This question was one of such rhetorical responses to one of my questions. People complain that we have coruption in government but then people say what does the Bible have to do with one's moral stance? Can't we use the Bible to measure peoples moral values? Should not our leaders be educated in ethical values from some body of literature on the subject, or some particular philosphy of such? And if the Bible does not have to do with any one's moral philosophy in our government, what moral systems should I expect to find among them? (the teachings of Lao Tzu perhaps?). And some have pointed out that being Christian is not a necessary qualification for being in public office; I never said it was. But the point is being moral is a qualification. And so what value system should we measure our leaders by? If you see the responses to my last two questions you will understand my alarm in this question. Thank you for considering this important general issue.
2007-12-06 10:27:02 · 11 answers · asked by David L 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I think it is important that the candidate honestly declare the source and foundation of their morality. Do they have an obligation to a higher moral authority than just themselves?
How do you hold a candidate to a moral standard if that candidate has said that he/she invents their own? If you have the authority within yourself to invent a morality, then certainly you have the authority to change it when it suits.
2007-12-07 21:59:35 · answer #1 · answered by Matthew T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely nothing!!! Power corrupts!!! It should give a person more principles and values but sometimes I wonder. This is supposed to be why we have a system of checks and balances in our system of government. Bush is a "born again" christian but has lied repeatedly during his time in office. I get a real kick out of those that have concluded God has blessed this nation any more than any other. I can tell you what God has blessed us with and that is total forgiveness for our sins and escape from eternity in hell. The best part is it is a free gift. All we have to do is believe it. I probably sound very cynical but I believe if God truly blessed this or any other nation He wouldn't have allowed Bush to president in the first place. Just had to say it.
2007-12-06 10:48:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well... the only trick is... it seems like some of the worst in history have hidden behind those same "morals"... Hitler for example used Christianity to further his exploits...
some people seem to take someone declaring himself a Christian as a sure sign that the person will be a moral and upstanding person... when I'm not so sure it makes much of a difference... when you compare those who say they are religious vs. those that say they are not...
I don't think it's a "bad" thing exactly... but I think some lend it much more weight than they should...
morality is very tough to measure... I mean past actions are important I think... but the most important thing is an excellent system of checks and balances... no need to trust in his morals, but have a policing system set in place...
2007-12-06 10:36:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What we believe in makes little difference if our actions aren't in synch with our beliefs. I wish people didn't advertise their religious beliefs because I believe that should be personal and that keeping it personal actually gives our beliefs more power. Let your faith show thru your deeds, not your mouth. Unfortunately the Christian Right is very involved in politics, and Republicans have always courted them for their votes, claiming to represent their values. I have issues with the Christian Right. For one thing they undermine a core political value that goes back to our founding that church & state should be separate. For another, I take issue with their agenda. They foam at the mouth over abortion and yet tend to "support the troops," no matter how imperialistic the war. So the unborn count but not young men and women on both sides of a war that are dying needlessly. And what about solving conflict thru diplomacy and other peaceful means? Didn't Jesus say "turn the other cheek" and sacrifice his life for his beliefs? If the Christian Right mobilized over poverty, world hunger, disease, I would give them more cred. but that's not their agenda. Finally, this country was founded on immigrant labor and we are multicultural and mulit-religious. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists etc. etc. all have a voice and a place at the table. Another reason why we should keep religion out of government. One religion should not claim to represent such a diverse population and thereby shove their beliefs down everyone's throats. And let's face it, Christians aren't the most tolerant group of the bunch.
2016-05-21 22:03:12 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That has very little to do with a person's actual morality- unfortunately, it's another side effect of the short television attention span. The relationship between religion and morality is so psychologically ingrained in Americans, that a candidate only has to claim membership in a church, and everything associated with the religion is immediately endowed on the candidate in the mind of viewers. That leaves them the other 25 seconds of the commercial to thoroughly bash their opponents.
The only moral standard that we should legally judge our candidates by is the American Justice System. However, voters are completely free to choose their own criteria, and if shared faith is important to them, then that's how they'll vote.
2007-12-06 10:42:11 · answer #5 · answered by Beardog 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The last few decades have shown us the wretched morality of politician after politician, nearly all of whom have made a point to bring up their religious beliefs as evidence of their virtue. One would forgive the American public for not buying the next round of "I am religious, therefore I am good" that spews forth from the mouths of the candidates.
If a politician has integrity, let him show it by not taking bribes from industries, taking thoughtful and honest stands on issues, and keeping their campaigns out of the mud. Anyone can have a religious upbringing and most do. Referencing that as "proof" of your moral values is enpty rhetoric not worthy of our time.
2007-12-06 10:58:29 · answer #6 · answered by Michael T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Certain people get a 'red flag' in their mind when the read or hear the word "morality." Hardcore liberals(and they grow in numbers everyday because of the media) don't like that word because they tend to think of Christianity, where their so called tolerance runs thin.
The word "morality" is just too scary a word for liberals.
2007-12-06 10:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Declaring yourself a Christian in a political race is actually an indication of sinister moral character, in my opinion. Anyone who tries to use their religion to get votes can't be a true believer.
2007-12-06 10:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by brickity hussein brack 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bingo!
Same with any religion -- or whether there *is* a religious preference. And *that* is why I think any news story about candidates' faith is just hogwash.
Elect the candidate, not the religion. (And I am a faithful Christian, by the way.)
2007-12-06 10:31:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely nothing. Many that claim to be, are not. It simply makes them feel good to make the statement.
The Bible states that liars will not enter the kingdom of heaven. How many politicians are professional liars?
2007-12-06 10:29:56 · answer #10 · answered by Chi Guy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