Why Is God Such An Important Topic When It Comes To American Elections?

Question

Surely religion is the last thing you think of when it comes to politics?
At times like this when the world is heading in to a recession I would be very worried if some of the world leaders started talking about god.
So then. Why is it important for a candidate to use gods name in elections?

Also. Isn't that technically taking gods name in vain?

In case you don't understand why it is taking gods name in vain, i will explain...

Definition of Vain: excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.

Candidates use gods name as a means to get more voters. So they are using gods name for their personal benefit. hence; taking gods name in vain and technically sinning, thus proving they are not religious at all?

This is not me having a go at the god squad. I am just asking why it is so important to talk about god when it comes to American Elections.

Answer 1

Because the majority of Americans are quite dim.

Answer 2

The reason is that approximately 80% of the country is Christian and that is allot of votes up in the air, when they use God's name to only get votes then you are very correct that is taking the name in vain.



Americans often wrongly equate being a member of a church to being a person of good moral character and God is brought into it as is religion as a method of showing a solid moral character for the candidate, again another incorrect use of the name and religion for the gain of the candidates.



Americans however do bring this onto themselves by being so inquisitive about the candidates religious views.



The other answerer is correct in that the United States is a Christian country, we all know that it was founded on Christian principals. This alone answers why also that religion is brought into an election, the majority of people in the US want to maintain the Christian moral code.



The separation of church and state however has been incorrectly used in this example, if you research this separation you will find that it was meant to stop the government from having state churches that were the only acceptable and allowed religious centers. There is to be separation to the extent that the government is not to force a religion on a person nor to discriminate based on religion.

Answer 3

This entire govenment is based on the assumption that there is a Creator. It is not necessary to belong to any particular religion but the Founders clearly stated that a belief in a Creator is absoultly necessary to be an American.



The reason this is so, is that a believe in a Creator as the final moral authority on the lives of men provides what is known as "Moral Absolutism". If one does not believe there is a Creator then there is no moral authority except of our own making. This is called "Moral Relativism". When a country rejects absoultism for relativism they have reached the beginning of the end.



With no "fear of God" or belief in a final judement resutling in either reward or punishment, Govenments and people do as they please or whatever is expedient rather than what is right.



This explains why every Socialist or Communist Revolution required the elimination of religion and of God. This substitutes man as the final moral authority or to be more correct, the all powerful government. This also explains why millions upon millions of citzens of those countries were imprisioned, exiled or killed. It explains how a government can deliberately starve millions of its citizens to death. In Socialist societies, the individual does not matter. The collective is what matters. So if the government desides some people are not productive enough they choose to stop "wasting" resources on them. Soon there are no mentally disturbed, retarded or crippled people anymore because it is seen as immoral to waste resources on them since they are not productive.



So, you really should take a look at what the Founders had to say about it. (link below). The fact that this country is founded on the principle that "All men are Created equal and endowed by their Creator..." is what has protected us from the evil forces of Communism and Socialism. However, these forces have been busy working to change that. Your question is proof that they are somewhat successful.



*

Answer 4

Good point. Surely if God wants one candidate to win over another he will just ensure it happens. After all the bible does say that God appoints our leaders. In which case why bother voting at all?



Rather than confuse ourselves with what God would want just get on and vote for the best candidate. Surely a generous, caring and smart Hindu is better than an evil person who also claims to be a Christian? It disappoints me that some voters would make the candidates religion the most important factor when choosing a leader

Answer 5

Bush said God told him to become President.



It's screwed up.



Apparently people forgot about Separation of Church and State.



That's why you'll never see an atheist president.



They try to hide the fact that America is really and always will be a Christian nation that doesn't like or accept other beliefs/non-beliefs.

Answer 6

Americans wish to be thought of around the world as a moralistic and religious society despite or possibly because of how their actions appear to others around the globe.



The USA is the land of image rather than reality or substance where anything and literally everything is used to sell the product.



Be well

Answer 7

The majority of Americans are Religious and the Politicians want votes.

Answer 8

The economy and foreign policy seem to be taking care of themselves, so they thought they would base their elections on a trivial issue.

Answer 9

Why? It's all about POWER. Think McCain and Palin actually give a rat's ***?



NO. If they get the VOTE of the CHRISTIANS, that = POWER. Christians = a BIG percentage of people in the USA.

Answer 10

In elections as well as in every aspect of our lives, God is present. Believers include Him in every action and every deed. Religion has nothing to do with it. A relationship with Jesus does.



Yes, there are those who misuse Him to further their positions. God will judge them.



A member of the God squad,

4HIM

Answer 11

Because most Americans, sadly, aren't very bright.



What's even worse is that a great many American Christians have not the first clue what Christianity is really all about.



[hangs head]



Excuse me, but who, or what, precisely, is "the God squad"??

Answer 12

"Each candidate has the hope of having their

signature imprinted on the same currency

that has the phrase, 'In GOD We Trust'."

Answer 13

You said it the votes

Answer 14

Same reason 'taxes' are.

Answer 15

God is most important, period.