It doesnt matter who you are voting for in this discussion so dont make this a political debate please. Which ever person you are currently supporting, would you still support them if you found out that they were not Christian. Lets say hypothetically they announced that they were Pagan. Would you still be as supportive of their candidacy? Does a candidates Religious beleifs have anything to do with how you vote? How would it effect your vote? Would you vote for someone that you didnt really liked but that was Christian just because the one you like is a Pagan?
[question posted by zukepr]responses and comments:
Depends on the flavor of Pagan they are. If they were among the "White" groups of Pagans, no, I probably wouldn't base my vote on it. However if they were into the darker sides of Pagan... Oh yeah, not only would I quit supporting them, I would campaign actively against them. [ParaTed2k]
there are certain branches of paganism that do not beleive in the same kind of balance. Just like any umbrella beleive system, there are good and bad within them. Those that use their beleifs to do "evil" are not the type of people that I like to associate with. I dont call them "dark" even though they may I call them evil If you use your beleifs to DO evil then in essence you ARE evil thank the Goddess the majority of us agree on the "dark" vs. "white" issue [zukepr]
Like the person above me said, it all depends on the "flavor" of their religion. If the politician's spiritual leader was one known for spouting racist comments, or if the dogma of that Religion favored the subjugation of women or the religion leaned toward Anti-American sentiments, I'd not only revoke my support, but actively try to make people see what the person really stood for. If the person's religion stressed "good behavior" as one of it's tenets, such as "if it harm none" or the "golden rule", I would not have a problem with their religion at all. [MSV1313]
I guess for me then it all comes down to the candidate's stand on kittens, and McCain was the only one who promised (as himself in an SNL skit) that if elected he's tell us what cute things the cat did that day. VOTE REPUBLICAN [MSV1313]
I'd vote for an atheist if I thought he/she was the most qualified person for the job, but I'm strange about stuff like that; I think what they can do for my country is what counts, not what church they go or don't go to... [myklj999]
the entity "Satan" doesnt exist to me Satan reporesents the evil that resides in all of us every human being has the potential to be evil but most of us choose to be good Satan represents the other half of that balance Satan reflects our own potential to be evil And when I say evil in this context I dont mean raping and murdering neccessarily I mean evil in the sense of commiting Christian sins like gluttony, sloth,etc... [zukepr]
I don't really think that religion should have anything to do with politics. I don't think that if you are not religios that you can not still be a moral person. I also don't think if you are not of the Christian faith that you are a bad person. We need candidates that can run our country efficiently. I don't think their religion has anything to do with that. Unless they believed in a religion that was dangerous and completely against our morality and they it was a religion of great prejudice, of course if that were the case I would want nothing to do with them. But as long as they are good moral people I don't think religion has anything to do with running a country. [ladym33]
My answer is an unequivocal YES. I could not care less what someone's personal religion is. I have never voted for anyone based on their religion and I have never voted against anyone based on their religion. I think it is a sign of ignorance that in the United States, we base our political beliefs on religion. One has nothing to do with the other in my opinion. [CherylsPearls]
Yeah, Zu, what we should REALLY base our votes on is the candidate's stand on KITTENS! [MSV1313]
I vote based on positions, abilities and the way their values show in those positions. I look for candidates whose positions reflect my values and who conduct themselves in a manner consistent with my values. Very honestly, I don't put a lot of stock in any politician who makes a big deal about their religious affiliation. Your beliefs show in the way you live and the things that you support or don't support. The politicians stated religious affiliation doesn't make a lot of difference to me so I guess the answer to your question would be - no. It would not change my vote to find out that the candidate I support did not Affiliate themselves with a Christian church. [chameleonsdream]
Well, being pagan...I naturally have no negative opinion on that umbrella of religions. Mostly I have to say that my beliefs in their ability to lead has nothing to do with their religion. There's good and bad christians. There's good and bad muslims. There's true Buddhists and hypocritcal Buddhists lol. Religion doesn't really matter most case scenarios. I don't support anyone currently, and even if one of the current candidates announced that they were pagan -- I'd think it interesting, but it wouldn't make me support them. [xParanoiax]
I can't wait to see! [MSV1313]
