Faith

Does a President’s Faith in God Truly Matter? (Poll)

Does a Presidents Faith or Religious Preference Impact Your Vote?Most people would assume that a president is motivated by his personal faith. This, of course, differs depending upon each individual’s level of devotion. However, the assumption that a person elected to the highest office in the land will definitively create policy based on his faith isn’t necessarily true, according to historians. CNN’s Belief Blog penned a special report on faith and the presidency, delving into these very issues.

In the piece, Darrin Grinder, chair of the english department at Northwest Nazarene University, a professor and the author of “The Presidents and Their Faith,” contends that a president’s faith may make no difference in his policy-making. If true, this, of course, contradicts the very reasoning many Americans cite when they cast a vote for specific candidates.

The U.S. has had a long tradition of considerations of religious adherence in the democratic process. Since George Washington, Americans have had an expectation that the individuals they elect have a fervent faith in the almighty. Religiosity has become a litmus test of sorts. Despite this fact, there may be a disconnect between actions and words, Gringer says.

“If I asked George W. Bush what he thought about torture, I think outside the presidency he would say he hates it,” he told CNN. “But he’d do it for the country if he thinks it’s right in terms of American security.”

Does a Presidents Faith or Religious Preference Impact Your Vote?

Grinder goes on to claim that a president who doesn’t showcase a love for God may have a difficult time getting elected. He also contends that it will be a very long time before an atheist or agnostic can be elected in America. This, of course, is something that non-believers continue to lament.

The piece goes on to address those who may not embrace the notion that faith is important to Americans when they consider presidential contenders, using President Barack Obama as an example. Here’s a portion of that section:

Anyone who doubts that a president’s faith remains important to the American people has only to look at the experiences of Obama.

Obama has declared his Christianity in his biography, and in many speeches. He evoked it recently when he came out in support of same-sex marriages. But arguably no president has had his faith so aggressively questioned. Many Americans still believe he is a Muslim.

Stephen Mansfield, author of “The Faith of Barack Obama,” is a political conservative who has written about the evangelical faith of President George W. Bush. He became curious about Obama and spent time talking to Obama’s spiritual cabinet, a collection of ministers who counsel Obama.

Mansfield says he has no doubt that Obama is a devout Christian. His belief has angered some fellow conservatives so much that he says he has had speeches canceled and received angry e-mails.

Does a Presidents Faith or Religious Preference Impact Your Vote?

Not everyone would agree with all of the contentions held within the piece. While CNN goes on to claim that Washington “was not a Christian but most likely a Deist,” other sources would refute this. In fact, here’s what WallBuilders has to say about the notion that the nation‘s first president wasn’t a believer:

Interestingly, Washington’s own contemporaries did not question his Christianity but were thoroughly convinced of his devout faith–a fact made evident in the first-ever compilation of the The Writings of George Washington, published in the 1830s.

That compilation of Washington’s writings was prepared and published by Jared Sparks (1789-1866), a noted writer and historian. Sparks’ herculean historical productions included not only the writings of George Washington (12 volumes) but also Benjamin Franklin (10 volumes) and Constitution signer Gouverneur Morris (3 volumes).

Sparks went on to write, “To say that he [George Washington] was not a Christian would be to impeach his sincerity and honesty.” This is only one of the many pieces of evidence that WillBuilders claims upholds the ideal that Washington believed wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ.

Regardless of where you stand on it, the CNN article does cause one to wonder just how connect one’s faith is to his policy-making in the White House (read the rest of it here).

Let us know what you think. Does a presidential candidate’s faith impact your vote? Take the poll:


(H/T: CNN)

Comments (254)

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  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:19pm

    Any president, schools, businesses or individuals that does not show a love of God will fail, They do not have to advertise it but they have to show it with how they treat all people, love one another not hate, not steal from another, do not have evil in their hearts etc. God is watching over us all and we and anyone would not want to do anything to disappoint Him. ……..Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.

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    • stage9
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Go live in a communist nation and then come back and tell me a president‘s faith doesn’t matter. the fact that Americans are so disconnected by how important faith was to our founders is troubling and a dangerous trend. For it was by our CREATOR, our founders agreed, that we have been given unalienable rights. Put a man or woman in the presidency who disregards this fact and you get what Barack Obama is offering. How in God‘s name can ANYONE who is honest with the facts dispute the overwhelming evidence that shows the influence played in our founders’ lives? It is evident in their writings and it is scattered in the monuments they erected all over Washington!

      Ignorance of history breeds a repeat of it.

      “[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams (Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.)

