Is the United States a democratic society without a religious test for public office?

Question

Would YOU vote for a Muslim a Jew or an Atheist?

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Answer 1

I do not take religion into consideration when I pick a candidate to vote for. It's about their experience, their record, and their positions on the issues.

I grew up in Wisconsin and always voted for my two Jewish Senators (democrats Kohl and Feingold) and my Lutheran Congressman (republican Roth - retired). But their religions never came into play. It was about how they served their constituents.

I would have no trouble voting for a Muslim or an Atheist or a Wiccan or anything else, as long as that person represented my stands on the issues and had the proper experience to be an effective representative.

But to specifically answer your question - in America there is no legal restriction regarding religion and someone's ability to hold public office.

Answer 2

Not anymore. When a majority say they wouldn't vote for an atheist no matter how good s/he is on the issues, we have a serious problem in this country.

Some Christians these days are a little obsessive about God and use it as a crutch or a wheelchair rather than a guiding force. It's as if they cannot exist without seeing something reminding them of god everywhere they go. I'd rather have someone who doesn't use faith as a cudgel.

So, yes, I would happily vote for an atheist or agnostic. And I'd certianly consider voting for a Jew or a Muslim. There is a Muslim in Congress--Keith Ellison of Minnesota. And Pete Stark of California is a nonbeliever (I don't think he ever came out and said he was an atheist).

Answer 3

The electoral college votes for the cadidates. We just answer their opinion poll. And so far, people who aren't mainstream don't do well. I personally WOULD vote for an atheist and would not vote for a Jew or Muslim. I'm the other to them and that's a lousy position to be in when people are making policy. However, this is also true with our rich Christians. I'm the other to them too and constantly complain about that. So don't think I'm singling out Jews or Muslims. I'm always just going with the lessor of evils in our presidential candidates. I like Kucinich. Don't know his religion. But he won't win so I have to choose someone else.

Answer 4

We are supposed o be a democratic society without a religious test for public office. I know there are some who would prefer Urfascism and thus disagree with this principle but so far it has worked well. Yes, I would and have voted for Muslims, Jews and an Athiest. The Muslim in a local election, the Jews in National elections and an Athiest in a national election. As long as they can do the secular job we are electing them to do they are fine with me. We do not nor should we have a theocracy.

Answer 5

1 out of every 4 Christians in the world are Catholic. But the Catholic Church has changed over the years, just like the numbers have. Some Catholic Churches are old fashion, and some are more modern and lenient. That's why most people brake off into Protestant churches. As for the "no religion" people, some people that believe in God choose not to call it a "religion". Have you ever heard the saying "Jesus is my savior. Not my religion." It pretty much means worship God the way the bible says to, not the way man-made religious groups tell you to. As for the atheist, more people are becoming too smart, and thinking science is the key to everything.

Answer 6

No there is no religious test except for in our own minds when we hit the election booth. That is why John Kennedy still had to be strident on his views of loyalty to America first years after another Catholic Al Smith ran for the Presidency. As a Catholic it is difficult for me to vote for Catholics who do not follow the same beliefs in that faith as I do in their public life. I could easily vote for a Jewish person but in this time I would have to really question if I could vote for a Muslim, that is my belief not the required US law. I would seriously question voting for an atheist now, so sorry on that one Rove. I believe we must in this day and age base our public service judgments on a core foundation and that is our faiths in how this country is blessed by a Heavenly Being our God.

Answer 7

I would.

McCain was stupid to answer that question the way he did, but the truth is American politics focus on religious beliefs more than other industrialized countries.

How many citizens were concerned when JFK, a (gasp!) Catholic, was elected? At least now we do have Muslim and Jewish politicians (don't know of any atheists). It's a step in the right direction.

Answer 8

The United States is a Democratic Republic, but this has nothing to do with whether candidates are judged based on religion and shouldn't. Religious freedom is one of our hallmarks. Many people equate religion with morality and often look for candidates who share their religious views. This is totally within their rights, but remember that each one only represents one vote. It is interesting to note that there was a time when people thought catholics could not win the Presidency. The simple answer is that we should not be looking for a religious preference, but rather his/her leadership ability, honesty and integrity.

As to your last point. The answer is that I will vote for whoever I feel will best represent my interests regardless of sex, age, race or religion.

Answer 9

The reality is that you are not going to get elected unless you profess to be a Christian. Does anyone think these co*cksuckers in office are true Christians. Its all a game. Bush a Christian, he ordered the killing of over 500,000 people so far for money and greed. Can he fit through the eye of a needle. Just look at this Mormon. He does not have a chance. The Christians think all of the Mormons are going to hell. They will not vote for this guy. They certainly will not vote for a Muslim. A Jew however is a different story. Many Christians send money to Israel thinking it is a ticket into heaven. A Jew would be interesting.

Answer 10

No, nor should religion alone, or lack thereof, be the primary factor in deciding for or against the individual candidate. Unfortunately, individual voters will always select someone that adheres to their faith, regardless of the qualities or abilities of such a candidate.

I personally would NOT pick someone who constantly invokes personal religious beliefs as the basis of his or her agenda; such a person is unfit for office.

"...no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."