I am so sick of hearing the politicians and media types say that where one goes to worship should not be considered when deciding who to elect. Are you really telling me that if someone campaigned openly as an extreme Muslim we would simply ignore that? Likewise are you telling me that someone who belongs to a church body recognized by most mainline Christian groups as a cult should not say something about that candidate’s character? Would we have been okay with a presidential candidate straight from Waco? Are you telling me that a man going to a church led by a pastor who respects a man like Farakan does not cast doubt on his judgment? Is it not that we need our president to believe something specific in order to take office, but certain affiliations do cast doubt on whether someone has the character and discernment needed for the job. I am not waiting for an LCMS Lutheran to run in order to be supportive, but I also am not willing to overlook when a person associates themselves with certain religious institutions. It may not be the ultimate reason that determines my vote, but it is a consideration.
No Religious Lithmus Test for President
Phil,
This isn’t so much a disagreeing comment, but rather a quote from our mutual friend Jim (Wallis) – or, perhaps, my friend – your acquaintance 🙂 :”It is important to remember that the particular religiosity of a candidate, or even how devout they might be, is less important than how their religious and/or moral commitments and values shape their political vision and their policy commitments. If one’s religious and ethical convictions don’t shape a candidate’s (or a citizen’s) public life – what kind of commitments are they? Yet in a democratic and pluralistic society, we don’t want to evaluate candidates by which denomination or faith tradition they belong to (and only vote for the candidate in our group) or how often they attended church or synagogue (like a tally of votes missed by a member of congress), but rather to understand the moral compass they bring to their public life and how their convictions shape their political priorities. ”
Sorry it was so long. I read that the other day and found it interesting to your post.
That is very well written, and I agree with it all. I guess that is why he writes books, I am write a blog that almost a handful of people read 🙂 I have thought very much along these lines with Romney. While he is involved in a religion I consider false, the values and morals he holds to (at least now) are very similar to those I hold.
The only thing I would add, the real point I was making, is that is does go beyond just stated values shaping policies, but true character shaping everything. And one’s church does shape character.
Phil,
I am perhaps butchering the quote, but didn’t Luther say something to the effect of desiring a virtuous pagan as a ruler than a corrupt Christian?
I’m not going to hold out for an Orthodox running for President (the last one was Michael Dukakis and we all know what a disaster that would have been) so why should anyone? We’re voting for President, not Pope!
Yes, I believe he said that he he would rather have a Turk who would rule well. So let’s get us a Muslim candidate and test this theory out. Would America look past that? I doubt it highly.
My ballot for November looks like this:
For Office of President of the United States:
John McCain ________
Hiliary Clinton ________
Phil Hoppe ______X___