      Report Post » stage9  
    • code green
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:34pm

      I don’t know about that.I am christian and my brother is agnostic and he is a very moral person and business man. Not because of faith, but because of what is the right and wrong thing to do.Ya don’t have to believe in our Lord Jesus to be a fine person.
      Spin that any way you wish. That is the American right.

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    • tommyg524
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:50pm

      this reply is actually for STAGE9…in case you have’nt noticed. We ARE living in a commuist state right now. it simply is disguised as hope that our traditions will survive. They are indeed NOT surviving. men marrying men, gays gays gays, lesbians, hussein obama islamist in the white house, 2 party system BOTH preowned by banks, banks profeering on BOTH sides of ALL wars on YOUR dime, rights being taken away, drones and chips coming your way to control everything you say and do, wallstreet washing trades to drive oil up up up, on YOUR dime, people losing their homes for 4 years in a row , jobs-gone,GE and others opening operations overseas, currency based on debt, complete dollar collapse COMING, ane so on, need more? yes, you are now in a communist country, welcome.

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    • Amos37
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:04pm

      CodeGreen: You claim to be a Christian yet have obviously never read a Bible. ONLY A FOOL REJECTS THE GOD OF THE BIBLE!
      Also, Jesus Christ Himself said He wasn’t good, only GOD is good.
      Pull your head out of where the sun don’t shine and figure out what day it is.

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    • alrunner58
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:00pm

      The United States was founded on Judea Christianity. I don‘t want anyone is the White House that doesn’t have a love of God and country. Christianity is based on morals and values. Perfect example of people that doesn‘t believe right from wrong are the scabs in the WH and every liberal that believes the garbage our constitution doesn’t mean anything. Get the Hell out of American and take all the anti patriots with you, build your empire on an island away from us. We Will Win.

      Report Post » alrunner58  
    • db321
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:38pm

      IMCHRISTIAN – if what you say is true, then the Blaze will certainly fail – this is the 3rd or 4th week in a row that the Blaze Faith Editor has posted a Phony, Fraudulent Poll.

      I am to believe that 85% of Blaze readers are in favor of throwing God out of our country, electing a atheist or Muslim President, and belief in God doesn’t matter. I call BS BLAZE!

      I have emailed Glenn each time the Faith Editor post these lying article of Blasphemy. Glenn own News Median will give the Liberal Media loaded polls that even they don’t have the guts to make up.

      There is something really wrong going on with the Faith Section of the Blaze and it may be time for some house cleaning!

      Report Post » db321  
    • zach5045
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:37pm

      Faith in the christian god will be your demise. Surrender your heart to Allah and bask in his glory. Allah shall grant everything your heart desires. The christian god is a weak, petty and false.

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    • jwt
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:46pm

      goverment is secular not spiritual. Most spiritual people knew ttat Obama was not a folower of Jesus. Most “Christians” should have known, but voted for him anyway. “we are our brothers keeper” quoted by the pres many times

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    • IAMNOTCHRISTIAN
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:18pm

      I’m not sure if this is an actual comment or a troll. I cannot comprehend that anyone can be this dumb. It is just not possible.

      Morality has nothing to do with religion. Morality does not require religion. Morality exists without religion.

      I will go now because my intelligence has almost fallen below a threshold that is required for sustaining life.

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    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:46pm

      @IAMNOTCHRISTIAN

      Welcome newbie poster. Did you enjoy your very first post here? Was it good for you?

      You might want to re-read your post…. especially that last sentence.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • hiedencan
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:15am

      Or just be a good person on your own. Sorry if that sounds too extreme.

      Report Post »  
    • StickToTheFacts
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:08am

      For those of you who keep saying this country was founded on the Christian faith, how do you explain the Treaty of Tripoli which was unanimously approved by congress and signed by president John Adams in 1797 which contains the following:
      Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion

      I would have thought this factually proves what our founding fathers had in mind, rather than making up opinions about them based on anecdotal information.

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    • stage9
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:15am

      In response to tommyg524 — EXACTLY! You made my point! What we have is an entire generation with a “friends with benefits” mentality. They want the Christian concept of individual liberty; they love our founders (some of them) but refuse to commit to acknowledging the worldview that made liberty possible. They use America while they destroy America.

      Report Post » stage9  
    • 1592
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:22am

      I can not believe how many people say NOT RALLY.

      Look at Washington a true belive.
      Now look at B.O. He belives in Himself and look at where we are.

