There's one thing the US presidential contenders all have in common: God

[Arawn-ap-Hywel]

There's one thing the US presidential contenders all have in common: God | Guardian daily comment | Guardian Unlimited

What remains fundamentally different from the old continent is the way American politicians not merely have religion but wear it on their sleeve. An extreme example is former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. Answering a question about evolution versus so-called intelligent design, Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister before he became a politician, said simply: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth." He didn't know when or how exactly God did the business, but do it He certainly did. To say you didn't believe that, he added, was in effect to say that you didn't believe in God. Then he quoted Martin Luther: Here I stand, I can do no other. And he earned, from the audience at St Anselm College, a Catholic liberal arts college in Manchester, New Hampshire, a fair round of applause. In answer to a follow-up question, he said: "If anybody wants to believe that they are the descendants of a primate, they are welcome to do it." Jesus - I found myself inwardly exclaiming, as a post-Christian European - Jesus, what century are we in? Yet other candidates hastened to second him, albeit in more elliptical ways. John McCain praised the eloquence of "Pastor Huckabee" and went on to say he had no doubt God played some part in "the time before time". (Code-phrase for the Christian right. Decoded: this speaker is one of us, you can give him your vote.) Senator Sam Brownback assured us that "there's a God of the universe that loves us very much and had a part in the process". Well, that's all right then. But don't think this religiosity is confined to Republican candidates. In an earlier debate, organised by a left-liberal Evangelical group called Sojourners, the three leading Democrat contenders, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barrack Obama, vied with each other in testifying to the importance of their faith. Edwards did say firmly "I believe in evolution", but he quickly added that "the hand of God today is in every step of what happens with me and every human being that exists on this planet". Asked a painful question about how she coped with Bill's infidelity, Hillary Clinton said she was sustained by "my faith and the support of my extended faith family, people whom I knew who were literally praying for me in prayer chains, who were prayer warriors for me".

again how will these strong views be viewed by the rest of the world?

[Jack]

They're all straight, too. And still mostly white, wealthy males. Change is coming slowly because we only do this once every 4 years. Hard to guess what the future holds. (I can no longer honestly be either Christian or nihilist. I do not believe that the future can be absolutely known though many of the possibilities can be guessed at. I do not have any informed opinion that we are inevitably doomed. The future holds unlimited potential.)

Eventually, the candidates will reflect the society around them more accurately for 2007. Unfortunately that will be in 2057. Their lifespans as "public servants" are far too long.

[Pooeypants]

I can tell you one thing, religion does not have much to play in British politics. It's usually a private matter and a politicians will normally keep that way too. So from my perspective, I find it bizarre how much the US politicians are playing with religion, but then one only has to realise the huge voting base that would be accessible by dealing out such a card.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: Pooeypants So from my perspective, I find it bizarre how much the US politicians are playing with religion, but then one only has to realise the huge voting base that would be accessible by dealing out such a card.

It does seem a bold political ploy, but then you have to consider who the message is meant to reach.


Unforunately, I think that this will not end up biting them in the ass as it should.

[ZNFYRH]

If a U.S. candidate dares to declare themselves an agnostic, atheist, or even Muslim, they will alienate more than half the population of the U.S., and of that I'm sure a significant majority of voters.

By stating they believe in and love God, they are appealing to those in the U.S. who actually get off their butts on election day and vote. And it works.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: ZNFYRH If a U.S. candidate dares to declare themselves an agnostic, atheist, or even Muslim, they will alienate more than half the population of the U.S., and of that I'm sure a significant majority of voters.

Precisely. Now whos fault does that sound like to you? Seems to me some people really need to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror. If a trivial matter like that precludes you voting for an honest, upstanding man of integrity, then you need to rationalize that vote for the "lesser evil" you are always voting to rule over us.

Quote by: ZNFYRH By stating they believe in and love God, they are appealing to those in the U.S. who actually get off their butts on election day and vote. And it works.

This only proves my point further. Just look at the track record of adhering to that type of philosophy. :rolleyes:


I would think that just once somebody in the fold might suggest a little introspection, and perhaps rethinking their political strategy.


What could they possibly be worried about, seperation of church, and state? Electing the Anti-Christ?


I cannot comprehend how some people are able to sleep at night.

[Night]

This country disappoints me so much...stuff like this.

[ZNFYRH]

Milton Bradley

If you get the chance, check out a movie called, "Jesus Camp." I know there was a thread about it here a while back.

But they basically said that Evangelical Christians are some of the most active voters, and that other people don't vote as much as they should.

