It is hardly a new complaint, but more and more voices are asking is religion receiving too much prominence in this year's election cycle? The question is not only relevant because of Mitt Romney's "religious freedom" speech, but also the willingness of Mike Huckabee and others to open up theology for public debate. And even on the Democratic side, more and more religion has been made a central part of the campaign.
I am not sure where I stand here. Absolutely, there should NEVER be a religious test for office - in that no elected official should be stopped from taking office because of his or her faith. But isn't it fair to ask about a candidate's beliefs, especially as they may influence their policy decisions? On the other hand, don't we cheapen faith by expecting every candidate to open with a prayer or invoke the name of the Lord during any important speech?
I definitely think there is too much being made of the religious views/practices of the candidates. Good people are having to defend their religious practices (I go to church, I was raised so-and-so, etc.) when this has little to do with how good a leader they will be. (Remember Jimmy Carter!)
YanıtlaSilAs has been mentioned before, we are voting for a national/world leader, not a pastor or religious teacher. Look at the overall person and how he/she had conducted himself over time, especially in their public life (elected positions).
Someone was listening to Bill O'Riley yesterday...
YanıtlaSilNot me.
YanıtlaSilBut you cannot seperate a person's faith from their function of office. It shapes every aspect of how they will lead. A person's spiritual views shape the very core of what they do and who they are. Therefore, it is very imporant that we know what those views are.
YanıtlaSilNow, do I think religion is over-used? Absolutely. What we need is more honesty in talking about faith, and not less talking about faith. We need to find a place as a society where we can actually discuss religious convitions without both sides throwing a fit when someone says something they disagree with.
The reason for the focus this election is that the religious-vote does not belong to any one candidate like it has in the past. The Republican party, I think, thought we'd all just line up behind their front-runner and has found out that we won't. Now it's a scramble.
YanıtlaSilThere are people who do not have firmly held religious beliefs, yet they are fine, moral people who can be great leaders.
YanıtlaSilBill did a whole day on this the day before you posted.
YanıtlaSil