Do you feel religion should factor into politics?

Question

What do you see as the pros and cons in mixing religion with politics?
Moral behavior is a necessity for a successful culture. For many cultures, religion provides that moral base.
There is a distinct difference, however, between a sin against God and a sin against man.
How exactly should religion factor into politics, if at all?

Answer 1

Other than treating one's fellow man as one would wish to be treated, religion doesn't belong in politics.

All religions are supposed to be equally embraced in this country, so no ONE of them has got any special, particular claim to be the "official" one, and they should all stay the hell out of politics.

As Dennis Miller said,"Religion is most often the backboard for every bank shot put up by someone making it their business to get into your business."

Answer 2

I am a Christian first, an American next, and a Democrat third.

I feel just as strong about one as the others.

It is impossible for me to not intertwine the three, however the heads of state, or the Government officials, are not supposed to mix religion with politics.

This is a very difficult things to do, since this country was based on freedom of religion.

What folks need to realize is that "ALL" religions are accepted, here in America, according to the founders of this great nation, and to criticize another's religion is anti-American, although it may be pro-their religious beliefs.

This is why the two should never be mixed, in Government, and why the Government must always stay neutral to religions.

I hope this helps you to have a better understanding.

.

Answer 3

I'm not saying religion is bad, I believe in God and have many of my own beliefs. However, when you run for office you should remember that you're representing people of different faiths. You shouldn't impose your beliefs on them, don't legislate morality. What the evangelicals have done in the last couple of decades is a travesty, I think Jesus is offended. Using his name to get votes is simply disugusting. There are many politicians where I live that never mentioned their religious belief. Yet, they still were elected and we're doing fine. There is definite abuse in using religion as a way to win votes, I think that is immoral.

Answer 4

Religion should be completely separate from Government and those who practice it should be looked at with some concern if they are running for office .
Christians are a war like group with little remorse for killing and bombing others into submission .
Islamics tend to go one step further and yet we have never had anyone with one of the Eastern religious philosophy run for high office .

No matter what religion people tend to follow it is a sign of a weak mind and lack of education or the ability to accept reality .

If you want to live in a dream world get a job at Disney and try to survive on $9.75 an hour with a 28-34 hour a week schedule .

Answer 5

NEVER. One thing people need to look at is what they have been taught all their lives about God, Church, universe and etc. It would be great if people did exactly what God said to do in life, but they don't.
Who is having to live under a government? Is it God or people? Why put religion into something that works perfectly fine without it. Even though our government is crooked, it can be fixed if everyone wants the thing fixed.

Answer 6

Yes, but it is being abused right now.

People are hiding from logic under the excuse of "God."

God says this is right, and this is wrong. If you do this, it is a disgrace to God.

For example, gay marriage. People that are against it are really homophobes that are picking and choosing evidence from the bible. (or really naive)

Yes, the bible says that marriage between to men is wrong.

The bible also recommends having slaves, and stoning your wife to death on your wedding night if she is not a virgin.

See? Picking and choosing evidence. I believe and God, and feel that the bible should not be taken literally. Jesus tortures because in it. That doesn't mean torture is right.

I believe that our society needs moral guidance, and "In God I Trust."

However, religion should not be used to get your way in politics.

Answer 7

Religion does not give you morality. Religion took over morality and bent it to suit its own ends - people would not be immoral without religion - they merely behave well out of fear of reprisals from God.

Religion should never, ever come into politics. I don't believe "God told me to do it, so you can't argue with me" is a valid excuse for anyone other than psychopaths.

Answer 8

It's unrealistic to think it won't. Religion, like philosophy, is the basis for a belief system, and people vote by their belief systems.

This is like asking people not to vote or act based on things they've read that influenced their lives.

I don't think this bodes well for the American political system, but it's reality. Tell people to keep religion out of politics, and they'll vote the same way and claim religion has nothing to do with it.

Answer 9

Philosophy is the discipline concerned with the questions of how one should live. Both religion and politics are philosophies and closely related more than people think.

Answer 10

Basically, a person should be able to commit as many transgressions against God as he wishes. He or she, however, has no right to sin against man, murder, rape, etc.
Most often the line between sins against God and sins against man are pretty clear. The abortion issue is one that seems to fall in both categories.