Does a Candidate's Faith Matter in Politics?

from JoeUser Forums

I grew up LDS.

Through the years, my faith has become something I could most tactfully describe as NOT LDS. For reasons that are not at all relevant to this blog, except to establish the fact that if anyone had a bone to pick with the LDS church, I would.

And yet, if Mitt Romney wins the GOP nomination, my vote will probably be cast against him, but because he is a Republican, NOT because he is a "Mormon". See, Mr. Romney's religious persuasion is as irrelevant as his hair color. It is interesting trivia, but not enough in itself to qualify or disqualify a voter.

I find it highly ironic that the anti-LDS rant came out of a mouth of someone who purports to follow the dream of a man for whom content of one's character was meant to be the utmost standard of the worth of a man. Someone who has collected millions in bribe money to overlook the racial affronts of various US companies and individuals.

I would say that I have known as many Mormons over my lifetime as I have other religions. And while there are certainly bad apples in the LDS faith (as there are in all) , there are also good, decent, honorable and loving people in the LDS faith(as there are in all). The truth is that, while the spiritual values of a faith may be measurable to an ethical standard, the actual practice of that faith is not.

Oddly enough, one thing many Christian Coalition types overlook as they evaluate Mormons is that our basic values are exactly the same. While there are theological differences, the Mormons believe point by point the same as "mainstream" Christians do on most moral matters (and if you EVEN bring up the Mormon practice of polygamy which was abolished in the 1800's, I'd be happy to throw in the Salem Witch Trials, the Inquisition, and a host of other offenses by members of various "Christian" factions).

Mitt Romney should be judged by one basic standard: can he do the job? If you feel he can, his faith is immaterial. If you feel he can't, likewise.

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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

WAAAAAHHHH!  DAMN!  You skunked me again!

We are going to have to do a number if you keep marginalizing me!  I am offended!  I am outraged! BUT....

I am appreciative that I am not the only one that thinks this way.

But to answer your question, NO.

Somehow I dont think that will surprise you.

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
To answer your question: It shouldn't, but it does.

As a very non-LDS living my whole life in Utah, I initially wanted to say I wouldn't vote for a Mormon, with all acknowledgment of unreasonableness. But then I realized, I just wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney but if I lived in Nevada I'd probably vote for Harry Reid. You're right; for me, at least, it's not about the religion its about the qualifications I deem best suited for the job.

So here's the next question: does a candidate's not-faith matter in politics?
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would not not vote for someone because of their affiliation unless it was truly very offensive to me. In other words, I'd much rather vote for a very moral Mormon than I would an immoral Phelps kinda guy.

But......if it came down to a very moral Mormon and a strong Christian Believer who believed in Jesus as triune God, then there would be no question. I would vote for the one closest to my belief. To me Romney sounds better than Bill Clinton did to me already and supposedly Clinton was closer to my religious belief system (but he didn't fool me one bit).

We have to remember we are voting for President, not elder. Now that would be a whole nuther discussion.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
So here's the next question: does a candidate's not-faith matter in politics?


Can they do the job? My answers remain.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would vote for the one closest to my belief


See, and there's the rub. Based on what I know, I assure you Romney's beliefs are FAR closer to yours than, say, Hillary's.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
assure you Romney's beliefs are FAR closer to yours than, say, Hillary's


yep....but then again she's about as bad as it gets for me and what I believe in.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Really? I never woulda guessed.

(Cue evil grin here)
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
If a candidate's religious persuasion is irrelevant, would you vote for a Muslim? Assuming that other than religious beliefs, all things were equal between that candidate and their opponent?
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top

would you vote for a Muslim? Assuming that other than religious beliefs, all things were equal between that candidate and their opponent?

Yes, as well as a Hindu, Taoist, or Buddhist.

The sad fact of politics in America is also one of its strong points in America.  Religion is secondary to political agenda.

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
If a candidate's religious persuasion is irrelevant, would you vote for a Muslim? Assuming that other than religious beliefs, all things were equal between that candidate and their opponent?


That was my first thought when I started reading this article. I would not necessarily vote for someone based on their religion, but it would play a factor in my decision. For example, because of some cultural beliefs based on the Koran, I would not vote for a Muslim if his intentions were to punish, say, women for not covering their faces. But if his intentions were to better this country based on the foundation of this country then, depending on what the other candidates have to offer I could be persuaded to vote for him. After all, we have Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Gov. of California. Of course in the real world this would not happen, I wouldn't vote for a Muslim right now if they had 10 nukes aimed at the US. Just can't tell who wants to be our friend and who's acting anymore.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top

If a candidate's religious persuasion is irrelevant, would you vote for a Muslim?

