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Does religion influence your politics?
If Christian or Jewish would you vote for an Atheist, a Muslim, a Hindu, or A Pagan?
If you are not Judeo-Christian, would you vote for a Christian or Jewish politician?
Would it bother you if this person did not wish to swear an oath on the bible? If they did swear an oath on the bible, would you trust that oath?
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If you are not Judeo-Christian, would you vote for a Christian or Jewish politician?
Would it bother you if this person did not wish to swear an oath on the bible? If they did swear an oath on the bible, would you trust that oath?
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October 27, 2009 02:03 AM
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While I would never vote for someone solely because they were of the same religion as me (That would be impressive an odinist presidential candidate in America! Hah!) I think it foolish to assume that religion doesn't play into ones decision on who to vote for. If you look into almost any religion you find a system of beliefs at it's core, in fact a religion is defined as:
(Via Dictionary.com)
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1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
End Quote---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regardless of what you believe chances are you agree with the core beliefs of the religion, therefore a candidate that is most in line with those beliefs is more likely to appear as the best choice in your eyes. I don't feel myself above this, however if the person of another faith's beliefs lined up enough with my own I would vote for them no problem.
On the note of swearing on the bible I give it little worth anyhow and I don't hold the bible in any special regard. You swore on a book, woo-hoo, that means you can lie while holding your hand up. My trust in a persons oath is only supported by their actions.
As for my vote in the next election? .....
(Via Dictionary.com)
Quote-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
End Quote---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regardless of what you believe chances are you agree with the core beliefs of the religion, therefore a candidate that is most in line with those beliefs is more likely to appear as the best choice in your eyes. I don't feel myself above this, however if the person of another faith's beliefs lined up enough with my own I would vote for them no problem.
On the note of swearing on the bible I give it little worth anyhow and I don't hold the bible in any special regard. You swore on a book, woo-hoo, that means you can lie while holding your hand up. My trust in a persons oath is only supported by their actions.
As for my vote in the next election? .....
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October 26, 2009 06:33 PM
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Unfortunately, religion does influence politics. If someone wants to pray or swear an oath on the Bible, I really could care less. But if someone elects a psycho into office on the basis of similar religious beliefs, that's where I draw the line. Many people vote in line with their religious beliefs, based on issues like abortion, gay rights, etc. This is where I believe religion and politics should be kept separate. If someone wants to practice a religious ritual like praying or swearing on a Bible, it's their business, but when religion infringes on the rights of others, it becomes a liability and even oppressive when you think of how many different religions there are in the United States and how many people are misrepresented by such Christian beliefs articulated through law.
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October 26, 2009 06:38 PM
If it is well known that someone does not believe in the bible, do you think that person should swear on the bible or politely ask for something else to swear on? What do you think voters would rather see?
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October 26, 2009 08:21 PM
To me, an oath is an oath. I mean, if someone swears on the Bible who doesn't believe in the Bible, isn't it pointless anyway? The Bible is supposed to be there to scare the person into wanting to tell the whole truth because he swore on this thing that might cause God to be angry with him if he the lies. Right?
They just need a new system. Plain and simple. Just make them take an oath plain and simple with no Bible. The consequences are essentially the same for lying whether you use a Bible or not.
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They just need a new system. Plain and simple. Just make them take an oath plain and simple with no Bible. The consequences are essentially the same for lying whether you use a Bible or not.
October 26, 2009 06:38 PM
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Religion absolutely plays a role for me. It's no secret that I'm not a Christian, and I am very adamant that I do not want Christian values, rules, and programs pushed upon me (nor do I want to pay for them!). So if there is a candidate (such as the former President Bush) who caters to an Evangelical Christian demographic, that's a turn-off for me. I worry that such a politician has no interest in representing me or my needs.
But would I vote for a Christian politician? Of course! I would vote for someone of pretty much any religious affiliation you could think of!
...Provided that this person was upstanding, intelligent, and genuinely seemed interested in representing ALL people, not just their own religious allies.
As for the Bible? It doesn't matter much to me. NOT because I don't hold much faith in the book, but because I've seen WAAAAY too many "devout", "religious" politicians who swore on the Bible and then did wrong by their constituents. To me, the oath is just a ceremonial pleasantry and really doesn't mean anything.
So they can swear on Huck Finn or Mad Magazine for all I care! :D
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But would I vote for a Christian politician? Of course! I would vote for someone of pretty much any religious affiliation you could think of!
...Provided that this person was upstanding, intelligent, and genuinely seemed interested in representing ALL people, not just their own religious allies.
As for the Bible? It doesn't matter much to me. NOT because I don't hold much faith in the book, but because I've seen WAAAAY too many "devout", "religious" politicians who swore on the Bible and then did wrong by their constituents. To me, the oath is just a ceremonial pleasantry and really doesn't mean anything.
So they can swear on Huck Finn or Mad Magazine for all I care! :D
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October 26, 2009 09:43 PM
Do you think voters would worry if I swear on a collection of HP Lovecraft short stories? ^_^
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October 26, 2009 10:28 PM
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I am not a person of faith, but I would (and do) vote for religious people. It's going to be many, many years, I think, before this country ever elects a president who doesn't have to prove he's Christian, and a lot of politicians make a show of their faith no matter what it is. I vote for people that I believe are ethical, honest, and going to do a good job. I voted for Obama knowing that he is a Christian but believing he will set his religion aside and make good decisions for people of all faiths. I figure, that is all I can ask for. Whether shaped by religion, culture, or upbringing, everyone has a subjective set of ideas about what is right, and we have to vote based on how much we trust their compass.
