Religion and politics?
483330
I agree there's more openness in the UK than in the US to this respect. Still, I haven't seen ANY person of immigrants descent in key official postions in the UK; while in the US there are MANY: Scwartzenegger, Villarraigosa, Kissinger. So who's more open-minded? And OF COURSE there's FREEDOM OF RELIGION in the US!! The US, being a traditionally Protestant nation, homes a greater Muslim population than many european nations do combined. Plus, the 20 million or so LatinAmerican immigrants are mostly roman-catholic, and free to practice their religion.
806424
I have read some of the above and these answers are ridiculous. Politicians use their 'faith' in some religion to exploit more voters. Religious people like to 'follow' someone or something that claims to represent 'good', so the politicians use that tool to get them voters. Bush says he is a man of God, he starts a war killing thousands of civilians and almost 3000 Americans. Is this what a Christian or God fearing man would do? A 'godly' man supposedly hasn't made mistakes if you believe a politician. They haven't 'sinned' by drinking a beer, lusting after a woman, smoking a cigarette - they tell us this anyway. Frankly, I want an elected official who has life experience and isn't perfect, maybe someone who has had a few knocks, because they have lived and know what a loaf of bread costs in a supermarket. Do you think W knows what it costs? Jerry Falwell? Mark Haggard? Hell no, they have no idea because someone else buys it for them.  They don't go to stores like you and I do. If they claim to be 'religious' they don't get my vote.  One needs to only look at the Catholic priest/pedophiles and Haggard to realize that "Godliness" is not all that it is cracked up to be.
276532
politics and religion dont mix you will love one more than the other as well have to choose between them
684624
I am church of God. Not much on environmental issues. More on spiritual.\nWe are mostly conservative but not political. We are bible based when it comes to politics.
38556
Religion can have a huge impact on a person's political and "social issue" views.  As a VERY general rule conservatives tend to be active Christians or inactive Christians who still "believe" to a degree.  Liberals tend to reject religion or place much less emphasis on it.  If you watch debates on issues like abortion, prayer in school, the theory of evolution VS Intelligent Design, etc., you'll generally find (but certainly not always) that liberals tend to favor the the view taken by people who are not religious.  Hence they will favor abortion, keeping prayer out of school. the theory of evolution etc.
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
314809
politics and religion are very controversial things, if you ask them out in the open, you will get lots of answers and be more confused then you were before. so once again, read the bible and decide for yourself!
412115
Politicians and televangelists.
850201
The modern politician has a number of gods depending on what he deems necessary at any given time:\n\n-the god of votes!\n-the god of money wars\n-the god of populism \n-the god of mass delusions\n-the god of political power\n\nand so on...\n\nI doubt politicians have rarely anything to do with religion per se.
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
511654
No, but the Republican party is sure touting that there is a war on Christianity to polarize certain groups because that will get them put into office.  There are also groups that think the US should be a theocracy but that is blatantly unconstitutional.  Sorry, it's a democracy where all of us have the same rights.
378583
While I think it's fine to have religious beliefs, I think that religion and democracy are antithetical. \n\nIf democracy entails "majority rule," then religion merely segregates people into "us" vs. "them" categories. \n\nReligion has no place in democracy.
41041
sorry, you've all got it wrong....RELIGION IS POLITICS.....just one more political faction...what do you think organized religion started as???...p.s. i am a proud republican, and i don't hate bush...just don't agree with all of his beliefs
692173
Jesus told the people who tried to trick him with a taxation question to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to give to God what is God's.\n\nNow don't get me wrong - politics and religion do intersect. For instance, the behaviour of a country on the world stage, or the way a society reacts to reproductive technology, or deals with crime in a legal system - these are all issues that touch on morality, and to the extent that these things are about morality, a cleric MUST provide the religious perspective on these issues. Too many clergy avoid these topics, and to avoid them is a disservice to the flock.\n\nBut at the same time, clergy must not instruct congregations how to vote. Clergy can frame the great issues, but it is up to the voter to integrate the secular campaigns with the insights given them by faith and, according primacy to one's conscience, make their electoral selections accordingly.\n\nPoliticians have to campaign on the now. Clergy have to preach to the ages. It is for the rest of us, out in the world, to put it all together and make of ourselves the city on the hill!
946988
I thought everybody already knew that religion, or the fanatical, misguided practice of it, was the source of violence in the Middle East.  And why do we keep electing religious whackos in this country????  Because a majority of the voting population cast ballots based on their religious beliefs.  So, is this country run by the Christian Church?  It sure feels that way to me.  I am a Republican, but am feeling shut out by the Christian fanaticism.
915882
Politics and religion are two topics that you do not discuss in public!
311520
Seperation of church and state.  \n\nWhat a joke, eh?\n\nReligion is constitutionally supposed to have no say in politics.  Really working out for us, isn't it?