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    • GRIFFON-KIRETSILER
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:48pm

      Despotism knows no bounds in the heart of a godless man! If a man has no understanding of the nature of God and His holiness, that man will act in accordance with his own fallen nature. Look at every story in the bible, such as the story of David. Although David erred, God forgave him when he repented and Israel prospered under David’s kingship as never before. Then under his son Solomon, Israel suffered when Solomon worshiped false gods and God divided Israel, which was followed by God’s promise of favor to Jeroboam. But Jeroboam also followed false gods and then God destroyed him and scattered Israel. How long do we stand to reason that God will not visit his wrath upon America if we continue to worship other gods? The god of money, power, self, etc. These are false gods and will result in the same judgement upon America! History doesn’t just repeat itself for fools who fail to learn from history, but also for those who choose to believe they are brilliant fools!

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    • Wlmdnlp
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:24pm

      Please ignore Stage9

      I can quote John Adams too

      “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen ,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.”

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    • rickc34
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:12pm

      When a person judges by mans understanding of morality versus Gods version of morality we are in trouble. We try to make ourselves equal with God. The Bible says that the heart (mind) of man is eternally wicked, so you say that wicked man is equal with God. Men lie, cheat , steal and commit murder, have sex outside of marriage , does this sound moral to you? No one is perfect but God, man left on his own commits endless sins and cannot enter Heaven without Christ.

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  • Pokerjoe
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:15pm

    All of the Americas are christan. The USA is christan and was founded on that princpal. The potusa should beleve in Christ the lord and savior.

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    • RAPTORJESUS
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Incorrect, our forefathers founded this country on the principal of Freedom Of Religion, not christian principals. George Washington was actually a Deist and Episcopalian but still envisioned a country governed by no religion in goverment. Our forefathers were seeking to escape religious persecution, not partake in it like so many fundamentalist christians of today. “Hey he’s a muslim, kill him!”

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    • ScottG-CO
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:04pm

      Raptor, you couldn’t be MORE WRONG. Our very form of government is formed on Biblical teachings. Google “biblical form of government” and find links, one of which is this one:

      http://www.bbcmorehead.org/index.php?id=428

      This particular link gives a good explanation that EVERYONE should be capable of comprehending.

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    • viking1
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Scott…did you really just use a church link to try and prove your point? I am sure the person you responded to will consider this a very reliable source of information.

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    • waitingonasupernova
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:22pm

      @SCOTTG-CO http://www.religioustolerance.org/badquotes.htm Look at the second quote from this page, entitled “RELIGIOUS QUOTES THAT NEVER WERE”

      We’re not a christian nation.
      England is, yet their people have decided separation of church and state is the way to go. and they’ve been around for 1000+ years. They might know what they’re doing

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    • inblack
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:25pm

      I think you are all playing word games and failing.

      Clearly Christian principles are at the heart of the country’s founding, so is freedom of religion.
      To deny either of these is stupid.

      The US is NOT a Christian govt in the sense that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country – not even close.

      We do not want to impose Christianity on someone and we want other religions to be part of and be at home in the US. But to deny the influence of Christianity is silly.

      Whether we accept religions in this country should be based on whether they respect our constitution and individual rights. If islam is banned in this country it will be for being a cult that does not allow people to leave or targets non-believers for retribution – not because they are non-christian.

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    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 9:55pm

      If the country was founded on Christian principles, than why are they in direct conflict with the 10 commandments? Thou shalt not have other gods before me (freedom of religion); thou shalt not take the lord’s name in vain (freedom of speech); thou shalt not covet… (freedom of speech or thought)

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • Logical Libertarian
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:45am

      Sorry Joe, but that’s incorrect. It is explicitly stated in the Treaty of Tripoli, ratified 1797 ( by our founding fathers ) that ” As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion ” we are not a Christian nation, Joe. That was how the founders intended it. We are NOT a Nation under God. The “ Nation under God ” nonsense was put there by people who HIJACKED the United States of America from it’s true identity.

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    • colt1860
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:46pm

      @ lgo That treaty was then quickly revised by Thomas Jefferson himself, as President, specifically to take out that part. And lastly, it states “Government”, not nation or people.

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  • Hanner
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:11pm

    This one is easy. The OT established the origins of all Law. The Mosaic Laws were passed down by God himself to someone that “HE” chose to lead a nation of people. God established laws concerning war, and all forms of judgment, and particularly commanded all judges and rulers to apply the law with equality and fairness according to righteousness. The word of God clearly teaches moral, ethical, and spiritual principles to be lived out in our personal and public lives. You cannot separate the two. “As a man thinks, so is he.” If a man is a liar, thief, and a cheat in his personal life what would make you think he is going to be honest and upright in his public life. Matt 15:19– For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony(lies), slander… Show me a man that can leave his heart at home to go do his day job, and I will believe that a Godless unbeliever can rule over people with their best interests at heart. Belief in God and his Word matters!

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    • goliath173
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:23pm

      What about all the other laws and legal systems that predate Moses? Or all the complete lack of religious reference in any of the Constitution, outside of specific exclusion?