Unless they were some strange religion that hates other people who are not the same as them or who do wierd satonic rituals then yes. I would still vote for a candidate that is not Christian. I know several people who are not Christian but are still good people. I believe in seperation of church and state anyays. [thedaddym]
yeah the pastors say alot of stuff that should maybe be taken with a shaker full of salt LOL [zukepr]
Truthfully? Unless the person used their own words and showed me where their heart stands with their faith, I wouldn't bother with them. And "No", I would not vote for anyone who didn't believe in God. I don't think that their religious beliefs and their political Goals have much of a standing together, though. Monetary gain has no value in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Anyone or group that "thinks" they have power - in much like an ant to be crushed beneath the feet of our Supreme Being. Sure, the oldest form of religion is witchcraft. But, certain people with the gifts of knowing certain things, have decided they actually have powers. So, one day they might get un-plugged. [RhythmWalker1]
what about atheists? [zukepr]
As a general rule, someone's religion would certaily not affect my vote. What I would be looking for is that candidate's policies. That said, if the candidate's religion was worshipping the dark gods (or something similar on the dark side involving say cannibalism, human sacrifices and other generally nasty evil business), then clearly that would make me think again! [evanslf]
Hmmmmm.....it really depends, I guess. Anyone can say they are a Christian. Obama claims to be a Christian and you know how I feel about him....lol. I once voted for a Buddhist--he was an member of the Natural Law Party, a now defunct 3rd party that believed in governing according the natural laws of the universe. Their platform made sense and I was aware they were not Christian and yet I still voted for them. Contrary to what "some" might say or think about me here, I do not vote according to religion, though the tenants of my faith are very important to me. It's not that I wouldn't consider voting for someone who wasn't a Christian but if their religious tenants were opposite AND extreme then no, I wouldn't vote for them. Example, a Muslim who believed in Sharia law is someone for whom I would not vote. A Pagan who believed in religious liberty and revered religious freedom as much as I do and was not perceived to be in the least bit hostile to those of faith I would vote for. Hope that makes sense. [sndcain36]
makefect sense I wouldnt want a terrorist in charge of this country either [zukepr]
I dont vote base on there faith. I vote base on there experience. If they dont believe in God but still respect those people who have faith in God then i have no problem with that. As long as he knows how to run the government and will have better plans for the country then i will vote for that person. I vote for someone i know who can help improve the current economic situation of the country and someone who has principle in life. A leader who is firm on its decision and whose main objective is for the common good of the country. [belk89]
as long as HE knows what you got a problem with a woman as president? [zukepr]
The main reason I vote is if the person running for president has been proven to get results. I got to have confidence in them. I think you can still be a good person and not be a Christian. [elmiko]
The first time I voted it was for a non christian and the person that I love was running she is a christian I didn't voted. I prefer to vote for what I think that person can do to make an impact of change and upliftment in the lives of the citizens. What I have noticed over the years person will talk alot about christianity whether it be pagan or non pagan and when they win they forget about the God or Goddess. No I would not change my vote as long as this person has the qualities that I am looking for. I would still vote for him/her. [kerriannc]
I don't care about the religion of the candidates, unless of course they're legislating their values from that religion. In that case I'll oppose their candidacy. For example, I would never vote a person who wanted to let teacher-led prayer back in public schools, nor would I ever vote for someone who opposed same-sex marriage. Religion and government should never mix. Religion should be an aspect of the candidate, but not the candidates platform. Be they Christian, Muslim, Scientologist, or pagan - it's not their religion that matters to me. I care more for their voting record and platform. [Latrivia]
Well, I have no religion except for my own, so it would make not the scrap of difference to me who had what religion. It would not affect my thoughts of that person at all, I vote for someone because I like them and what they say and if I think they are going to be any good at their job! [gemini_rose]
I probably would vote for them if I thought they were qualified and I agreed on their stance on political issues. Religion really shouldn't matter, though I am a Christian and would like to have a Christian President. I believe our constitution was designed so that no one can impose their religion on the entire country. [PrarieStyle]
A person's religious beliefs or lack there of would have no bearing whatsoever on how I would cast my vote. However, their beliefs or at least where they stand on the issues does. I tend to vote for whichever candidate mostly closely holds the same stance on the issues as I do. [betsyraeduke]
