Although not attached to religion at all, I can't help but notice that it still takes a large place in U.S. politics.

Presidential elections will be around the corner, and with them a host of subjects that the various candidates will try to sell themselves with. While many Republicans will obviously try to woe the believers' vote, I don't know how Democrats will stand. Back in 2008, they had a debate (moderated by CNN?) where they talked about their faith and how religion was important in their lives. I don't remember hearing much public outcry on that...

Anyway, do you believe that faith-related issues will play a role in 2016?The recent Indiana "controversy" - why would people want to be served by businesses who don't like them? - created a little stir and those who didn't toe the "civil rights" line were shunned. Should other such "controversies" happen, could it influence the vote in anyway?

Also, will the never-ending debate about abortion (or even same-sex marriage) be an issue? Most surveys seem to say that self-identified Republicans believe that marriage should also include same-sex partners especially for Millenials.

What issues would be important enough for potential candidates to consider to get YOUR attention?

I am not an American, but I am a firm believer in separating the church from the state. Who ever you vote for should be somebody who can see the difference between faith and the affair of things in general. But like I said, none of my business I suppose.

Brigand : I am too. But because (thanks to?) so much freedom of religion it grew so much that it still has a sizable influence on politics. The South isn't called the "Bible Belt" for no reason.

It seems to be the main thrust behind the anti-abortion and anti same-sex marriage movement. Let's hope candidates can focus on MUCH more important issues like the skyrocketing deficits and exponentially increasing unfunded liabilities.

I really wish people understood "Separation of Church and State". It would make conversations like this a lot simpler.



As for whether or not it will play a role.... of course it will. Every candidate will claim to be some form of Christian and then once the election is over will display next to no qualities of a Christian.

janus :

Aye. But maybe that aint about theology that much.

geeogree : Without being as... extreme as France, separating Church and State means that government doesn't have an official religion nor does it favor/penalizes any religion. Until maybe the 20th century the U.S. had a very secular attitude. Presidents were invoking god from time to time but having "faith-based initiatives" like Bush 2 did would have never crossed their minds.

Brigand Oh, I don't think it ever had to do anything with theology. I guess it has more to do with wanting to influence government according to one's particular views. The "church" lobby if you will; Catholics especially seem to be the most conservative on abortion.

Hilary is going to win. I don't support her, but the Republicans do not have a candidate that can beat her. If they accept Paul Ryan, they may have a slim chance, but I don't even think they'll move at all from the far right, even to win against Hilary.