      If you think the Christian God wrote the laws of the OT and this world… you should go and read them. Obviously you haven’t. “He” apparently likes to contradict himself and bend facts and shows a complete a pretty utter disregard for human life. Sounds like a pretty miserable God to trust to write my laws…

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    • Hanner
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:52pm

      Psalms 14:1– The fool says in his heart, there is no God….
      I don’t argue with fools. It actually takes a lot of faith to believe that there is no God. I find your stupidity really funny to come on here and argue about something you don’t even believe in.

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    • totripoli
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 9:08pm

      “This guy doesn’t believe my bible, let me use a verse from my bible to prove he’s wrong!”. – Hanner

      You must live a very sheltered life.

      Report Post »  
    • Hanner
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:21am

      Romans 1:28– Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a reprobate mind so that they would do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, SLANDERERS, GOD-HATERS, insolent, arrogant, boastful….they have NO UNDERSTANDING… The judgements of God keep proving out more and more every day. You guys keep proving my bible to be more and more true every day!

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  • DesertRose1960
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:52am

    Ronald Reagan professed to be a Christian, but hardly ever found the time to go to church. He played fast and loose with the Constitution in his dealings with Iran and Nicaragua. When he left office, he went back onto the “Rubber Chicken” dinner circut. George W. Bush claimed to be a great Christian, but shrouded his Administration in secrecy and bullying behavior and called the Constitution “just a piece of paper”. Jimmy Carter was a church going Christian but could not get others to buy into his vision for the country. He left office and devoted himself to charity. Barack Obama has made no bones about the fact that he was raised without much religious instruction. He attended a Catholic school in Indonesia before he started attending the regular public schools. He had some exposure to Islam in school. He spent his high school years in a Hawaiian private school. He became involved with Black churches as a young man. He has proclaimed he is a Christian, but so many of you refuse to buy it. I’ve never been keen of Fundamentalist Christians. They are entitled to believe what they like, but that stops at my doorstep. I don’t have to share your beliefs, and if you try and insist, I will shut the door in your face. I‘ve given up being polite and trying to persuade you that I’m as entitled to my faith as you are to yours. Fundamentalist Christians will not listen to reason when it comes to believing differently than they do. Sorry, I’m not a binary thinker.

    Report Post » DesertRose1960  
    • affablethinker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:38pm

      Well said. I think that religion should be much less of a factor in picking the President than one’s character (and of course, their political leanings).

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    • by faith
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:00pm

      If a politician cannot be trusted to keep his/her commitment to his/her God or spouse, how can you trust them with anything concerning your life?

      Report Post » by faith  
    • ScottG-CO
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:05pm

      Affable, do you truely think an individual is capable of possessing “character” without?

      Report Post »  
    • affablethinker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:43pm

      Scott, I assume you meant “without religion.”

      My answer to that would be “most definitely.” A person can live a great life, and be a great person with or without religious beliefs. The same holds true for leaders and politicians. Take Abraham Lincoln: raised Christian, but never actually assumed a faith. He famously said “When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion.”

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    • Paul Paliath
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:11pm

      Scott: I’m an atheist, and I haven’t devoured any babies yet. :-)

      Report Post »  
    • Coolio226
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:15am

      PAUL- Really? Oh you should try some deep fried babies, or sweet and sour babies in apple sauce, it’s absolutely delicious.
      To all people incapable of understanding the obvious sarcasm in the above section, please realise that people are capable of having morals without your god. Ever been to Australia? quite a large portion of people here are atheist, we don’t have a huge amount of murderers, rapist, etc. There are just as many Christians in jail as any other religious demographic.
      Now, ending with a question, Have any of you fundamental christians ever even had a look at any other religious books, etc? Do you realise that evolution has nothing to do with the creation of life from non-life, but only the progression of life from one form to another to better adapt to the environment? Were you born into Christianity, or were you brought up to be allowed to choose whatever religion you please? And finally, have you ever met an atheist? Because none of you seem like you have.

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  • OHN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:52am

    Obama dont know our GOD.

    Report Post » OHN  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:59am

      Obama’s god is stuff that he can get, and someone else can pay for, IE he’s a bum.

      Report Post » HKS  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:47am

    btw,

    it is actions , not words.

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • Nanner-SW
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:46am

    Being a follower of Christ’s teachings brings one to the understanding that God works on an individual level, all life has purpose, and the laws that were set out (as with any father’s rules) were to keep his children from hurting themselves in the world. I would vote for an atheist if they would only have an appreciation/semi-understanding of the above. Christians believe that the government should not control people’s lives because only God is worthy of that. Some atheists just have a strong sense of self determination, that no one is worthy to control another, and I can appreciate that.