hi zukepr no it doesnt matter to me what religon they have at all as I will vote on their characters and whether or not they would do a good job being the president of our country. If he or she was a white witch or pagan it would not upset me at all, I would still vote if he or she was my best choice.Religion doesnt factor in at all. if the candidate was allwrong I wouldnt vote for a christian at all. [Hatley]
I care about a person's faith who is running for office because it shows a certain behavior pattern. I care because there is a history to each kind of religion or faith. If one embraces that faith and it has something about which I disagree, then I would definitely not vote for the person...because, in my opinion, that person would NOT be the best thing for the U.S. [kenzie45230]
As a pagan myself I wouldn't have a problem voting for them. But really, religion isn't an issue for me. I wouldn't care what their religion was as long as they could do the job right. [TessWhite]
I feel the same way as long as they can do the job then who cares what religion they are [zukepr]
Hi, sukepr! Yes, I would say that this has a general and major impact on my decision to support a particular candidate. The belief of a person dictates his/ her conscience. Why would I support, more so, vote for someone who's beliefs totally contradicts mine? But, that's just me. happy [mitziverde]
Absolutely. People say they can seperate their religious beliefs from actions but I think that is very hard to do. Somewhere deep down religious beliefs would color many decisions. Therefore as a Christian it is my duty to put people in office who care about the same things I do. However!!!!.... If the only christian candidate were a complete dolt and would harm this country I would not vote for them or the pagan either one. I would write in someone or just not vote at all. [shewolf52002]
so if the Christian was a crook you wouldnt vote them? and if the pagan was a good person and a good solid candidate you wouldnt vote for them either because they are pagan? Is that what you are saying [zukepr]
i see that religion doesnt influence that..... i would definitely support [albino001]
In my opinion you cannot judge the person's ability bec. of his/her religion. Focus more on how he manage his work properly also how he manage himself. Is he a good model? Is he responsible? You should also know some of his background. VOTE WISELY ! [tikei18]
I would vote for the person based on the Character of the person. That being said to me Religion makes up part of the Character. I would vote for a person who was a Jew, or believe in one of the Native American Religions, or a Buddhist so yes if you consider them Pagan. [bobmnu]
In all honesty I don't really care what religion or non-religion they are, as long as they don't try and use their postion in office to force their beliefs onto the general public. I don't care if they worship the all mighty lamp as long as they have the skills and abilities to do the job at hand. Also as long as they are able to seperate their personal/religious life from their professional life. The two don't belong together and if they understand that, then worship whomever or whatever your want. [devilsangel]
I agree religion has no place in politics and they should stay seperate people should vote for the better candidate period! thank you [zukepr]
If I had a choice between three equally talented (or not) candidates, one of whom was an avowed Christian, one who was a Christian but didn't make any big deal of it, and one who was not a Christian, I would vote for them in the reverse of that order. My experience is that people who make a big thing of their Christianity in a political context tend to be excessively right-wing and moralistic, two characteristics I fear and dislike intensely. I might even go so far as to say that if such a candidate was running against a deadbeat, I would vote for the deadbeat. Lash [grandpa_lash]
Whether they were Pagan, Christian, Atheist, Agnostic or Jew would not affect my choice at all BUT being Muslim would! [whiteheather39]
I would vote for the person who I think would do a good job. One of the original amentdmenst consist of the freedom of religion. What difference does it make? I don't think is should make any difference who worships what and how. It would be a great learning experance for the country if one was Pagan. I have studied the religion and know it is split up into many religions just as christianity is.and only one of those religions consist of worshiping the devil. It does not make a difference. [shortbunny1980]
Thanks. I have done my homework and understand correctly. Makes me happy. [cyntrow]
I would and will vote for the person I think will do the best job. [bestboy19]
I don't think a candidate religious beliefs make a difference in how they would govern the country, so yes, I would still vote for them. I know a lot of people in my area would disagree, and I don't understand why. [Bd200789]
good for you! thats how people should vote [zukepr]
Only to the extent that they might have been deceptive about their religion. One could say the same thing about sexual orientation. It isn't a job-influencing qualification to be heterosexual, but if someone had been intentionally misrepresenting themselves then that matters. Now, granted, in the case of homosexuality, I can understand people keeping that to themselves. Politically speaking, homosexuality is hard for some voters to get over. But, I think you get my point. [DaddyOfTheRose]
