Should you consider a politician's religious views when voting?
By MikeMe
@MikeMe (100)
United States
August 9, 2007 12:45pm CST
Recently, Time magazine published an article on presidential candidate Mitt Romney called, "Romney's Mormon Question". Two points of view are expressed. One is that a man or woman's religious views speak to their ability to make good decisions and should be considered. The other is that deciding to vote on a candidate based on their religious views amounts to bigotry. What do you think? Do you consider whether a candidate is a Mormon, Buddhist, Christian, Jehovah's Witness, etc when deciding to vote for them or does it make no difference?
6 people like this
7 responses
@Nanette99 (219)
• Canada
10 Aug 07
Only if his religion is going to affect his political views in office. For example, if he is a Chrisian and is morally opposed to abortions, and would be elected into a position that gives him power to change abortion laws, pehaps a pro-choicer should vote for someone else.
@Nanette99 (219)
• Canada
13 Aug 07
Yes, it is pretty difficult to separate yourself from views that have probably be ingrained since birth.
@MikeMe (100)
• United States
12 Aug 07
That's true, I think. I can't see how you can be a Christian and NOT let it affect your decisions in office. If you truly are committed to a faith, then it defines your character. Someone who says they separate their faith and their duty either has a shallow faith or is not being honest.
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
10 Aug 07
Wow, that is a tough one and I'll tell you why. Religious beliefs do factor into decision making. Or at least into the way a president will vote on a number of things. I honestly don't think I would want a Scientologist as a president. They believe psychological help is bunk and a lot of things that I don't. That is not to say they would force those views on me, but I would be leery.
However, I listen to what the candidates stand for. Their thoughts on certain concerns of mine. Their stances on important issues. Unless they drag their religion and their religious beliefs into debates and into issues, I don't concentrate on that. However, I do if the candidate speaks frequently of his or her religion. I listen to what that religion dictates and believes in and I may be swayed against a candidate who has totally different beliefs than I do. But I would feel that way no matter what religion they are if their beliefs and stances on issues go totally against mine for whatever reason.
So, to answer your question, uhhh...in general I do not decide to vote for a candidate based on their religion but I do take that into account if they have vast differences of religious opinion than I do and want to enforce those beliefs on this country.
Yeah, that. ;)
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
11 Aug 07
Haha. The couches in the oval offices couldn't handle Tom's jumping.
@MikeMe (100)
• United States
10 Aug 07
I'm really leery of politicians who make a point of sharing their religion with us THEN make it a point to tell is they will leave it at home. Well, dude! (or dudette), if you are leaving it at home, why are you bringing it up? We would never know, right?
Your point is a good one. If a president's religion is one that disagrees with you, he or she is likely to legislate in a way that disagrees with you. I believe a person who has a deep-seated religious belief system cannot help but be influenced by that in their decision-making
What? No Tom Cruise for prez??? :)
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
10 Aug 07
In some cases, you should consider their religion, because if they are religious that means that they might be biased on certain views.
@MikeMe (100)
• United States
10 Aug 07
Religious people "biased"?? Naahhhhh!!!! Never happens!!! :)
Your point is a good one. We are all biased to some degree. Deeply religious folks tend to be deeply biased toward their particular beliefs. We need to understand that and weigh it when deciding who gets our vote.
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
10 Aug 07
I wouldn't be concerned with what religion they were, but I would be interested in their track record for religious tolerance. I know many politicians show favor towards people of their own religion, or try to get laws passed that are based on the beliefs of that religion, or only benefit people of that religion. So I would definitely be interested in whether they had a track record of doing such things or not.
1 person likes this
@myfanwy65 (1030)
• United States
9 Aug 07
I don't think it matters, and heres why. A person can say they are a devout Christian, go to Church every time the doors open, and think that makes them a good person. When they are not in church they are swindling, cheating, and stealing every person they meet. I've known people like this, personally. So, does being Christian make them a good person? In my opinion, no, it does not. What should matter is what type of person they are, not their religion.
1 person likes this
@MikeMe (100)
• United States
10 Aug 07
You make a good point. There is a huge difference between "claiming" Christianity and "being" a Christian. A recent poll said something like 85% of all Americans claim to be Christians. Couldn't prove it by me! On the other hand, if someone claims to be a Christian, but acts contrary to that, wouldn't that influence your voting? Thanks for sharing your view!
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
10 Aug 07
I not only consider a politician's religious views but also his moral conviction, way of life, and the stand he takes on certain issues. Also I consider whether he will keep to that stance if he is voted in. Naturally none of the candidates I voted for got in, mainly because they were Christians, and took and kept the stand he avowed. People do not want someone to say this is wrong, they want the ones in office to turn a blind eye or say, 'I really do not approve of ----, but for others, it is okay.' By the way, I am a Canadian and unfortunately here the party is supposed to follow the party leader.
