Theists: How many of you would refuse to vote for an atheist solely based on his lack of belief?

Question

1999 Gallup Poll, half of Americans say they would refuse to vote for an atheist candidate solely on that basis

Today, there are still eight states that have provisions in their state constitutions explicitly barring atheists from holding political office. The Tennessee Constitution states: "No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state."

Answer 1

Interesting question, but it's rarely asked the other way around. Many atheists have adverse opinions on Bush because he believes in God. They state these views openly, yet when theists state negative views of atheists, they are accused of bigotry.

To answer your question, I have no problem voting for an atheist, PROVIDING HE DOES NOT PUSH HIS THESTIC BELIEFS UNDER THE GUISE OF EDUCATION.

Addendum
Some of the other answerers have alluded to the fact that America was founded on biblical principles, which is true to an extent. What do atheists think about phrases like "In God We Trust" and "One Nation Under God"? Just curious.

Answer 2

The primary purposes of a government are secular, not religious. "And for these reasons governments were instituted among men..."
An atheist is just as keen as a christian is to keep foreign powers or domestic thieves from robbing or enslaving us, to ensure the fair administration of justice, and run the State with quiet economy.
Look at some foreign countries, and you will notice that some very good christians have been very bad at foreign policy or economics.
A drunk Catholic who sins every Saturday, and confesses every Sunday, might have worse morals than the average atheist.

Answer 3

I don't agree with the laws that prevent an atheist from running for office, but at the same time, I definitely won't vote for one simply based upon the fact that he was an atheist. However, if I felt he was the best qualified candidate and if I agreed with his goals for the office, I would vote for him.

Answer 4

I'm religious but I'd vote for an atheist faster than Romney or Huckabee (even if my family is from Arkansas and related down the line somewhere.)


Added: Can people please learn some history? This country's laws were NOT based on the Bible. They were based on English common law which was based on Germanic laws.

THOSE predated any contact with Christianity. That's why we're not in a theocracy like some Muslim countries are.

Answer 5

That is now a criminal offense in the UK and more countries are also making it a criminal offense to persecute gays! Anglican leaders from around the world reiterated their opposition to the "victimisation or diminishment" of gays and lesbians, saying demonising and persecuting them was "totally against Christian charity and basic principles of pastoral care". "We say that no one should have to live in fear because of the bigotry of others." The mormons poured millions into forcing through prop 8 in CA: to ban gay marriage. In August 2010 the court held that to be unconstitutional. On 15 June 2011 the San Francisco court upheld that decision because it violates the constitutional rights of citizens. It is now awaiting the Supreme Court verdict which is expected to uphold the early court decision. If that happens then gay marriage will become legal everywhere and that will be marriage and not civil partnership! The loving god works in mysterious ways

Answer 6

I would not not because of his beliefs but for mine,I vote for the person that best represents me, if the atheist came out and said he believed in God was sincere had Changed his mind I would vote for him, Lincoln was non believer something happened to him while in Office he converted to Christianity. Became one of Greatest after conversion!

Answer 7

I would need more to go on than just a person's belief, or lack thereof, unless the candidate was a Muslim. I will never vote for a Muslim.

God Bless.

Answer 8

Those provisions go against the seperation of church and state. Theres no way in hell they can still be valid. Our country would be a better place if people quit mindlessly voting for whoever the church tells them to. Half of America is dumber than dirt and I'm beginning to be ashamed of being an american.

Answer 9

I vote based on what the candidates say concerning issues that I consider moral questions that I'm concerned with.

Answer 10

I think there's more reason to vote for an atheist than a Christian for office.

Christians won't try to bring about armageddon as Bush is currently trying to do.