What did I just say?

You are correct when you say most people wouldn't, though

Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
The sad fact of politics in America is also one of its strong points in America. Religion is secondary to political agenda.


It's not, really. Religion is a very important part of the political process in America and that becomes even more obvious when you compare it to somewhere like Australia, which has had atheist prime ministers and quite a few important members, ministers and PMs who never went to church. Try that in the US and your electoral chances reduce dramatically.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
It's not, really. Religion is a very important part of the political process in America and that becomes even more obvious when you compare it to somewhere like Australia, which has had atheist prime ministers and quite a few important members, ministers and PMs who never went to church. Try that in the US and your electoral chances reduce dramatically.


That is a common misconception. I see your atheist and show you JFK, Ted kennedy, Joe Lieberman and john Kerry.

No, Religion gets headlines (and much to the chagrin of others), it does not dictate in politics.

We have not had an Atheist leader for the simple reason that here, it does not matter, and for the most part, they dont care.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top

We have not had an Atheist leader for the simple reason that here, it does not matter, and for the most part, they dont care.


Really? I'm doing a course on religion and politics at the moment (three weeks left til I graduate...yay me) and the clear consensus seems to be that attending church is extremely important to American voters, as is referencing God in speeches (God bless America etc) and swearing on bibles.

Google 'religion in American politics' and you'll see it's widely considered an important issue with a strong chance of influence on voting patterns.

I wouldn't vote for a Muslim, regardless of their qualifications.

Then again, I wouldn't vote for an Evangelical Christian, either.


Neither would I. Strongly religious people make terrible decision-makers - they spend too much time believing in books and not enough time talking to people.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
Religion is very important in politics, especially when it comes to the 'Christian Right' which consists of a considerably LARGE blog of voters who are very influential. (as they should be...)


you meant 'bloc' rather 'blog', right? (although at times it does seem as if either/both could be equally appropriate/accurate.)

no question but that democracy favors all such large blocs. it's the reason our government spent much of the last half of the 20th century doing its best to prevent or subvert democratic elections in dozens of countries around the world.

(replace the word 'christian' with 'muslim' in your statement and it'd be equally applicable to nearly all of the middle east and central asian nations should they be hit with a sudden outbreak of democracy.)

i'm thinking the more germane question (for republicans anyway) might be: "who cares whether a candidate's faith matters to you if you aren't jerry falwell?'
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't think America is anywhere near ready for an atheist president. In fact, every single one of them has been some variety of Protestant Christian with JFK being the single exception


it's impossible to determine which of them were truly presidents of faith. americans are far too ready to believe stuff they wanna hear.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
i'm thinking the more germane question (for republicans anyway) might be: "who cares whether a candidate's faith matters to you if you aren't jerry falwell?'


Acerbic, but with a kernel of truth.

In the end, who has Jerry elected?

Yea, yea, we know. Bush. But are his policies synonymous with Falwell?
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Faith isn't the only criteria, but it does matter to me.

I am more likely to vote for a man who acknowledges God than one who denies Him. Actually, I probably wouldn't vote for someone who denied God. I think it takes waaaay more faith to believe in chance and big bangs than in God...hahaha.
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, Tova, I believe VALUES matter very much. While faith is often a foundation of values, I have seen atheists who have very strong values.

And Romney's values are pretty much in line with mine. Although I probably will not vote for him, his being Mormon is immaterial.
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, Tova, I believe VALUES matter very much. While faith is often a foundation of values, I have seen atheists who have very strong values.


Have a cookie!
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
So yeah, religion does matter. It matters a lot, no matter what sort of 'it doesn't matter' PC utopia some folks on here want to present America to be.


yes, it does, LW, but it doesn't matter to me in the least.

My point was and is that, although I have strong feelings towards the LDS faith (and have GOOD reasons for such feelings), those feelings are irrelevant to the question of whether or not Romney can do the job. He and I probably have many similar values, despite a difference in faith.

Like Orrin Hatch. I actually KNOW Senator Hatch, and there are a number of scenarios where I might actually vote for him.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
In the end, who has Jerry elected?


his backing doesn't ensure election--only a place on the ballot.

until the republican party officially nominates a candidate other than one anointed and blessed by falwell and his associates, they should change the acronym from gop to pog.
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
So yeah, religion does matter. It matters a lot, no matter what sort of 'it doesn't matter' PC utopia some folks on here want to present America to be.


anyone who seeking a demonstation need only watch what happens to giuliani. rudy's only choice is gonna be straighten his skirt, touch up his makeup and run as an independent.