Should presidential candidates be talking about religion?

Question

What about Seperation of Church and State.

Answer 1

i dont care what religion they are, but i understand people will want to know...so,,sure........if they use it in an effort to gain favor, i wont vote for him/her.

Answer 2

Seperation of church & state comes from the 1st amendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of Relgion". There is no mention or requirement that all members of the gov't must be athiest or disavow any religious affiliation.

"Should presidential candidate be talking about religion?" is a naive question. Presidential candidates are going to say whatever they think will get them elected, period. If they think that by getting their 'church card' punched it will get them more support than it will alienate, they'll do it, same with the race/civil rights card, defence/national security card, family values card, abortion card or any other issue the electorate feels is relevant (or the media feels will sell more ad space). It's up to the voters to decide what's important to them (and then the Electoral Collage will pick the winner anyway).

Answer 3

No and Yes. Allow me to explain...

No - Because religion and politics really are not good bedfellows, especially when you are a country that is supposed to be a blend of many different races, religions, and cultures. Showing any sort of favoritism toward any particular religion alienates any group who may not subscribe to those beliefs and therefor does not encompass all of "the people". It bears mentioning that although here in the USA we do have a "majority religion" (Christianity), we also have about 20% of our population that is not Christian.

Yes - When presidential candidates talk about their religion, it helps for people to gage how much their religion influences their decisions in life - and how it may affect their decisions as president. Depending on how frequently they spout off about it, it can clue us in to any potential bias that can later become national policy should they win the presidency.

For example, a candidate who is religious by character and yet restricts his political decisions to whether or not the issue falls in step with the US Constitution (The very document that all presidents must swear to uphold), may be better received by the people as a whole.

A candidate that suggests by his/her actions, if not blatantly state outright, that his/her religious beliefs trump all else in the decision-making process may not be such a good president to anyone who doesn't happen to subscribe with that particular religious faith.

Candidates who put their personal religious beliefs out on parade do so at their own peril.

Answer 4

Why not? This country was built on a belief in God, and also on freedom of religion. This means the freedom to worship as one chooses.

Constitutional separation of Church and State, means Government will not endorse a particular religion. It does not mean Government cannot endorse religious beliefs, and practices.
Constitutional separation of Church and State, means freedom OF religion. It does not freedom FROM religion.

God, guns, and guts made this country great. Too many people in this country want to lose and do away with all three.

Answer 5

That is his choice, and that make works for or against him, as some voters may not share his religion or belief.

That explains why romney does not talk about his mormon religion, and obama tries to downplay his muslim upbringing or belief.

There should be a separation of church and state, and a smart candidate also tries to mention that so as not to offend voters of other belief. But then, the religious belief of a president may affect his decisions and appointments.

Answer 6

Yes there is separation of church and state for a reason because there is not a national religion. It ends there. If we are going to talk about Republican religion, then I think it is only fair that we talk about Democrats religion in politics, too.

Answer 7

Every single President of the United States has claimed to follow a religion.

Answer 8

there is no reason for any presidential candidate to be talking religion. our constitutions specifically says there should be no religious test to hold public office. period end of point. you dont need god to make government policy decisions. a look at our president now a "man of christ" waging war on a innocent country killing millions of human.

Answer 9

I personally could care less what a candidate's religion is as long as he doesn't enforce his beliefs in his job. As long as he follows the Constitution i really couldn't care less if he's catholic, Buddhist or devil worshiper. But since 99.9% of the american people have some sort of religious belief in them they are trying to relate to the people.

Answer 10

there is not something in comparison and the undeniable fact that it will entice non secular human beings is probable the biggest reason. You win the religion contest, you get a extensive volume of electorate. and that i accept as true with you, Ron is the only sane man or woman who speaks for the persons.

Answer 11

I don't think it's the candidates that are talking about it.. I believe it seems to be of importance to the media and people like you who ask the silly questions about someones faith and forcing them to answer.