Does your religion affect your politics ?
100505
In some ways, I suppose, but I'm also a firm believer that you can pull enough things out of religious texts to easily support two opposing positions.\n\nHowever, my religion and my politics are compatible - I'm a reform Jew and a Democrat.  I mostly follow party line - I'm pro-choice, pro-seperation of church and state, anti-war, pro-gun control, anti-illegal wiretapping and so on, and (as I learned during a lobbying trip to D.C.) all of these ideas can be defended Judaically, but that's not the primary reason why I support them.  The one issue I can think of where my religious beliefs directly lead to my feelings on a policy issue is in my support of Israel (I'm not a hardliner - I just would like to see it be able to exist peacefully).
1065705
Yes. You could see it in the election of Bush. The religious right that elected him think they have the right to make him push their policies. It is detremental. Though maybe not any more detrimental than having big business/oil impacting politics. \n\nCan't there be some type of limits on special interest groups like Focus of the Family pushing their agenda in Washington? It's a blight on the fact of democracy when big money and influence wins power in our government . . .
42823
I believe that all authority is appointed by God wether it is good or evil. So with that being said I feel it is up to our leaders to make that decision not us and that Christians should not be involved in politics unless God has led them to be a figure of authority. I fear the religious right getting their way in the political realm far more than I do the atheists. It is the religious leaders such as the Christian coalition that are stripping the American citizens of their rights.
620512
It is possible to not have religion run politics.  It is impossible to have politics without religion.\n\nEvery person who goes into office has their beliefs and that will control them to a great degree which is OK so long as their beliefs are known by those who elect them.\n\nThe challenge for those people then should be to acknowledge that other's religion or lack there of carries the same weight, so that nothing should ever be done to infringe upon anyone's beliefs.\n\nThat was the reason the founding fathers didn't want the government to establish or interfere with any religions.  All are equal in the eyes of the constitution.\n\nRecently, on both sides, religion has become a crusade and a supposed cure for all ails of the country.  Rather than religion playing a bigger part in the government and it's laws, perhaps the individuals should let it play a larger role in their own lives and practice what they preach.\n\n(and corvette's statement is like saying my computer is a tiger deterrent since it is here and there are no tigers nearby - more religious influence in politics will only cause MORE problems, not less. Start putting blame for the wrong of society where they belong, in parent(s) not teaching their children.)
765961
Being a Christian relates to your personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  It has nothing to do with your political affiliation.
416416
Strange question....but, no, it would have no impact on my faith.
607727
Of course not. But politicians know that if you can get the Jesus bloc you've snared a nice group of voters who will pretty much believe anything. If they'll go for talking donkeys and water being changed in to wine, swallowing your claims for tax reform and smaller government is easy.\n\nTheists love politicians because having their viewpoints backed up by guns is very appealing to them.\n\n"In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot." - Thomas Jefferson
935604
I see your point and have wondered that myself.  \n\nI know my 12 step group is more "religious" than my church as far as repeated traditions and regular meetings.  There is a set of beliefs, a text that all use, traditions, etc.\n\nHow about politics.....wouldn't democrats or republicans fit into this as well??\n\nGreat question, my answer is I dont really know when that point is crossed, but I appreciate your logic.\n\nDavid
166479
I think it is possible as long as both are very mature about it. Respect each others political stance and agree to disagree. Politics is not a religion, politics is politics. I think people get to emotionally involved when it comes to politics. It is best to seperate your emotions and political viewpoints. Also, don't call each other stupid for having a certain viewpoint!
552891
Religion plays a part in the choices you make in voting, just as every other part of who you are plays a part in every decision you make about anything.\n\nEverything we learn, experience, and believe in molds our decision making.
342925
Religion, and its social impact on morality and war.
776998
Religion encompasses culture and politics. It's quite difficult to seperate these three coz Conscience is the theme behind the aspects that influnce them
1141047
I am an active supporter of many democratic party candidates, and I am a christian.  I have been upset with the Republican party in previous years for claiming to be the religious party or "the party of god".  I believe in seperation of church and state and I know there are others out there like me.
522419
both.  Politicians initially turn to the public and their interests to shape the groundwork for their arguements.  Then, as the politicans gain more power, they start manipulating the public's views into their own agenda, gradually making the public believe it's true (for instance, the republicans saw the growing evangelical movement, and started to incorporate religion into their speeches until, eventually the public believes that religion and politics are connected.  This in turn fuels the politicians' support of the evangelical movement, it's a cycle)
681343
No, it is not true.  There are several reasons for our support of Israel.  For one, they tend to do what we say, which is not a common response from nations in that region.  They also allow us to have bases in the area.  Finally, many Jewish organizations lobby heavily on behalf of Israel, and that does have an effect on political thought.  But as to our government being largely Jewish, I would say that the Christian right currently have a monopoly on government these days.
748067
Church State seperation my friend, remember that politics and religion don't mix
773954
I value a candidate who cares about benefitting the nation as opposed to being a religious zealot.  Often times, it seems the religious zealots are too busy worrying about "values" as opposed to dealing with internal issues and foreign relations, etc.