Change for the better is a noble aspiration. Of course, there is always the matter of prioritization. Which battles must be fought and when. It is a touchy issue with a lot of people. [DaddyOfTheRose]
Why would they need to be Christian? They could be Jewish, Buddhist, or anything. If they can do the job well, religion should not have a part in it at all. [nanajanet]
I thought in this country we were suppose to seperate church and state. I think a good person is a good person his religion is just a social cloak. There are good Pagans believe me. [savypat]
yup there are i am one of them [zukepr]
I'm a little bit torn on answering this because although I won't vote for someone on the grounds of their religious beliefs, I have NOT voted for someone because of their association with a hate group (neo nazis). In general, religion is a personal thing to me. Sure, great, you want to shout it from the rooftops because you're proud of who you are? More power to you. But don't make me listen to it. lol. I have my own views and I don't care to have others' shoved down my throat. Then of course, there's the fact that I don't feel religion and politics should be combined. They are separate entities, and should be treated as such. [CanadaGal]
Anyone who says that religion has no basis in their choice of a candidate is a liar. [morethanamolehill]
xP, It's not even about having negative feelings about one religion. But Most everyone has more favorable reactions to one over another. Even if both say they are "Christian" One may be an Evengelical and one may be a "snake handler". Which do you think more people would feel more comfortable with? It like RUSH (The Band) says,"if you choose not to decide, You still have made a choice." Maybe I was a bit harsh with the word "Liar", Since many people may not even realize they are doing it, but they still do it. The same could be said about a lot of subjects. How many people wanted Hillary simply because she was a woman? Even if they were Men. [morethanamolehill]
I wouldn't change my vote just because my candidate was Pagan. As long as I believe that they are the best candidate, I don't care what religion they ascribe to. Actually, to be honest, I don't really want a Bible Thumper for a candidate either so, a Pagan candidate may get me more interested. Sorry but, I really don't want someone preaching to me from the White House. [cortjo73]
It does for me, I don't put much stock in someone who doesn't realize that In God We Trust isn't just a slogan, its what this great country (USA) was founded on. Even if they worship some other God they will stand in judgement like me and everyone else one day. With great power comes great responsibility. [gitfiddleplayer]
Religion and spirtuality mean nothing to me as far as candicey(sp) goes. I will vote for the person that I feel is best for the job. My fellow Christians may crucify me. [cyntrow]
damn straight! [zukepr]
I'm a Pantheist so I live by a logical philosophy not a religion. So a candidates religion holds no sway with me whatsoever. If they can convince me that they are going to fix the problems I feel need fixed then they have my vote. Although I think I'd PAY to see a Summer Solstice celebration on the White House lawn! w00t [craftcatcher]
There was a time when I would have answered, yes that would change my vote. Remember, I said was a time. At that time I followed the leader, whom ever the church talked about and promoted, and whichecer spoke publicly about their beliefs or prayed publicly, they were the one with my vote. I'm sorry to admitt, that is why I voted for Bush. Because my entire church wa, and he prayed in public and spoke of being a "godly" man. BOY WAS I WRONG!!!! Today, I am a very different person when it comes to faith and beliefs. I NEVER judge a person by their beliefs anymore. I realize now that great people come from all walks of life and all types of faiths. Now I wish politicians would keep their faith out of it. Seperation of church and state is no longer what it was intended to be. Politicians now use religion as an edge to gain votes, and I think its a crock and sacreligious. [edgyk8inmomma]
Religion does play a part in how I vote. Surprising for an agnostic to admit eh ;), especially one who believes strongly that religion and politics should be separate. That being said if a candidate came out and claimed to be pagan it would not alter my vote, however if they were pushing a religious themed platform, it would change my vote regardless of what that religion is. I won't knowingly vote a zealot in. [Myrrdin]
Yes, definately. If the person was otherwise what I want and need, why should it matter? I know a lot of people are really hung up on religion, but it's not for everyone. If I decide not to share your beliefs, let me "go to hell" then, but respect my rights otherwise! [Sheepie]