As for swearing on a bible, I find it a ridiculous practice. The bible isn't some magical object that forces someone to be honest. Whether or not they break their word is still entirely dependent upon them. The bible won't make a liar honest. And since we're not a theocracy, what significance would we allow the bible if they lied? Could we go to them and say "aha! You owe us because you swore on a bible!"? God didn't make a legal contract with them that we can somehow enforce in our government.
I think presidents should swear on the constitution as a sign that that is their primary allegiance, but even then, it's just a symbol. It only means as much as the beholder decides it should.
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As for swearing on a bible, I find it a ridiculous practice. The bible isn't some magical object that forces someone to be honest. Whether or not they break their word is still entirely dependent upon them. The bible won't make a liar honest. And since we're not a theocracy, what significance would we allow the bible if they lied? Could we go to them and say "aha! You owe us because you swore on a bible!"? God didn't make a legal contract with them that we can somehow enforce in our government.
I think presidents should swear on the constitution as a sign that that is their primary allegiance, but even then, it's just a symbol. It only means as much as the beholder decides it should.
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October 27, 2009 12:36 PM
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It definitely influences my politics, in that I will vote for a leader who intends to uphold freedom over "fairness." As a Christian, I recognize that it is not the place (or even in the ability) of the government to right all wrongs. Therefore, I have no interest in a big government that is responsible for ensuring education, health care, good jobs, and good homes to all at the expense of some. I believe that man must be free to make his own choices and to be benefited or harmed by his choices. I believe that as a Christian, I should use my money to help others, not forcibly taxing money from others to help those that I should be helping.
Government needs to provide freedom that is limited only by the freedoms of others, and I will vote for candidates who feel this way. God is responsible for whether the results are fair.
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Government needs to provide freedom that is limited only by the freedoms of others, and I will vote for candidates who feel this way. God is responsible for whether the results are fair.
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October 27, 2009 02:27 PM
As a non-christian in politics, would it be more respectful of me to swear on the bible, or swear on another text such as the bill of rights?
Do you think you would be less likely to believe me if I swore on the bible as I don't belive in it?
Note I am not in politics, but I have considered state politics. I am a centerist civil libertarian so it would be an uphill battle in any case.
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Do you think you would be less likely to believe me if I swore on the bible as I don't belive in it?
Note I am not in politics, but I have considered state politics. I am a centerist civil libertarian so it would be an uphill battle in any case.
October 27, 2009 02:57 PM
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Religion (or lack thereof) influences everyone's voting whether you know it or not. If you were a part of a pharmacutical company you would vote for the person looking out for your interests (Republican). Your philosophies are in line.
Personally, I am a Judeo-Christian and don't really care what religion my reps are, as long as their core ideologies are n touch with mine. I have seen many "Christian" leaders who don't exemplify Christian Values, I'd never vote for them.
I have taken several oaths that do not require putting my hand on the Bible (for example, my wedding vows). I've upheld those so I don't think the Bible is necessary to keep your word.
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Personally, I am a Judeo-Christian and don't really care what religion my reps are, as long as their core ideologies are n touch with mine. I have seen many "Christian" leaders who don't exemplify Christian Values, I'd never vote for them.
I have taken several oaths that do not require putting my hand on the Bible (for example, my wedding vows). I've upheld those so I don't think the Bible is necessary to keep your word.
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October 27, 2009 05:01 PM
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Since pagans don't have a snowballs' chance in hell of being elected to any high national office, I have been voting for Judeo-Christians for my entire adult life. Look at the controversy over people thinking Obama might be Muslim. It doesn't really matter, but you would think that having a President that was not a Christian would be the end of the world.
I would hope that people would vote for the person, not the religion, but I know that is especially not true in the red states. If a pagan were to actually make it through a primary to be in running for any national office, the red states would make sure they didn't get in. An atheist has a better chance of being elected than a pagan.
As for a Jewish politician, there are many Jewish politicians in office right now. I believe a women will be President before a Jew, though. Just like people would rather see a black man than a woman of any color, they would rather see a Christian woman than a Jew of any gender.
It's not problem, though, because paganism is the fastest growing religion, so they will have to be reckoned with eventually. Jews already run all the financial institutions, so why would they need to be in politics?
As for me, I'll continue to vote for the person, not the gender, race, or religion.
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I would hope that people would vote for the person, not the religion, but I know that is especially not true in the red states. If a pagan were to actually make it through a primary to be in running for any national office, the red states would make sure they didn't get in. An atheist has a better chance of being elected than a pagan.
As for a Jewish politician, there are many Jewish politicians in office right now. I believe a women will be President before a Jew, though. Just like people would rather see a black man than a woman of any color, they would rather see a Christian woman than a Jew of any gender.
It's not problem, though, because paganism is the fastest growing religion, so they will have to be reckoned with eventually. Jews already run all the financial institutions, so why would they need to be in politics?
As for me, I'll continue to vote for the person, not the gender, race, or religion.
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