What makes an atheist a less worthy political candidate?

Question

Yes, some like to say religious affiliation does not matter to them, and maybe that's true, but the reality is far from this. Atheist politicians are forced to either lie about their faith, or expect a definate defeat. Why is a Christian such a better choice?

If you don't agree, why do you think such a large portion of America does?

"athiests seem to go out of their way to insist that there is none, and launch a campaign to rid the world of religion"

I don't think you know many atheists, but most are very tolerant of religions -- but very intolerant of the idea of endorsing one religion over another

Regarding morals, doing what is right simply because you believe you'll be held accountable is not at all moral, but selfish. Morality is something people of all faiths (and lack of) acquire, hopefully to benefit each other and not themselves in an afterlife.

Answer 1

Good question. There is really no reason that they shouldn't be just as 'worthy' to hold political office. Church and state is supposedly separate. Perhaps they would be able to make truly unbiased decisions. At least, I see no reason why they couldn't make as unbiased a decision as anyone else. I've never thought about this before. Thanks for asking it. Maybe it's because people like to support people who they think are like themselves and most people in the US are Christians, in name at least.

Answer 2

Whether the impressionable sheeple (voters) are atheists who play church on Sundays or believers, it's apparently likely that most of both types follow like lemmings after the one with the religious label.

Separation of Church and State is losing popularity as the religious wingnutz multiply like rabbits.

Those who believe that religions should be able to influence politics should be reminded that no country today that has an official political affiliation with a religion has much strength in the international economy. Most are poorly managed and poverty abounds. Western countries only surged ahead economically in the past half millennium once the church's influence over the politics of the state was separated at the end of the Middle Ages.

History says that when religion and politics are bedfellows, poverty results and corruption is a common consequence.

Answer 3

Because American's are a little wacko about their religions... really obsessive.

Did you see the 'Miss world competition' Lol, why don't americans now where to locate america on a world map?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=J1Szcx0VkRo&feature=bz100

This will tell you all you need to know about americans, their wacky religious behaviors, and their voting practises. :)

It's just hard for some people to believe that atheists, or non-religious people, can hold THEMSELVES to a higher moral standard. And lets not pretend that there are NO christians in jail people... come on. There very fact that the president you have NOW is religious, shows that being religious does not necesarily make you a good leader.

Answer 4

it doesnt, i prefer religion and country be seperate.by being an athiest he has an advantage because he doesnt outright go agaisnt any religion,ex)a jew would prefer to vote for an athiest before a christian, if he had the choice.
being an athiest does not sday anything about leadership qualities.

Answer 5

Most Americans believe in some sort of higher power .

Answer 6

It is assumed the atheist has no standard to be held to. I don't subscribe to this. It is an interesting question as in what standard does an atheist measure himself or herself against.

Answer 7

America is, compared to other industrialized nations, very religious. I couldn't tell you why, that's simply how it is.

Answer 8

Ignorance. Many fear that atheists are immoral(as if being religious prevents immorality). They also believe atheists want to do away with religion, another false belief.

Answer 9

have you ever been to the religion page here? look at the comment the atheists make. They hate any form of Christian religion they want nothing more than to do away with the religious traditions of our great nation and for that matter God. Lets see because of atheists we've lost prayer in school we have Rowe vs Wade and the ACLU (Anti Christian Liberty Union). And we want an athiest why?

Answer 10

The problem is a significant one. Our entire system of government is based on the principle that all men are created equal (created!) and are endowed by their Creator (Creator!) with certain unalienable rights.

This means that our system is based on the self evident truth that all power to govern, all human rights come from God or the Creator and are endowed upon each individual citizen.

It clearly assumes an acceptance that there is a Creator. It clearly assumes that our rights and powers to govern come from that Creator. It clearly assumes an acceptance of Moral Absolutism.

Atheists are by their own beliefs unacceptable to be leaders when they cannot accept the basic principles our government is based on. The do not believe there is a Creator. They do not accept that the Creator is the source of our rights. They do not accept the principle of moral absolutism.

Your own statement clearly shows that. You state that they lie about their religious affiliation. How can they do that? For Atheists lying is no problem. Since they accept the principle of moral relativism, the ends justify the means. Lying, to them isn't necessarily wrong.

People who do not believe in moral absolutism cannot be trusted. People who do not believe in a Creator cannot believe in the government of the Untied States. Atheism and Americanism are therefore not compatible.

Any religious affiliation that believes in moral absolutism and accepts that there is a Creator and accepts that the Creator has endowed men with unalienable rights, rights that do not come from any government and cannot be revoked by any government is acceptable. Atheism does not and is not.

Seems pretty logical to me.

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