Majority want a president that is religious...

Started by wpaolini, 08/21/2011 09:21PM
Posted 08/21/2011 09:21PM Opening Post
In a recent poll (http://www.publicreligion.org/research/?id=654), a majority (56%) of the public said it is important for a presidential candidate to have strong religious beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs are the same as their own.

I find it interesting that for the American public the response was so close to even. Why do you think most people feel it is important for a president to be religious? And why do you think for so many it is not a factor?

The original survey question can be found here - http://www.publicreligion.org/objects/uploads/67/July_PRRI-RNS_Topline.pdf
Posted 08/22/2011 04:15AM #1
It's probably re-assuring that a person who has the power of the presidency be mindful of an even higher power.

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I have several telescopes, but none are semi-APO, APO, or in anyway valuable.
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Posted 08/24/2011 02:49AM #2
William Paolini said:

In a recent poll (http://www.publicreligion.org/research/?id=654), a majority (56%) of the public said it is important for a presidential candidate to have strong religious beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs are the same as their own.

I find it interesting that for the American public the response was so close to even. Why do you think most people feel it is important for a president to be religious? And why do you think for so many it is not a factor?

Hi Bill,
The unknown is a typical fear in all of us. So, I'd imagine for 56% of the population, religious belief is a known factor, and they would want a politician to share at least something they ccan relate to as far as personal belief. It would be interesting to see the acceptability of a Hindu or Buhdist candidate.

On the other hand, as mentioned before on this forum, a politician can say anything to get elected. Television does not show how closely they adhere to a given religion until it's too late.

Steve
8)

The original survey question can be found here - http://www.publicreligion.org/objects/uploads/67/July_PRRI-RNS_Topline.pdf