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THE QUESTION
Religion's Role in this Presidential Election
Advise John McCain and Barack Obama on the role religion should play in their presidential campaigns.
Posted by
Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on August 27, 2008 4:26 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Presidential Aptitude Test
A Presidential Aptitude Test.
Posted by Arthur Waskow, on September 8, 2008 5:14 PM
From Europe, Curiosity and Admiration
There is clearly serious interest here in Europe in the role religion plays in politics in the U.S., especially given recent comments about Irish Catholic concerns about the non-Christian direction of the EU.
Posted by Julia Neuberger, on September 1, 2008 8:38 AM
The Race for Pastor-in-Chief
The leader we choose may have a faith of his own, but he must lead members of all faiths present in the nation - as well as those with no faith at all. Voters need to know how candidates are prepared to translate their beliefs into policy statements based on universal values.
Posted by Welton Gaddy, on August 29, 2008 3:38 PM
Bad Moon Waning
I certainly would have told the Democrats that they're holding their convention during the waning phase of the moon, when it's harder to generate power, whereas the Republicans have commandeered the waxing phase of rising energy. Bad move, Dems.
Posted by Starhawk, on August 29, 2008 12:02 PM
Let's Not Make This Election About What God Says
We need to know where you will turn in the middle of the night when confronting the really big questions. To the Bible? To your spouse? To the Constitution? The pollsters? That's what we really need to know.
Posted by Brad Hirschfield, on August 29, 2008 11:40 AM
Faith a Factor, not an "Issue"
If your faith informs a specific public policy, say so and be prepared to defend it. Otherwise it will be seen as manipulative and insincere.
Posted by Cal Thomas, on August 29, 2008 5:31 AM
Don't Exclude Humanists, Atheists from the Melting Pot
The U.S. is not merely a "Christian Nation." We have become something new entirely: the world's first truly "Interfaith Nation." If we embrace the values of religious pluralism, our diversity will be a rich resource, rather than a source of division.
Posted by Greg M. Epstein, on August 28, 2008 8:18 AM
"One's Worldview Should Illumine One's Decisions"
It's dangerous to tell us that you pray for divine guidance, but it's honest. Dangerous, because enemies will be quick to accuse you of hypocritical piety. But honest to the human condition of limited wisdom.
Posted by Willis E. Elliott, on August 28, 2008 7:18 AM
The Year of the Religious Moderate
This Presidential election may very well serve as the healthy convergence of faith and politics.
Posted by Samuel Rodriguez, on August 28, 2008 6:18 AM
Celebrate One Nation of Many Faiths
Be careful in courting religious denominations and faith traditions support and their member's votes.
Posted by John Bryson Chane, on August 28, 2008 5:34 AM
Authenticity, Not Marketing
I think authenticity will garner more votes than a manufactured campaign strategy focused on addressing religion.
Posted by Matt Maher, on August 27, 2008 4:59 PM
Unwanted Advice for Candidates On The Faithiness Trail
There is no point in my advising John McCain or Barack Obama about the role that religion should play in their campaigns. Expecting an American presidential candidate to take any advice from an atheist is like expecting a general to take advice from a pacifist.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on August 27, 2008 10:55 AM
Silence of the Lamb
I'd advise both candidates the same way. Don't mention religion a single time in the upcoming campaign.
Posted by Deepak Chopra, on August 27, 2008 9:35 AM
God In, Religion Out
Obama and McCain ought to follow suit and leave religion out of this campaign, but for goodness' sake, and for the sake of this nation and world, lean on,learn of, and use ... God.
Posted by Susan K. Smith, on August 27, 2008 8:38 AM
Just Be Yourself
You should avoid resorting to divisive religious language that would suggest God blesses your position and the other candidate's view is ungodly.
Posted by J. Brent Walker, on August 27, 2008 7:30 AM
Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts
Sally Quinn | Democrats are trying to show their religious side, but at what cost? Atheists feel excluded from the so-called inclusive party.
Posted by Sally Quinn, on August 26, 2008 5:33 PM
Be True to Your Beliefs and Ours
By all means go to Church and practice your religion without wearing it on your sleeves. Talk about God and swear by God but one that is inclusive. Is that too much to ask?
Posted by Arun Gandhi, on August 26, 2008 2:27 PM
FEATURED COMMENTS
Ralph Pipitone: Rather than subjectively determining who is religious enough and who is not we should adopt a don't ask don't tell policy to be a politician...
betsyw: Religion should play no role in American political life because religion is essentially sectarian. What should inform a candidate's and oth...
