Do you consider religion a relevant factor to choose who to vote for?

Answer 1

Yes. If you are a firm believer in a particular religion, then it should affect all aspects of your life. That includes for whom you vote.

Okay, maybe I misinterpreted the question. MY religion is a factor in how I vote. The candidate's religion is somewhat irrelevant because I don't know any of them personally and so all I could go by is what they say. And, I think we all realize, candidates will say whatever it takes to win.

Answer 2

In someways, yes. Religion comes bundled with a set of morals and philosophies, and influences the decision making process of the devout. Knowing which text the candidate values above all others can give you a glimpse of what parables and parallels will come to their mind in certain situations. It's not the end-all and be-all of my vote, but it's another piece of the puzzle.

Usually it's a moot point, because politics is the art of compromise. That has a tendancy to nullify a politician's religious wonts. From that perspective, it doesn't really matter which church they ignore on a day-to-day basis. I just want to know who they pray to when things get really, really, bad (which happens to the President sometimes).

Answer 3

Absolutely. I vote according to my own personal views and beliefs, and think everyone should. For instance, I vote for people I think will raise taxes less, that's not really a religious issue, so the candidate's religious views don't matter. But I also vote for people who believe in sustaining my (and everyone else's) freedom of religion so I look at what they say about religion, and vote for the person that seems less likely to impose his own (or his supporters) religious views on everyone else. So then, his religious views make a bit of a difference.

When talking about politicians though, you really must understand that they all lie about everything in order to get votes, so if they say they have a certain religious (or any other) view, you can't really trust that they are telling the truth.

Answer 4

yes, morals are all based on religion. i would not vote for someone who sacrificed chickens or spoke in tongues. their beliefs are a direct reflection of how they would act in general. if a person was not religious, as long as their ideas are good and honest, i would also consider them. it should not be a determining factor but a persons upbringing has to be relevant. after all, it is what made them who they are.

Answer 5

Only in one way. After George Bush, I have resolved to indeed be concerned about a candidate that uses religion as part of his political platform. It's not a good sign, obviously.

Answer 6

That depends, am I concerned about which church, cathedral, synagogue, mosque or tabernacle a person goes to to worship their God as they choose, absolutely no concern. If the person is linked to a jihad declaring radical Islamic Group or some Skin Head Nazi hate group trying to restore the world order of the Reich, ya might have some impact on my vote!

Answer 7

Occasionally. For instance, I won't vote for a conservative of any religion. They primarily only vote their religious views rather than what is best for their constituents. There used to be mid-level conservatives, but apparently, they don't get into elections any longer. What a shame.

Answer 8

No, I am not religious, but I do believe that they should have morals. I vote on political beliefs.

Answer 9

Many religions have official positions on abortion, and there is a correlation between the official positions and the personal positions of adherents. Furthermore, the level of homogeneity in abortion views is high in specific religious sects.

"Religious beliefs" are reported as the main opinion forming influence for 50% of those who oppose abortion; "non-religious beliefs" are reported as the main influence for the plurality of those who support it. However, one need not be religious to oppose abortion

Answer 10

No. I want to know their positions on issues of a political nature.