    Report Post » Nanner-SW  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:05pm

      The shear numbers of people on the planet who are not Christians, such as Jews confirms that God is not solely a Christian God. There is no higher form of arrogance than to represent or profess that one’s religious faith and beliefs are superior to any others. That any particular group are God’s chosen people. What science does continually validate and reinforce is that there is some higher form of energy or force in the universe. An energy or force that mankind has no clue about and probably not understand if it was revealed to us. While I appreciate the attempts to make and keep it simplistic, “you have to accept it on faith” is not an adequate answer to the multitude of items that are not “reveal” in the bible and inconsistent with scientific findings. The age of the planet and time span of life on the planet are a good place to start realizing limitations of ancient writings.

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    • SLOWBIDEN
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:06pm

      . There is no higher form of arrogance than to represent or profess that one’s religious faith and beliefs are superior to any others.
      ———————————————————————————————————————————————
      Then you arrogantly tell us how we should believe in your theories

      Report Post »  
    • goliath173
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:31pm

      @SLOWBIDEN

      “Then you arrogantly tell us how we should believe in your theories”

      Scientists never ask anyone to “believe their theories.” They do the exact opposite. They publish articles and say “Please, prove me wrong.” The beauty of science is that it requires ultimate humility – you work on research knowing everything you think and work on might be proved wrong one day. I‘ve never seen a religion be so humble as to assume it didn’t OWN the truth – which is, as the OP stated, really arrogant.

      Report Post »  
    • Derfel Cadarn
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Perhaps if could ask all those people that lives were extinguished by the Inquisition or the millions of inhabitants of the New world who exterminated because they were not followers of your oh so wonderful god and father we might get a more accurate perspective. All religions talk peace and love that is until some group gets in the way of their fallacy and then the killing begins. All your gods are murderers,you should all be ashamed.

      Report Post »  
    • Veteran Patriot
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:44pm

      2 GOLIATH
      “The beauty of science is that it requires ultimate humility – you work on research knowing everything you think and work on might be proved wrong one day.”

      I guess that is why the evolution and global warming crowds humbly invite so much open and friendly discussion on those subjects; they hope that they may be proven to be wrong one day.

      Report Post »  
  • Nanny
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:39am

    Obama is the perfect example of a President who does not have a sincere Christian walk. Under his administration we have the most corrupt presidency in America’s history,. He will do anything to change America into a socialist/communist country even though it’s a violation to our Constitution. He lies, deceives, bribes and threatens to get his way; this is not the walk of a Christian or a man of God..

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:56am

      So what was Reagan with Iran Contra, what was Bush Jr. with the WMD hoax. I’ll take strategic, rational and diplomatic skills over a Christian walk any day of the weak. So I guess with the Christian walk thing your asserting the a Jewish individual should not be President? History has shown us many, many cultures that displayed equal if not more faith, and equal if not stricter moral codes than many Christian cultures. The notion that Christians by definition are more moral, ethical or better leaders is not born out by history.

      Report Post »  
    • Link8on
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:07pm

      Most other Christians do not complain as much about the other presidents because they are not Anti Christion as the current one is.

      Report Post » Link8on  
  • cvs334
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:36am

    NO … it doesn’t matter their faith or lack their of … the only thing that matters is their adherence to the constitution.

    Report Post »  
    • wboehmer
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:43am

      WRONG!

      Goes to character.

      Faith → moral absolutes → character.

      Report Post »  
    • De minimus
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:49am

      Actually you must have, as he and the rest of them do not, or only pretend to have, the moral underpinnings which allows a person to see their duty to respect and enforce the terms, concepts and principles of the constitution and bill of rights.

      Report Post » De minimus  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:02pm

      It does matter, for example:

      North Korea, Russia, Iran (or some other country that hates us) launches a successful nuclear first strike against us. It has all but guaranteed the end of all life in the US and most likely Canada & Mexico. The president, the joint chiefs and a few hundred of our own nuclear weapons have survived. The president must now decide if he is going to retaliate, knowing that by doing so, the rest of the world may be destroyed via the fallout…also knowing, that no matter how it does, the US is going to be a wasteland that cannot sustain life for hundreds of years.

      Does he push the button? The kneejerk reaction is “heck yeah…wipe them out!” Really? Just because the US is gone, lets seek revenge and very likely end all life on the planet for a few million years.

      I’d rather have a president considering the ramifications of Gods viewpoint in his opinion.

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    • skimmer57
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:21pm

      cvs334– I agree. My only prerequisite is that they hold true to the fact that you can own slaves and blacks and women should not be able to vote like 49% of the signers. Also you have to wear magic undies and not believe in the Trinity and that Jesus and lucifer were brothers. Yup Mitt’s got my vote!

