Religion and Politicians - separation between church and state

[LydiaB]

In the USA we are supposed to have a separation between church and state. Law is to be created to benefit the most people, not based on religious belief but on how people function best, with the emphasis on people.

That being said, politicians are often found espousing their relationships with a church, their religion, or religious movements because they want votes from as many people as possible. This isn't limited to politicians in the USA.

Do you consider a politician's religion or church attendance when voting?

Are you comfortable with the level of influence religion plays in your local or regional government?

[Gloria]

That is a very good question Lydia! .. yes that's very true.. Mike Huckabee's victory in Iowa's GOP caucus can be largely attributed to his overwhelming support among evangelical voters. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has resigned from the church where controversial sermons by his former pastor and other ministers created political headaches for his campaign. I think we must give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. Religion is religion and law is law. there are laws in every religion but no religion is "law" and no "law" can be a religion in itself. thanks very much for sharing!

[keeper]

In the Philippines, this is also true and those politicians are using the religions during Elections. Some politicians actually give some contribution to churches so that they would be supported by those priest or religious leaders.

[bika]

In my country most of the politicians are religious. They pray god, they were many rings.

[Liberty Bell]

I am a religious/spiritual person. However, it really turns me off when politicians start bringing there religious/spiritual beliefs to the bargaining table in efforts to gain votes. Or when another attacks their competitors Church Religion Or spiritual beliefs, or lack there of. This plays no role in our political and governmental make up. Keep it private.

[Lorence]

We cannot deny the fact that religion, the catholic church especially, have a very big influence in politics. They can shout to the world about the separation but still the fact remains.

[Gloria]

You are welcome Lorence!

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by Lorence

We cannot deny the fact that religion, the catholic church especially, have a very big influence in politics. They can shout to the world about the separation but still the fact remains.

People can do more than just shout to the world and accept the status quo. I think as more people start letting candidates know that religion doesn't help their cause, we will stop seeing religion as something politicians use.

Never just sit and accept the status quo when you know things can be different.

[Gloria]

great! you are welcome Sagemother!

[emiglia]

Originally Posted by Gloria

That is a very good question Lydia! .. yes that's very true.. Mike Huckabee's victory in Iowa's GOP caucus can be largely attributed to his overwhelming support among evangelical voters. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has resigned from the church where controversial sermons by his former pastor and other ministers created political headaches for his campaign. I think we must give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. Religion is religion and law is law. there are laws in every religion but no religion is "law" and no "law" can be a religion in itself. thanks very much for sharing!

This is one of my favorite quotes from the New Testament. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but give God what belongs to God.

In America, State and Church are meant to be completely separate, but they aren't. In France, they are meant to be as well, and even as a Catholic country, I feel that in most instances, politics and Church are separate... except that France has never had a non-Catholic president.