In my 1999 book, "Blinded By Might," in the chapter "The Use and Abuse of God," co-author Ed Dobson and I outline how Republicans and Democrats have used religious language to persuade people to vote for them, or get behind specific legislation.

Bill Clinton once told a group of African-American pastors he believed God wanted his crime bill passed. He didn't say whether God would allow for amendments!

George H.W. Bush once told a gathering of religious broadcasters his favorite Bible verse was John 16:3. (He meant John 3:16.)

Religious language has always been invoked by presidents, beginning with George Washington. This is a country that has believed in a "manifest destiny." General religious language and even calls to prayer by our leaders remind us of that. Both houses of Congress employ chaplains and every session begins with prayer. It is a tradition dating back to our founding.

But when faith becomes just another "talking point" and religious people are treated as one more target group to which politicians toss an occasional bone in hopes of winning votes, it diminishes faith and demeans the person who engages in such practices.

In previous elections, Republicans have monopolized religious language and now Democrats are attending retreats and seeking advice from liberal religious leaders in order to win a greater share of the "religious vote." Enough!

If a candidate's faith is important, that person should say how it affects his or her perception of public policy. Otherwise, it might be interesting, but is of little political importance. If I'm hit by a car, I might like to know where, or if, the ambulance driver worships God, but I'm more interested in whether he knows the way to the hospital.

Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world." While the two kingdoms may occasionally cross paths, they are headed in different directions and require different types of leadership.