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Results so far:
| Yes | 60% | 2182 votes | Total: 3635 votes | |
| No | 40% | 1453 votes |
Yes
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Add to FavoritesA person's faith should not only influence them to vote, but should also influence the way they vote as well. We have been blessed to live in a democratic society, and that blessing did not come free. The very freedoms that we enjoy here in America were paid for at a very high price. God has been at work in America since before its inception.
Our court systems, school systems and government systems were based on the Christian faith, and the freedom to express that faith. That is not to say that other faiths can not or should not be allowed. Freedom of religion gives people of all faith the right to follow their faith and religion. In an effort to allow this freedom however, we should not forget that the Christian faith and the Bible, was and still is the basic belief system this country was built on. As we have removed God systematically from these basic fundamental systems (school, govt. etc..) we have also lost a moral compass to guide us. We have slowly but surely ascribed to the belief that everyone's judgement is acceptable. With no specific guide to tell what is right and wrong, we all just do that which "feels right" to us as individuals. We need to remember that feelings can be very deceptive. If I feel like eating candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, that does not make it right. In fact, it is very wrong and unhealthy, and my life will be much shorter and very unpleasant if I decide to follow this tasty diet.
How can we expect our children to know right from wrong if they are not taught? How can they be taught if God and the Bible are not allowed in school? How can God be allowed in school if we don't elect officials to our government that believe this is the way and then actually walk in it? People of faith need to VOTE, and be heard. Seek representation by your elected officials. Pray for your vote, and then do it. After all is said and done however, don't forget that God is all powerful. God can use anyone for his purpose. Remember King Cyrus and King Darius. They were used by God and for God despite not being God's "chosen" people. Our officials can and will be used by God to achieve His purpose, even if they don't claim an affiliation to Him.
In conclusion, we have a moral responsibility to vote. Know what your candidates stand for, what they believe in, what their track records for voting are and WHO they believe in. Make the most informed decision that you can with the information available on the candidates. Then finally, get to the booth and vote. It's your right and your freedom to do so, and the cost was paid for first on the Cross, and again on the battle fields.
Learn more about this author, Tammy Pegelow.
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No
The curtain closed on the voting booth. Which candidate is vote worthy? Is it the one who would probably be best for the country or is it the candidate who represents the voter's personal religious views?
When a citizen is making the choice of whether or not to vote for a candidate, take all of the emotional issues off the table.
Way too many people allow emotional issues to cloud their judgements about candidates so that they don't really see through to what is best for the entire country. Unfortunately, the results of a good portion of the population voting in this respect is that the country gets led in directions that may not be the best. The country increases its debt for a war and tax cuts, but did anything change in our religions because of the choice for president? No. We can still worship as we see fit, abortion is still legal, and elementary students around the country still say "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Voting based on faith may feel good personally in the moment, but when making the choice for President or other offices, the good of the country should come first.
No one should vote for or against a candidate because of faith, a lack of faith, or because a candidate is from the same faith. Issues such as faith, abortion, and gun rights really have little to do with how successful a candidate will be able to lead this country.
Basically the candidate is applying for a job. If any of us citizens applied for a job and were hired based on our views on abortion, faith, gay marriage or gun control, we would consider it discrimination. When we stop looking so deeply at these pinpoint specific issues and start looking for the same skills that a CEO of a company would look for in his management, we will start to see this country prosper and strengthen.
I would expect a CEO of a corporation would look at work experience, education, communication skills, leadership skills, and life experience, not a person's faith.
This country can no longer afford to have citizens choosing a President based on how well the candidate will promote their personal faith agendas. Voters need to make intelligent decisions and realize that there is more to being a good President than how he or she will pander to specific social issues or beliefs, including faith.
Just as there should only be one person in a voting booth, faith should be left at the door and not overshadow the best decisions for the country's good.
Learn more about this author, MJ Suttor.
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