As a nation, we are not obliged nor are we predisposed to elect a Christian President. Our commitment, as the electorate, drives us to elect an individual who will uphold the Constitution of The United States. We are electing a President and Commander in Chief, not a National Pastor.

However, this does not inhibit legitimate scrutiny of a candidate’s religious beliefs. If religion plays a significant part in the life of the Presidential hopeful, then this nation must carefully analyze the impact of such religious tenets within the framework of possible domestic and foreign policy initiatives.

Americans exercise a defacto two tier test as it pertains to Presidential elections and the religious beliefs of the candidates. First, does the religious credo of the candidate interfere or contradict with the constitutional and moral obligations of the office. Second, does such belief respect and appreciate the historical Judeo-Christian ethos embedded in the American narrative.

Therefore, the question arises, was Senator McCain correct in stating that he "admired" Islam but would prefer a President with "a solid grounding" in the Christian faith? It may have been a politically incorrect statement; however I do believe it reflects the sentiment of the majority of our citizens. Yet in a world where religion and faith have been hijacked to disseminate hatred and bigotry, my hope is that our Nation will demonstrate that religious pluralism strengthens our nation and intolerance strengthens our enemies.

If the world’s major religions coalesce around the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness, then why does the early 21st century religious narrative witness hatred, apathy, and intolerance? Is this a case of religious dissonance?

It may very well be another Pollyanna articulation of faith; yet reality speaks otherwise. Arguably, while the world’s major religions may include the aforementioned virtues and traits within each corresponding belief system, the laity and the followers of these religions seem to ignore, neglect, or circumvent these virtues.

While some religions preach love, compassion and forgiveness to members of that particular community; great religions go beyond the framework of self-preservation and with audacious hope extend love, compassion, and forgiveness towards all.

At times, this generation bears witness to the hijacking of good faith by extreme ideologues. At the end of the day, if love, compassion, and forgiveness unite the world’s major religions, then the leaders of these religions have failed miserably to disseminate this message to the followers.

When the oracles of love, compassion, and forgiveness outnumber the prophets and evangelists of hatred and intolerance, then once again, religion will play a major role in reconciling humanity rather than separating God’s children.

No other partnership can possibly offer humanity and our Planet a chance for survival like the collaborative relationship between faith and science. Truth emerges from the nexus of both streams in order to address the crucial issues of our very existence.

Rather than the historical supposition that both these fields land on opposite sides of the spectrum, both must converge via the avenue of inquiry and discover solutions to critical issues such as global warming, poverty, famine and disease.

Religion will provide the moral imperative for science to press forward in research and development of viable alternatives and solutions to the current issues of our time. Recently, the Creation Care position embraced by many evangelicals in partnership with Harvard Professors, demonstrates the potential impact on society as the followers of Christ, Mohammad and Moses walk along side the disciples of Galileo, Newton and Einstein with the objective of protecting all of God’s creation.

This partnership is not a possibility; it is at the end of day, the solution.