[Heather]

Quote by: Pooeypants I can tell you one thing, religion does not have much to play in British politics. It's usually a private matter and a politicians will normally keep that way too. So from my perspective, I find it bizarre how much the US politicians are playing with religion, but then one only has to realise the huge voting base that would be accessible by dealing out such a card.

Exactly. You must figure that the majority of the American population is Christian, so therefore, it simply makes good sense to appeal to that audience to win votes.

It's really that simple.

What the Christians demand the politicians will provide.

[Cl3ver]

Quote by: Pooeypants I can tell you one thing, religion does not have much to play in British politics. It's usually a private matter and a politicians will normally keep that way too. So from my perspective, I find it bizarre how much the US politicians are playing with religion, but then one only has to realise the huge voting base that would be accessible by dealing out such a card.

Religion, specifically Christianity, is played with in politics over here in America because politicians have realized that's all some people care about. Well, at least the majority of the religious types put God and religion before everything else...even war policies.
The rampant Capitalist religion has always and will always exploit the religion of the moment and it doesn't seem that Christianity is is going anywhere anytime soon. So I'm sure Christianity(and religion) will most likely be exploited by Capitalism right up until it all comes crashing down.

[Jubloz]

Quote by: ZNFYRH If a U.S. candidate dares to declare themselves an agnostic, atheist, or even Muslim, they will alienate more than half the population of the U.S., and of that I'm sure a significant majority of voters. By stating they believe in and love God, they are appealing to those in the U.S. who actually get off their butts on election day and vote. And it works.

Absolutely true, as unfortunate as it is. From what I remember reading, it was originally considered bad taste to use your religion as a leverage for obtaining American votes, which is no surprise given that a huge drive for separating from Britain was to isolate church from state. Does anyone know who or when American politicians began advertising their faith as a political strategy?

[Night]

Quote by: Jubloz Absolutely true, as unfortunate as it is. From what I remember reading, it was originally considered bad taste to use your religion as a leverage for obtaining American votes, which is no surprise given that a huge drive for separating from Britain was to isolate church from state. Does anyone know who or when American politicians began advertising their faith as a political strategy?

It's pretty much been this way from the beginning.

[Capitalist Pig]

Shorter terms won't do the job, but the present terms don't work either. The thing is, their position as a public official does not depend on any real measure of their success as a manager. Polls don't mean anything, and platforms are just gimmicks to get (re-)elected. They enjoy ridiculous security in their positions, without it they would be pressured into doing less planning and more managing.

[ZNFYRH]

Quote by: Jubloz Does anyone know who or when American politicians began advertising their faith as a political strategy?

When they realized that many Americans have lots to say but don't get off their asses to actually vote on the issues.

And those that do vote are strongly religious. Easiest way to guarantee their vote is to default on all issues to the stance that adheres to the religious ideals.

[Captain Cardio]

All this talk makes me thing we shouldn't let politicians talk about what they believe, so that people will vote for the policies they want, rather than the opinion of god they like the most. I'm sure this is a bit short-sighted though.

[Alive]

Meh, I don't think personal religion actually makes much difference in who gets elected. It's much more important to have the right stances on the issues the religious care about I think.

[Pooeypants]

Quote by: Alive Meh, I don't think personal religion actually makes much difference in who gets elected. It's much more important to have the right stances on the issues the religious care about I think.

So you believe that in the current situation, an atheist could reach the White house to become President?

[Captain Cardio]

Get a hold of the Documentary Jesus Camp, and your opinion may change on the matter :)

[Jubloz]

Quote by: Alive Meh, I don't think personal religion actually makes much difference in who gets elected. It's much more important to have the right stances on the issues the religious care about I think.

There is absolutely no way that a Muslim, atheist, or Buddhist has any shot at presidency. Unless, of course, they lie and call them self a Christian.

[Pandora's Box]

First off, this website gives some statistics on US major religons: World Religions Religion Statistics Geography Church Statistics

So it is not a question that the majority of the United States belongs to some form of a Christian religion. This is not so true in many other countries throughtout the world, for example, here: BetaVote.com

We all know that George "W." Bush is a Christian president, and where did the majority of his votes comes from? Christians.

Bottom line. It is to the candidates advantage to associate themselves with a prominent US religion. Especially Christianity. Unfortunately, that is how the game is played here.

Seriously, though, you know we're doomed when a candidate says, "We are winning the country back for God" or "God is with America". To them I say, "BS" :rolleyes:

And to voters who will only vote for a president that shares their religious views...I shake my head.