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  • NineteenEighty4
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:35am

    I’d rather the most powerful individual in the world not believe his actions are divinely mandated by a disembodied voice in the sky. If any world leader believes his or her actions are justified as “God’s will” they are capable of committing the worst kind of atrocities without any fear or judgement.

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    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:47am

      Washington believed it… GREATEST PRESIDENT EVER!!
      Lincoln believed it… TOP 5 GREATEST PRESIDENT’S EVER!! even with his more dubious actions to maintain order during the Civil War (War of Southern Independence).
      Jefferson believed it….
      Reagan believed it…
      I am sure all of the Presidents that were classically training and nearly became ministers before they entered the law or politics believed it….I would even bet that EVERY President from Washington to Andrew Johnson believed it…how can you say that… THEY ALL mentioned their faith, PRAYING to God for guidance, and professed belief that God guided the affairs of Man. I be that even Andrew Jackson, worst President out of those first 17, believed in and professed a faith in God’s guidance over the affairs of Man.
      So if the first 17 Presidents, the ones that stregthened, protected, and grew our nation into the legend in history it has become believed God was leading them….maybe, just maybe, YOU are the one that is misguided and needs to rethink their beliefs.
      Now believing your actions are dictated by a “voice in the sky” might lead to great atrocity, it can also lead to GREAT triumph, leadership, and goodness, as it has in the United States for probably 30 out of our 44 Presidents and the 112 Congresses and few dozen Supreme Courts that always start their sessions with prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Well maybe not the SCOTUS..

      Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
    • affablethinker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:44pm

      To VRWCONSPIRATOR:

      > Washington was a Deist (believed in a “clockwork god,” one that does not meddle in earthly affairs)

      > Jefferson did not believe Jesus was divine. He literally cut out the parts of the New Testament that did not make sense. Ever heard of the Jefferson Bible? No? Look it up.

      > Thomas Paine did not believe in a higher power. In fact, he was shunned by many of his contemporaries for this view. Who was Paine again? Oh, right, the author of “Common Sense.”

      > Lincoln did not consider himself religious. “When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion.”

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:09am

      @NineteenEighty4

      Can I call you Cinco de Mayo?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:28am

    What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ. George Washington, speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779

    To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. George Washington, May 2, 1778, at Valley Forge

    A good working knowledge and belief is God is good enough for me. Belief that there is a God who will judge us brings humility and responsibility. To know you’re accountable not only to the ballot box, but to the Creator of the Universe is a personal, moral checks and balance.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:50am

      To lead with humility and grace not choosing side and causing division like this president has done. I for one do not believe that Obama is a Christian just by the fact that he lies about his opponents . Bearing false witness is one of the commandments , the commandments are like a moral compass, we have no compass with a President that lies, but this is just one of his anti-christian faults , how about attacking the church? A man that knows he will have to answer to the LORD OF LORDS for his actions and deeds. God keeps an accurate record of all our thoughts , words and deeds and only through Christ do we find forgiveness for our sins.

      Report Post »  
  • SREGN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:19am

    Yes. Without a standard of morality higher than one’s own, expediency becomes the standard. Those leaders without that standard become genocidal despots like Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, and Hitler (he was not a Christian, do the research and stop parroting the atheists lies).

    Report Post »  
    • Ryley
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:08pm

      Do you know anything? Hitler believed in God, he was not an Atheist! Here is one of his quotes.

      “I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord..”

      I’m not particularly religious but what you just said is stupid. I have many friends that aren’t religious and they are the nicest, most caring people I have ever known, and to say that if they don‘t believe in God they have no moral’s is just rude. Stalin didn’t kill because he was an Atheist. I’m Canadian and I seem to know more about American religion in politics than most Americans, it’s really quite sad.

      There always seems to be a sliver of change in the world, but it gets crushed by people like you. Idiot.

      Report Post »  
  • chips1
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:18am

    Having faith in the President means something, too. There is none.

    Report Post »  
  • MiCurmudgeon
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:17am

    A President’s faith is not important. Obama’s lack of faith and time spent with Rev. Wright and Black Libertation theology is important .

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:17am

    Yes it does, for if an extremist or ideolog, such as the current Narcissist in the White House, is once again elected, the damage they can do is all too apperant. If they are unable to accept the freedom of worship ALL Americans are endowed with by the Constitution; then we are endangered yet again for a dictatorship as Obama is building.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • VRW Conspirator
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:14am

    With still over 80% of us professing a belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, America is still “one nation under God” but out political and academic elites are stripping us of that culture and that protection…. We the People are letting them and thus our problem… God sends messages to return to Him when the people stray… We are not listening… so the messages get stronger… like allowing our culture and society to run over a cliff of self absorbed entitled youth under 30….bent only on personal pleasure and quick easy answers….

