, who would have a far more profound grasp of reality than someone who believes in a fairy-tale and thus admits he/she is that stupid.
So, not until the bulk of the US public have dumped religion will there ever be the slimmest chance of a candidate NOT toeing the line and being a god-fearing idiot - or claiming to be. Hypocrasy is alive and well in the political world.

Answer 5

Unfortunately it's the people who elect the president and the majority of people are religious, and in America, mainly Christians.
So probably not for a long while.

Answer 6

Not in our lifetime. Christianity pretty much dominates this land. Not necessarily the government, but it does dominate most of the voters who turnout. Maybe there has been an atheist president, who knew that claiming Christianity would give them a better chance in getting in the Oval Office. I mean Bush probably isn't, but his actions aren't really that of a true Christian.

Answer 7

Oh sheesh... not for a long time unfortunately, I'm sure. I mean... 52% of Americans disbelieve in Evolution and prefer the 6,000 year old Earth idea. And (some percentage, I forgot what) believe Jesus will back within the next FIFTY years and... that the world will end too I think.

It's a pretty lose-lose case here for atheists. :-(

Answer 8

I don't care if the Prez is Christian, Muslim or Buddhist as long as he (or she) believes in the principles of secularism. Granted, that's easier for an atheist to do.

The early founders were Deists, by the way, they didn't believe in organised religion, hence America is a secular country. Secularism was the cornerstone of America's early success imho.

Answer 9

When Jim Darwin gets enough campaign contributions to make it worth his while.

Jim Darwin for president!!!

Dawin '08.

Answer 10

since most atheists tend to mind their own business and don't really yearn for power, probably not anytime soon.