Is not voting for Huckabee because he was a pastor, the same as not voting for someone because of no faith?

Question

I don't want to question to be taken out of context so please read these details. I just got done looking at a poll that says over half of Americans say that faith & religion is an important factor when picking a presidential candidate. That is mind boggling because I never would have thought that. After looking at answers at Yahoo for the past couple of weeks though I would be willing to say those who would answers the question "it is not important" might also say that Huckabee is "bible beater" and is going to change America into a theocracy if elected president. Is that bias as well? I know people with faith, especially Christians (easy target), get the rap of not voting for someone because they don't believe a certain way, but isn't just as bad to not vote for someone because they do believe something? I would like honest well thought out answers if possible because I have been really thinking hard about the role of religion in politics, and viceversa.

Answer 1

A very interesting question, really.

Personally, one of the things I appreciate about a candidate is their willingness to be honest about their faith, and that they allow it to be a guide in how they live as a person. I personally believe that it doesn't matter what faith they have chosen, but that if they are faithful people, they're likely to have a conscience, and to make choices based on what they truly think is the right choice for their constituents.

I don't believe it's right to make political decisions based on your faith. That clearly causes a problem, as we all have a right to freedom of religion, and we shouldn't be limited in our legal rights because of someone else's choice.

But I think that people who truly have faith, as opposed to giving it lip service, are more likely to actually be concerned about the best interests of their constituents, and therefore will make better decisions.

I think that making a decision about your vote ONLY because of someone's faith, without considering their political stance, is irresponsible, regardless of whether you vote for or against them. In my mind, this is the same as expecting me to vote for Hillary, just because she's a woman - or for you to not vote for her, just because she's not a man.

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Just a clarification...The Constitution does not provide for a "separation of church and state". It simply clarifies that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

This doesn't mean that our elected officials can't be religious, just that they can't pass laws based in religion, or stop anyone from practicing whatever religion they see fit to practice.

Answer 2

My name is Ashley Nelson and I am a Christian. Our Founding Fathers were God believing Christians and anyone who tells you otherwise are liars. Our Founding Fathers established government and very few standards because they thought that character is more important and that is who should be our representatives. There is a difference between a politician and a statesman. A politician is a person who will constantly change their beliefs and their views whereas a statesman will be steadfast in their beliefs. I once read "A leader will take people where they WANT to go, but a GREAT leader will take people where they OUGHT to go."
Now the issue about theocracy. Who ever told you about that does not know his facts. Theocracy does not exist anymore. Theocracy means that God literally rules over the people. I am not going to get into the deep theological explaination of things, but I will point out HISTORY! The Jews were the only people that will have had true theocracy. And only then it was only for a short time. The world is so full of sin that the truth will be obscured if America were to try theocracy and second, The Bible is complete, so there is no need of prophets, just Godly representatives. Besides, how can Huckabee be President if we had theocracy? It is not possible.
The last issue is that Christians do vote, but we try to vote for the canidate that believes close to what we believe or if it is only our best option. People say that religiion is just something people believe in just so that they can feel loved and secure, but that is a LIE. Everyone believes in something or even someone. It is that emptiness that all humans have. If you have anymore questions. Please contact me at [e-mail] I would be more than to talk to you.

Answer 3

Not voting for someone BECAUSE of no faith is the same as voting for Huckabee because he was a pastor and has a certain genre of faith. However that being said it is up to the individual to vote how he/she chooses and nobody can say that they are wrong because they voted how they truely feel and how they think the country can be helped. Having an atheist as presidant would not make this country anti-religion just as having an ex pastor would not make this country a bible beating theocracy because of our checks and balances thank goodness

Answer 4

You need to look at the candidate's entire platform, not just his past jobs. No matter what--no president is going to turn this country into a theocracy or change the Constitution. That is why we have 3 branches of government--checks and balances. As for Huckabee, he was a pastor and thus speaks very well (Republicans love that) and seems likable, but he was a tax raiser and was very lenient on illegal aliens. These are not cornerstones of the Republican party--that's why you have to look at the entire picture. It's like the single issue groups that oppose candidates and appointees based on one single issue. We don't live in a single issue world so weigh all the pros and cons.

Answer 5

I honestly think their religion should not even be an issue. Who cares if it's the first Mormon president, the first Bible thumper, or whatever. There is no way religion will bully its way into the Presidency, regardless of whether you're voting for Romney or Huckabee or whoever. However, their beliefs obviously play a role in certain situations (abortion, gay rights, etc.), but I still think an undue emphasis is being placed on each candidate's religion. I am more concerned with their stance on issues, regardless of where that stance comes from (religious views, personal experience, etc.)

Answer 6

Well, the belief in a religion requires "faith." Faith is kind of an irrational thought. Don't we want someone who is rational?

And there are many negative connotations to being a religious conservative christian.

A Christian Right Pastor=
1) A supporter of Supply Side Economics which cuts taxes for the wealthy and swells the National Debt.
2) War Mongerer in the name of God (or "Gawd", as some call it).
3) Pushing religous agenda on everyone else. Not in support of a secular government.
4) Hypocritically condemning gays while having "relationships" with other men on the side.
5) Does little to promote tolerance.
6) Hopelessly underqualified, and lacking of basic perspective to be a good leader.

The list can go on and on........

Answer 7

Maybe a lot of the people who said that "faith & religion is is an important factor" meant that Huckabee's curious type of religion is the important reason why they are voting for someone else.

To stick with your question - Not voting for someone because of their professed beliefs is a moral decision. You are taking the stand that something they profess or intend to do is wrong and you are taking a stand against it.

Not voting for someone because they have no particular faith is simply to assume they have no morality because they do not claim the same belief as yourself, which is a hypocritical stand.

Answer 8

SERIOUSLY!!!! this country was set up as one nation under GOD, not Communism, or islam, or anything but GOD the heavenly father, people are able to worship the way they want, what ever domination they chose. I happen to believe in God, and Jesus, and feel that most I know do, they just took a poll last week on I think good morning America, I think it was 87% of americans believe in God.. we are supposed to have a heavenly govt. to run the people, I'm not saying that huckabee or any other candidate, thats tied to a church, would necessary make a good pres. I will say that hillery is saten in the flesh, sorry but I have been watching her for years, she is evil, she is not for this country, no matter what she say's, obama won't salute our flag, I'm sorry but I think every pres. we have had salutes the flag, rudy, I think is mixed up in too much New york polictics, to run the country. so like you I'm kinda stuck as to who I will vote for. Religion should always be apart of our lives, but certain people are trying to change that, expecially with trying to get rid of Christmas!!!! thats been apart of our lives for many year's, I for one am not ready to live in an islamic USA, are you????? I hope that you find what your looking for in a candidate, because it could get really out of hand, and I don't think anyone want's that, alot of candidates are really dangerous, and lie alot.

Answer 9

A candidate having a religion isn't a problem for me, but "bible beater" doesn't mean every christian. That term is for those who take their beliefs to nonsensical extremes, like pardoning rapists who then repeat their crimes, because you believed they'd found Jesus.

I won't stand by and watch another president blame their own poor decisions on God. Owning up to a mistake earns a lot more respect than passing the buck, in my mind.

Answer 10

I don't consider myself a religious person. I personally think that for many people like myself, it's not about religion as much as morals. The country is out of control. I don't mean gay marriage or abortion, those are issues that don't concern me. I am talking about the level of crime and pure evil that runs rampant every day. It needs to stop. A candidate who is religious tends to "get it" when it comes to people who commit crimes paying the time, being kind to your fellow man and knowing that they aren't God. . . they are just the President.