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One of those crazy teen blogger types. Completely bribe-able with coffee. An INTP.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Should Obama's Religion Matter?

Well, should it?

I don't think it should. I know a lot of people that want to vote for "wholesome" (read: money-grubbing, embezzling, fiendish) Christian men who are generally middle-aged, white, and heterosexual. I, personally, don't take that view, and here's why.

Like I've said before, I try to take ideas and political suggestions in on a case-by-case basis. I don't think Obama's right for our country at this point in time, but do still take the time to think about and really consider what he says. I still arrive at "Hell no!" most of the time, but every now and then I agree with a little something or other he's said. Granted, I can't think of any of these occasions off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are some.

Anyways, my original question was, "Should Obama's religion matter? Why or why not?" My answer is, "No, and because I firmly believe in the separation of church and state." I'm not alone, in that belief, either. All our founding fathers- as far as my research can tell- were Christians who were heavily influenced by Deist beliefs. They were heavily involved in the Enlightenment movement, not zealots spreading the word of God. George Washington was not running from religious persecution when the United States of America was founded. (That was the Pilgrims; the period of history we're talking here is centuries later.) What Washington and the other important figures in our nation's creation- hey, that rhymed!- were fighting (not running from, but fighting- they were pretty badass) was simply taxation without representation.

My country was not founded on Christian beliefs, and therefore I do not think that whether or not Obama is a Christian should really matter. Does he cheat on his wife? He's not a good guy, but as long as he's still fulfilling his duties as our President, he stays. Does he make his daughter marry her rapist because he refuses to let her birth a child out of wedlock? Once again, he's a jerk, but we have to put up with him. Does he violate the Constitution? Kick the bastard out.

I don't care what he does in his spare time. I don't care if he only goes to Church on Easter and Christmas, or if he's there every Sunday. I also don't care if he's Jewish. And quite frankly, I don't give a damn if he's atheist. In my opinion, that's his loss, but I repeat, that's simply my opinion. I don't bring this up when I'm talking politics. Why? Because I don't think it matters. I can't repeat that enough.

This sounds basic and crude, but I just want him to do his damn job, and I want him to do it right. As long as he doesn't do illegal or unconstitutional things "for his faith," then what does it matter? I want my president to not bring his faith into his politics. I don't care if he doesn't think a man and another man should be allowed to get married. I honest-to-God could not care less. However, I will begin to care when he approves bills that ban gay marriage. Is there any reason out there for this that isn't religious?

I know, I always end up going back to gay marriage, but that, animal welfare, and domestic abuse are my three causes I always freak out over. Sorry.

Anyways, this post contains way more rambling than I originally intended. What do you think? Should Obama's (or any politician's) religious faith matter?

2 comments:

  1. I'm not a fan of Obama's. He largely represents much of what is wrong with politics in general.

    That said, his religion is nobody's business but his.

    I think it's wrong that people think it matters. If a person's faith is what makes someone think a holder of public office is somehow "suitable" or "unsuitable" for the job, they need to give the US Constitution a closer read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, and- obviously- I completely agree.

    ReplyDelete

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