    How can a leader or group of leaders that believe our Founders were just “deists” and “agnostics” defend and protect the covenant those Founders made with God to protect and assist this “shining city on a hill?”
    Why would God continue His Grace, Love, and Protection over a disobediant and defiant nation of His children that believe they can do it without Him?
    There have only been two Nations in all of creation EVER to dedicate themselves, their lands, and their government to the Rule of Nature‘s Law and Nature’s God, Israel under Moses and the USA under the Founders. We all know the history of Israel turning away and back and then away again only to be scattered across the Earth until they refind their Faith.
    I pray the USA and her people do not have to be scattered across the Earth to refind their Faith.

    Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:29am

      Well said.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • Malapert
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:38am

      Very, very, very well said.

      Report Post »  
    • affablethinker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:40pm

      Ever heard of “separation of church and state?”
      It’s this little thing the Founding Fathers came up with to keep religious influence out of the government.

      Now why would die hard Fundamentalists want that? Answer: They wouldn’t. So maybe… the Founders of this country weren’t diehard believers after all? *gasp* the drama!

      Report Post »  
    • jake9790
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:54pm

      Treaty of Tripoli Article 11: As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

      Report Post »  
  • bobby12
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:14am

    I want my president to have Christian values…..NOT Muslum values! I want a president who salutes the American flag instead of holds his crouch!……….I want a president who can represent ALL the American people …….I want a first lady who is ALWAYS proud of her country…………….I want a president who’s life is an open book and I KNOW he is an American…………I want a president who has moral and does not associates with racist people like J Joackson, Al Sharpton and “Rev” Wright.

    Yes, it matters a great deal to me how our president feel about God!!!

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:23am

      Your statement pretty much eliminates Dems and Repubs. Hope the Tea Party shows up at the convention and nominates an American.

      Report Post »  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:12am

    It is the single most important thing most Americans look for in a President.
    The godless are already well on their way to destroying this country.
    When you don’t believe in God, you become a god unto yourself.

    Report Post » Tankertony  
  • Locked
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:11am

    To me, personally? Not really. Obama’s a Baptist, but a terrible president. Romney’s a Mormon, but never for a second did I think about his religion as a reason to vote or not vote for him.

    Politicians, at the end of the day, will say whatever they want to get elected. I’m not voting for a pope or a pastor; I’m voting for a candidate who can put our finances back in order. I’ll take a moral person with sound financial judgment over an avowed Christian any day.

    Granted, that only applies to the current crop of candidates. I’d have a hard time ignoring an open Satanist.

    Report Post »  
    • theblazerunner
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:17am

      barry is a muslim.

      Report Post » theblazerunner  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:31am

      Barry worships himself.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • Locked
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:33am

      @Theblazerunner

      False.

      @Squid

      Agreed.

      Report Post »  
    • theblazerunner
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:45am

      locked,
      prove it…

      i have many links ready…you?

      Report Post » theblazerunner  
    • Locked
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 12:02pm

      @Theblazerunner

      “prove it…

      i have many links ready…you?”

      Give me one where he says he follows Mohammad and does not follow Jesus Christ. He spent 20 years in a Baptist church; do you discount Reverend Wright’s effect upon him?

      He says he’s a Christian. He sure doesn’t act like one, but he’d be an even worse Muslim, as apostasy is the worst insult to Islam and he claims to be a Christian.

      Please, feel free to pull out the conspiracy theory websites. It comes down to you needing to see him as something “else.” Obama’s a terrible president, but not because of his religion (Christianity). He’s just terrible. Period.

      Report Post »  
    • bobby12
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:17pm

      I’ve heard him called a lot of things but never a Baptist!!

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:33pm

      @Bobby12

      United Church of Christ, technically, but he has celebrated religious holidays at Baptist churches.

      Report Post »  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:10am

    Lamely worded poll. Technically, a Muslim cleric qualifies as one who has faith in God. So I guess it would depend on what KIND of faith in God we are talking about.

