Tags
Christianity, Christians, Conservatism, Faith, Islam, Mormon, Muslim, Obama, Religion and State, Romney, Secularism
Western governments usually agree when it comes to the seperation of church and state: They should be kept as far as possible from one another to not return to Medieval times. But let’s face it, the truth is far from this noble idea.
When Obama ran for office in 2008 the news ran wild over the rather interesting conspiracy that he may in fact be a Muslim who was just pretending to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ to attract voters. Whoever came up with this idea may certainly be called creative, however, the argument lacked proof of any kind. Obama won as a dedicated Christian.
Romney is a little bit luckier. He is nowhere close to being called a Muslim (or a Hindu or any other religion some creative man may choose to tag him with). He has been a Mormon all his life. Nothing can take this away from him – no conspiracy, no creativity. While Obama may still be a Christian, conservative Christians seem to prefer flirting with the Mormon side. Maybe it is something along the lines of conservative idealism, maybe it is fear of the modern world – something seems to attract all those Christians. It may indeed just be a simple misunderstanding – they might think that Mormonism and Christianity are one and the same thing. Well either way, it is important to follow some kind of religion that is connected to Jesus when you run for president in the U.S. – any kind, really.
If I was running for president I would probably invent my own Christian faith. Something no one has ever heard of before and that has not been corrupted by the media. A dedicated Christian – that’s what I would choose to be if I wanted to win! Thank God for Secularism!
Read more on Christian reactions to Obama and Romney in this great article: ” http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81260.html
V.Z.
U.S. Elections & Campaigns 
I completely agree with this article. The fact is that even though we would like to think that church doesn’t influence the state and the voters, this is not true. Actually on this year election many Pastors have made a call for abstinence because the Obama campaign is supporting gay marriage and Romney is a Mormon !!! Whats all this ? i think new laws should be created in order for the church to not interfere or influence any election. The American President shouldn’t be selected regarding only on his religion. Religion does not make someone a good or a bad leader.
I would be careful not to underestimate the significance Romney’s being Mormon might have in the eyes of some American voters. On the one hand, Mormons tend to hold very conservative social views, therefore putting at ease the minds of just the people who are suspicious that Obama might be a Muslim. On the other hand, Mormonism is to say the least a very unusual sect of Christianity, which, if its history is taken as literal fact by its followers, is very troubling indeed for those with a more orthodox understanding of the Christian saints, revealed texts, and so on.
Heaven knows, Romney does NOT want his religion to become an issue this campaign. Let it stay a problem for Obama, he’d probably say.
M.A.
Theological trash all the way !!!
i wouldn’t use the word “trash”, actually i think that (unfortunately) religion plays a very important role in choosing who to vote for, especially considering that there are many, MANY, religious “fanatics” in the US. im sure that Romney being a mormon might push some republican people to vote for “the other candidate” even though in their eyes he could be a Maoist and a muslim and not even american… religion unfortunately has, always had and probably always will, a great impact on politics. i completely agree with Verena too, although i wished that we could really be grateful for a complete secularization, but alas that might never happen
I meant theological CRASH not TRASH upsss !!! hahahahahahaha
We have a way to go until a president takes the oath of office with one hand on something rather than a book of some sort of faith. It’s not really clear how faithful a candidate is towards any religion but to win a race you get hold of any option which takes you there.Romney has been watchful of this since the beginning of the campaign and I think his religion is one of the issues that he has controlled thoroughly to not be a sensitive one.
S.Far
Romney makes little mention of his faith on the campaign. Still, some voters bring it up from time to time, making for uncomfortable moments.
Anyways since is America and everything is about freedom, i think he has the right to practice any religion he wants. However the question is should the common citizens also have the right to include his choice of religion in their decision for president ? Of course they do and they will religion is a moving force and even a way of thinking everywhere.