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The Religious Test for Presidents
Let us not pretend our country applies no religious test for prospective presidential candidates. We do and we always have done so. Just last summer there was a national outcry over Obama's church, whose pastor was believed to be too outspoken in his sermons about his feelings about our government. And, there has been a continuous undertow of commentary about the imaginary Islamic upbringing of Obama. The Republicans always apply religious tests to Democratic candidates.
Well, it is time to apply those tests to the Republican candidates. Sarah Palin's church is one that I'm quite sure would not be acceptable to most Americans if they only knew about it. For sure it is not in the mainstream of religious thought in our country. A problem with her choice of religions is that it is one of those that preaches that world upheaval, colossal wars, and other human calamities are good things. Can our country survive another president who believes that God speaks through him? Don't be fooled in thinking that Palin will only be vice president, and not president. Given McCain's age, the fact that his father and grandfather were victims of heart attacks, and his bombastic temper, you would never want to bet that he would survive 4 years in that office. If we don't want a religious radical as President, now is the only time we can prevent it.
Comments (1)
My issue with Sarah Palin's religion is that it is in and of itself a relgion that does not separate church and state. I don't see how you believe in their construct govern in a way that honestly separates church and state. I have spiritual beliefs that are not connected to any organized religion and the only political representation in politics that I have going for me is the separation of church and state.
The question is does that mean that her religious practices and mine would prevent us from being president of the united states. As far as I am concerned I really don't want anyone with such incredibly strong christian beliefs running the country because it feels threatening to my freedom to believe something very different.
This is such a tough area but I don't see how the republicans get queasy over Romney being a mormon and don't get queazy over Sarah Palin's Assembly of God Association.
I would be more concerned about this if I had any intention of letting McCain/Palin get the chance to demonstrate their religious leadership in office... but it is definitely something that voters need to think more about.
September 9, 2008 12:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
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