    Yeah – much to general a query to answer with the expectation of enlightenment.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
    • Grubmeister
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:51pm

      I agree that the poll is awful. I chose not to participate.
      I do think religion is important to my choice of president. If I see a candidate who seems too eager in that area or expouses wacky beliefs, I will assume that is the kind of president they will be.
      I realize there are many who believe the president is a great place to express our committment to diversity. I also realize there are many who believe a president should share a connection to a christian belief, no matter how remote. I think Mormonism is wacky and assume Romney has a worldview consistent with the book of mormon.
      The bottom line- I am looking for a president who fights for the constitution but is willing to advocate for any change they believe it requires (within the limits of the constitition). Those areas of the constitution that are grey, I would prefer they be open in how they would like to interpret BEFORE they are elected. I’m not happy with the current stalemate in Washington and would prefer a president more willing to fight openly for what he/she/it believes to break the logjam.
      I do not believe it is in our interest, as a country, that we have stealth candidates. If Obama were not a christian, I would prefer he speak the truth. As it stands, I believe he is “some kind” of a relatively benign christian.
      I have read enough about the Koran to know I would not vote for a Muslim. They either believe their religious writing or they’re living a lie. Either are unacceptable to me.

      Report Post »  
  • aChameleon
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:06am

    The requirements for president have hit an all time low. Question 1: Are you a muslim? Question 2: Are you a socialist/communist/marxist? If you answer no to these questions, you’ll get my vote in november. What ever happened to competition bringing the best and brightest to the top?

    Report Post » aChameleon  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:02am

    Billy, religion is the opiate for the masses, of course it matters if you are religious

    Report Post » Steelhead  
  • Landon410
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:01am

    be ye NOT unequally yoked with unbelievers

    so why would i want my government which i am yoked to to be an unbeliever?

    Report Post »  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:58am

    It’s hard to lead “one nation under God” if you don’t believe that. I think that’s the issue right now. We as a nation have always relied on God’s providence for our stength. No God no strenght.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
    • saranda
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:08am

      You do know the “under God” part of the pledge of allegiance was only added in 1954. And was added during the hysteria of the McCarthy era.

      Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:36am

      Yes, we know that “under God” was added in 54. So what is your point? If it were added in 1854 would it be better. I’m guessing your unknowledgable of the vast religious and christian quotes of our founders? “Under God” is pretty tame compared to some of the things Washington, Adams, Madison and even Jefferson said.

      P.S. Senator Joe McCarthy was a patriot and war hero who has been proven to be right about the communist spies that were infilitrated in the State Dept. It‘s easy to attack a man’s reputation who is no longer alive to defend it. I suggest you read “Blacklisted by History”. It chronicles McCarthy’s life and shows how the declassified Verona cables vindicated him.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:37am

      yes Saranda… EVERYONE knows that…liberals/progressives/and marxist atheists LOVE to use that line… SO WHAT!! Eisenhower added the words to embolden and stregthen America in a time of national pain (Korean War deaths) and national depression and mentioning GOD does not “establish” a government religion (religion in the historical context of the late 1700′s meant DENOMINATION, the Founders would have considered non Judeo-Christian based faiths as PAGANISM not religions).
      Over half the planet follows the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and over 90% of the USA professes to do the same…DEAL WITH IT!!

      As for national motto…it has been “IN GOD WE TRUST” since 1864!! and on the money since then as well.. it has been in the national lexicon since the War of 1812 and the penning of the Star Spangled Banner poem. Again – NOT an establishment of any one denomination!! over another….

      “E Pluribus Unum” was NEVER the national motto…it way simply the words on the GREAT SEAL of the United States!! and dates back to the Gentleman‘s Magazine cover from the late 1600’s and early 1700′s…it was simply wording to describe the CONFEDERATION of Nation States (former colonies of Great Britain) coming together to form a new central government made up of 13 SOVEREIGN NATIONS! It entered the US lexicon around the mid 1790′s with the creation of the new Constitution and governmental branches..it was not MEANT as a motto.

      VRW Conspirator  
    • Nanny
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:50am

      Yes, we are One Nation Under God. George Washington made a covenant with God when he was inaugurated April 30th, 1789 at Saint Paul’s Chapel, which is still standing at ground zero in NY. Read “the Harbinger” by Jonathan Cahn.

      Report Post »  
    • 13thDisciple
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:33pm

      The Founding Fathers did not believe that religion had a role in government. On the contrary, Jefferson was quite vocal about the separation of church and state. In an 1802 letter, he wrote:

      “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ”make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between church and State.”

      and

      “The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.”

      Report Post »  
    • Paul Paliath
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:21pm

      VRW: Not sure why you associate atheism with political ideologies when it’s simply a disbelief in a deity/deities. I have very socially liberal views (mainly because I really don’t care how people live their lives), but I’m also economically right-leaning.

      Anyways, you say “SO WHAT?” Well, that was added in ‘54 because the country needed a way to antagonize communists while uniting people with one common belief. Like most use cases of religion, it was a method of propaganda. Seeing that you associate atheism with marxism and communism, it clearly worked.

      Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:55am

    Yes!

    Report Post » randy  
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