This is how I am voting. First I look at if they can do the job, as in if they are qualified by experience and capability (as in understanding the various departments involved). Second I look at the person's consistency or non consistency, because this is a good indicator of how they actually will perform in the future when it comes to decisions. If I feel a person has met these two requirements I will vote according to this solely...now what someone does on their own time exercising their RIGHT of religious freedom is none of my business. I would expect the same consideration when applying for any job. And honestly I believe if someone is going to run or oversee the running of a company then they should have worked every department to be able to fully understand and advise accordingly. But I know others are basing votes according to this. It is their choice. I may not agree but it is their choice. There I did not mention who I am voting for, even though a few of you may alreayd know LOL [taface412]
where do i have to sign to get a pagan president, please? at least i would be probably granted rights to marry the person i love and environmental respect *snorts* most christians seem to have forgotten what love means not to mention respect for the environment [JoMarch]
where can i vote for you? please please go to the next elections :p seriously these things are just so true...i dont know where they think they are going with treating the Earth the way they are and thinking they can get away with it...its really scary...we are heading for destruction and we are providing it [JoMarch]
Are they gardnerian wiccans? If its one of those they are weird and I sure as hell dont want one of them since they think their way is the ONLY way of paganism, and you can only be intiated by someone that is a direct line from gardner, yeaaah riiiight lol.. Anyone else, hell I wouldnt care if they were atheist, it would be better then what we have had for how many years now? Pagan and Proud [darkjedi]
Hehe yeah, I think I might get to a 4 and then a 3 before you rasp hehehe :D [darkjedi]
No. I am of an age that has seen many Presidents come and go. Many have been very good and moral men but unfortunately many have been very immoral. Of course its only been the last 20 years that the truth about these men has come out and of course the ones one know about from the news papers. I don't even think about their religion because so far they have all been christian. I would have no problem voting for a non christian if I thought they were the right person for the job. I have seen to many walk into a christian church with a big smile on their face and am amazed the roof hasn't fallen on them. [patms1]
I don't care what somebody's religion is. I don't care if they are atheist. I care that they are able to serve the needs of all their constituents, not just the ones who share their religious beliefs. Our Prime Minister Martin is a Catholic who believes strongly in his faith. But he had to put the civil liberties of the citizens of his country before the morality of his church. Had he not been able to do that, he would have been unqualified to hold his job as Prime Minister. [onesiobhan]
Ummm Paul Martin hasn't been PM for quite some time. Harper is the sitting PM (for now, we'll see after today)... I am assuming this was just a misuse of wording showing historically how a PM was able to put aside his beliefs. For those of you are interested in the whole story. Prime Minister Paul Martin was a Liberal and PM of Canada after Chretien stepped down. Under his leadership the laws allowing same sex marriage was passed. Paul Martin supported the bill allowing this, even after the Pope himself asked Martin to vote against it due to his Catholicism. Martin publicly stated that his constituents wished the bill passed and therefor was honour bound to vote for the bill not against it regardless of his own personal belief system. [Myrrdin]
Absolutely, I'd still vote for them, unless they were promoting something extremely evil or violent. I've long said I'd rather if all politicians said nothing whatsoever about their personal religious views because they are not supposed to govern according to their religious faith. We're a nation of many religions so it shouldn't be an issue at all. I consider it to be a private matter and prefer it when people don't wear their religion on their sleeves when it comes to their professional life. What they do in their private and family lives is their own business. Annie [anniepa]
I am going to be as honest I can be here with a broken finger slowing me down...yes, it would make a difference to me if the candidate was Pagan. I would be more likely to vote for the person just because he or she were Pagan. But that is because I am Pagan and I know what the belief system of Pagans are. I would like to see a person that was Pagan get into office to show the religious diversity that this country was founded on. As it is...I still only have Christian candidates to choose from. And IF a candidate hides his or her religion, it is out of fear of persecution. [brokentia]
hey beautiful! what happened to the finger? I agree with you to a point. the fact that they are Pagan may hold some weight in my decision but they would also have to be qualified for the job I wouldnt put someone in the office of President just because they were pagan know what i mean? [zukepr]
Yes...it does not matter oned belifes or the way of life they follow. They are still as capable of making the same desicions as one who worships the one they call God. [Bobbi1971]
I would vote for anyone who has the welfare of other people at heart no matter what his religious affiliations is. I would not vote for someone who goes agianst my religious beliefs such as those in favour of euthanasia and abortion. [ronaldinu]