I was reading an article on the presidential canidates and I noticed there was a comparison chart on their religous beliefs. I was wondering what all of you thought about this. Do you think focus should be put on a canidates religous belief, no matter if their athiest, mormon, christian, etc? And if you do, what religion would be better suited to a country leading role? Honest responses and reasoning would be appreciated. By the way I don't mean to put one religion above another. I am just curious about what other people think about this.
I think your religion shouldn't have anything to do with it. You can't use your religous belifes to get ahead in politics. (well some do but it's still dumb). It really doesn't make any sense. People in america are not all christians, muslims, atheists, ect... We're a mix of many religions, so taking your one point of view and saying that everyone has to go by it without good reason is pretty crazy. If you want me to do something I'll want to know why. And the reason cannot be because your god told me to. People have different gods and can't all be expected to comply with the wishes of yours.
Except that religious beliefs can deeply influence a candidate's opinion on certain issues (i.e. a Jewish candidate would support Israel, a Muslim candidate wouldn't), and thus can easily have influence on what demographics support that candidate.
As for what religion would be better suited to lead a country, I think that really depends on the goals of the country as a whole.
I think the president's religion affects how some people may think of them. I doubt we'd vote in a Muslim president nowadays, as ignorant folk may accuse him/her of supporting Al-Qaeda(which wouldn't be much different from Thomas Jefferson supporting the French Revolution). Honestly, I don't care what religion or ethnicity the president is, so long as he gets the job done.
How does religion affect government and such? I'm not too serious, just a little question. I'm wondering if it has a major effect on it or not.
It is basically what makes the difference between leftists and rightists. The far-right is anti-abortion, pro-religion, and everything that has to do with religious things. Meanwhile, the people on the left (including me) don't really care if you get an abortion because it is your choice, are able to keep our personal beliefs out of political ideals, and basically believe that you should pull your fair share of things.
It is basically what makes the difference between leftists and rightists. The far-right is anti-abortion, pro-religion, and everything that has to do with religious things. Meanwhile, the people on the left (including me) don't really care if you get an abortion because it is your choice, are able to keep our personal beliefs out of political ideals, and basically believe that you should pull your fair share of things.
Not to mention gay marriage and all that.
well, i think it is corruption in the government if they just say they are religious to get votes.
I wouldn't say corruption - at least they'd be honest about their faith rather than the promises they all lie about and never keep.
I think your religion shouldn't have anything to do with it.
I completely agree. In this respect I think someone who was non religious would be ideal, as even a moderate would be affected in their decision making by their religion.
You can't use your religous belifes to get ahead in politics. (well some do but it's still dumb).
Many many do. In fact in some places (just speaking of the US) you can't hold office unless you profess to a religion. Yes it's stupid. Some even have speculated that we have had an atheist as president but they kept it to themselves in order to play up the affect religion has on the masses.
to be honest, I think if you are religious, you can use your beliefs to decide goverment policy, but oly to a moderated level. for example, If I was president, I would consider what my beliefs are and decide if they conflict with whats best for the country. it's really hard to do if you have a bias, but if you can strike up a balance, then you could do some really wonderful things.
Why not just go with what's best for the country then?
Because people are swayed by their religion. So much for your separation of church and state.
It would be amazing there were any Atheist leaders in Canada and America. Since even the most well meaning religious leader will still be controlled with their deep set ideology. Which will most likely only further the said religions goals.
