Does religion play a major role in voting for a political candidate?

Answer 1

It's been estimated that Bush got about 27 to 31 million votes from the fundamentalist Christians in 2000 and 2004. So I would say it's now pretty major.

And why? The secular progressives went too far in their agenda. People will say that its all about gay marriage but it's not. It's when they yank the 10 commandments out of courthouses, and say that it is no longer "proper" to say "Merry Christmas". That's when they start to circle the wagons.

Besides, who else besides the ACLU would fight for the right of a website that gives pedophiles "pointers" on how to seduce children to stay on the Internet?

Answer 2

As a fundamental of the Constitution it should not, but given the evangelical and conservative propaganda machine, it has become a major issue. I would rather have a leader who makes decisions with his head and not his religion. Religion has been the basis for far too many bloody wars. When leaders start to express their own personal beliefs it polarizes other countries and the citizens of that nation.

Besides most of the politcal leaders we have now that are devout followers of a particular religion have routinely been found to have violated those beliefs while maintaining office. Even religious leaders have been exposed as hypocrites. This only serves to damage the morale of the people and also create a distrust amongst their constituents.

Answer 3

Absolutely.

It was a major issue for JFK - the first Catholic president. Many voters feared he would be subservient to the Pope.

It was an issue for Carter, the first "born again" president. Many considered this radical at the time.

It is an issue today for Mit Romney, a Mormon presidential candidate. Many consider the Mormon church to be illegitimate at best, a cult at worst.

National politics remains a game most easily played by mainstream, white anglo-saxon protestant men, simply because there are fewer people with racist, religious, or sexist biases against them.

Answer 4

Yes it always has and todays politicians count on the votes they can attract by representing christian points of view and how they will deal with certain laws .
While we got Sodomy laws removed many people are in jail prosecuted by the right under these laws .
What does this tell you .
Religion and its morales are used to jail transgressors of moral laws even though they have been found unconstitutional .
This is way a strong separation exists and should .

Answer 5

To me it's all about what I think the candidate will do for this country. If I think a candidate's religion will affect that, then it becomes fair game when it comes to voting for that person.

Answer 6

human beings are short sighted whilst thinking the financial gadget. evaluate the actuality that Bush's rules ruined the infastructure of the financial gadget and for this reason the reprucussions are nevertheless being felt and are conflicting against Obama's and are destructive to destiny progression. Obama's QE is powerful yet takes time and self belief it incredibly is a few thing we've not got and a 4 12 months term is nowhere long adequate for his education on the thank you to take finished impact.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Of course it does, people vote based on values. All I'd like is for them to recognize the difference between their religious values and the values of the constitution.

Answer 9

I'm sure it does. Those who have a stronger-based faith will naturally gravitate towards a candidate who promises to pass laws that fit their moral senses.

For instance, socially conservative Christians naturally gravitate towards the republican party because it promises to pass socially conservative laws (never mind that it creates a bloated government rather than a small one....).

Too bad the current administration used them just for power and is laughing behind their backs...Just ask David Kuo, a conservative Christian who worked for Bush for several years before quitting in disgust.

Answer 10

No not normally. However a Muslim would turn me away. They have shown too often that they are for their religion only. I couldn't trust them to be for all the people.