religious groups forced to vote?

Well that is really a sad thing, but we do have different opinions and belief. Its up to them to follow their religious leaders or not. But on my own opinion and to my belief that church does have a biggest contribution to my decision, still it is in my hands to whom I wanted to vote and to vote this upcoming election.I believe that we have our democratic rights whom to choose.

Unfortunately there are some religious groups and especially cults that dictate to their members, not just about voting but in every aspect of their members' lives. What I find sad and even scary are those fanatics that have the charisma to draw people to their side giving them the power to rule these peoples' lives. God is a loving God and as many have said, has allowed us the freedom to run or ruin our own lives and we do not need religious fanatics to ruin our lives with their dictates. There is one thing that really bugs me and that is when someone claims that a certain verse in the Bible dictates their action. There are many verses in the Bible that are waylaid in later chapters. Much of the old testament deals with history, of how things had been before Jesus came. Many of the practices in the old testament has been changed in the new testament, but one needs to know both to understand much of what is found in the new testament so that wrong interpretations are not linked to single verses and chapters. The truth is that not one of our religious groups are perfect, how can they be when they are governed by man, and man is full of flaws. We can only try. But truly, we all have the right to govern our lives as we see fit.

What I know is that when we need to obey, it is because it will please God and it is in the Word of God, not because of what men has ordained people of whom to vote. It is still the decision of the congregation whom to vote as long as the person Fears God and is not a corrupt person. I have nothing against other beliefs here. If they respect their leaders and has unity, its good but it is much better if God is what they obey and they obey His Word.

In my view, politics and religion should be seperated. Religion should only play role in the field of spirit. Religious leaders should not act as a political leaders. Of course it's just an ideal position. In reality religious groups have their own interest, so they wanna affect politics. Election is a good method for them to achieve their aims.

You mean the INC? I never really cared for a church which will force their will on their members. I asked an INC friend once why they tolerate such practice, and he said its in the bible. I was so flabbergasted with this ridiculous answer that I was speechless and only managed to raise my brows. But since my parents taught me never to debate on politics and religion, I kept my peace. He asked if I wanted to know what verse. At which time, I was so tempted to break my parents rule, but at the last minute, I managed to decline. I am a devout Catholic but I have never voted according to what my priest told me... not that I listened, mind you. But in their defense, I have never heard the catholic church give out a list on who to vote, just guidelines which are so general it could be anybody. Except for that time with Marcos which I totally agreed with, so I did not really vote because of what they said. I just agreed with their political opinion.

Well this is just my opinion. If we take a look the origin of religion. Religions are basically there to make people do good and to liberate their mind from evil thinking and wrong doing and most of all the relationship is always human and God. But this based on my observations, once religion becoming a particular groups with interest I guess it's not a religion anymore it's just becoming an organization. Religion shouldn't be used as an organization, political moves or to differentiate people based what they're believe in. It should be pure only for the sake of fulfilling humans spirituality. From what I read from you is that shouldn't be done and that group shouldn't be called religious group because the nature is already political and not spiritual. Cheers..

That is really sad. WE all should have a freedom to vote. Even God gave us freedom to choose/free will, why can't they (leaders/servant's of God) also do the same way? Since the God that they worship gives freedom. Now, it made me think and doubt if they are really servant's of God.

We have the freedom to chose and the freedom to give that choice away. The head of her church would not have seen her paper, yet her respect for his choice made her give up her freedom of choice. In my eye's it's an abuse of the church leaders position, but also a test of the followers loyalty. I'm a Christian and if my church leader recomended a political figure openly i must say it would make me think about voting for them, but would not force my hand or make me guilty for voting otherwise. Perhaps the biggest abuse is making them feel like they have no choice even to disagree in a secret ballot!