politics and religion?

Question

How important is religion (any) in american politics. What kind of role does it play?

Answer 1

it plays an important role in our goverment no matter how much we try to sepperate the two. our dissisions are based on what we belive is right and true, that includes our riligion no matter what it might be.

Answer 2

These United States were founded on and by men who believed strongly in Christianity. So, why the First Ammendment "Freedom OF Religion?"
The original crew assigned to write the new Constitution were Madison, Jefferson, Henry and Jay. Henry wanted a law requiring that every man eligible to vote be required to belong to and pay tithing to a church. In his view, this would ensure that only God fearing Christians would have a say.
The others saw things differently. This would then lead to a state appointed and approved church -- just like the English with their Church of England. That being the case, why break from the mother country? They tried to disuade Henry, but he would not let it go. They then convinced him to run for Governor (of Virginia). He did, was elected (their first) and was then forced to give up his seat in Congress (and his say in the writing of the Constitution).
The First Ammendment was even a thorn (to a small degree) in Jefferson's side -- and it was HIS idea! Read the letters addressed to the Baptist Chruch of Bathesda...
How important is religion? It is the basis of all of society! What do the Ten Commandments teach? These are the basic premise for all of our laws. Regardless of their origin -- for those who are athiest, agnostic or just political correct, those basic laws are the rock foundation onwhich everything here stands.
Religion has morphed over the years.We've moved way from a God to be feared (fire and brimstone) to one of love and compassion. Today's followers seem more at ease with the idea that they can pick and choose which laws they will obey and those they can dismiss as being too literal a translation. It should be the cornerstone and foundation it has always been.

Answer 3

I would have to say that history can better answer this question.
America was founded on Christian principals and in a little over 225 years has arguably become the greatest nation in the world.
Do you think this would be true if America had been founded by Muslims and governed by Sharia rule? Or if a dictatorship or monarchy had been the foundation?
There are indeed certain inalienable rights - and when the people recognize this, a greater good will be had by all citizens.

Answer 4

Religion is a powerful drug, and all too often, it just totally seduces it's users.

In moderation, religion/spirituality is a good thing. People treat one another with respect, with a sense of empathy and sympathy, knowing full well that all of us are not that far from living in a homeless shelter or a cardboard box.

But in larger doses, religion leads people to believe that the Lord actually sanctions their personal agendas, whether they're common individuals or politicians.

Just take a look at people like David Koresh, Jim Jones or Marshall Applewhite.

Make no mistake about it, religion can be the source of great love or great horror.

Be wary of any politician who thinks that God speaks directly to him.

Answer 5

It should not be that important except for the forming of the president's values. Many presidents have used their religion in forming policy. Some did not because they were politically religionists - you know attend church for photo op.
JFK was 1st Catholic, GW the 1st born again Christian.

Answer 6

Religion establishes a fundamental set of beliefs that people pattern their lives around .
Its to bad that more people do not practice what they preach .

Answer 7

USA was founded on Christianity ( Protestantism )

Answer 8

It is irrelevant unless you are a jerky neo conservative who thinks god rules everything and everyone should be just like you.