Does Religion matter in Politics?????

[aegsm76]

Originally Posted by Robby

1. Does a politicians' religion matter?
2. Is the separation of Church and State really exist in the Constitution?
3. Does politics even matter in the light of Christ's immanent return?
4. Do you vote? Why? Why not?
5. Do Christians (Apostolics) have a responsibility to vote?

1. I doubt if many could tell you what religion most politicians are, so in that sense it does not matter. However, their religion influences their worldview, so in that sense, it matters.
2. No, it does not exist in the Constitution. It was first mentioned in a letter from Jefferson and has been used in court decisions as though it was his intent. But, Jefferson's intention was only that the federal government would not establish a national religion. He believed that state governments could legally support/establish a religion. He did not believe that it was good to do this, but he believed it was the state's right to do so.
3. Yes, "where the righteous rule, the people rejoice" - this may not be a direct quote, but it is close.
4. Yes. My family has shed to much blood in support of this country, for me not to.
5. No.

Let me caveat the above by saying that I am "intrigued" by some who believe we spend too much time on politics and that we would be better off to just ignore it. I have been mulling this over within myself for the last 6 months or so, but have not convinced myself that this is correct for me. But my internal debate still continues.

[sandie]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

1. I doubt if many could tell you what religion most politicians are, so in that sense it does not matter. However, their religion influences their worldview, so in that sense, it matters.
2. No, it does not exist in the Constitution. It was first mentioned in a letter from Jefferson and has been used in court decisions as though it was his intent. But, Jefferson's intention was only that the federal government would not establish a national religion. He believed that state governments could legally support/establish a religion. He did not believe that it was good to do this, but he believed it was the state's right to do so.
3. Yes, "where the righteous rule, the people rejoice" - this may not be a direct quote, but it is close.
4. Yes. My family has shed to much blood in support of this country, for me not to.
5. No.

Let me caveat the above by saying that I am "intrigued" by some who believe we spend too much time on politics and that we would be better off to just ignore it. I have been mulling this over within myself for the last 6 months or so, but have not convinced myself that this is correct for me. But my internal debate still continues.

I agree with your positions.
Though I'm a little shakey on the "responsibility" part in number 5. I don't think it's a sin not to, however, I think it surely will help in the # 3 position.