The Authenticity Test

To end war, hunger, poverty, and hate . . . religion MUST be exorcised from the human condition.

There are people who abuse the term or concept ???freedom of religion??? without really understanding the true depth of the words involved. Lets start with the word religion. What is a religion: the belief, habit, ritual, thought, or faith? I believe all synonyms would apply to the definition of the word. Religion could be how I tie my shoes, my political ideas, my thoughts on science, or my feelings toward a particular brand name (in some cases consumerism qualify as religion). Many only argue that religion is strictly a word with a monopoly pertaining only to God or the Church. If you can make the argument that even atheistic approaches that of a religion; then one has to accept that my views on foreign policy or free trade qualify as a religion. Religion is a single or series of repeated behaviors and or thought. That is why we have a freedom of speech, privacy, and the freedom of religion within the constitution. All the concepts of the document from our revolutionary era uphold one another. They cannot exist without the other. These rights are all a form or relative or thought. They are all an attempt to protect the freedom of thought. Such wording of the constitution has to be interpreted with the full meaning of the word. For words are ideas, concepts, or theologies in and of themselves. Now think about the word freedom. I hope we all understand what freedom is. As well we should also think about what we do not have the freedom to do. There are many thoughts that are originated within Biblical religion that people do not have the right to do; consider many verses of Deuteronomy, Leviticus, Revelation, and other books of the Bible. (I would hope we all know which verses they are) We do not have a total freedom for Biblical Church based religion. If we did, we would be living in a world of chaos, torture, and general madness including witch burnings, stoning, forced conversion, or be-headings. There are concepts in the secular world that are beliefs which are illegal they are the current laws on the books. Those laws are a record of what belief or thoughts you shall not hold. So beware when Biblical religion claims they have the power, the right, or the protection to conduct their actions when in conjunction with the government. There are some who would claim that Biblical religion has the freedom of religion as to fuse with the government or take on the responsibilities/functions of government with tax dollar support. My faith-based program is the issue and unconstitutionality of faith based programs and any vicarious use of those programs for the potential of converts via the heading of people to faith based services. The Church should function independently from government at all times. This serves the society in protection of the true freedom of religion, our freedom of thought.

We forget about some of the conservative AM Radio pundits who like to use inflammatory speech to gain ratings as well religious leaders of many faiths. People who are out of touch with the Black community are distorting the issue of Rev. Wright???s statements. In New York City there were police involved with sales of crack and cocaine. It is a fact. There were 100???s of officers convicted for corruption in a well-documented case. Where is Wright distorted in his thinking? Now on the HIV issue he is postulating a theory, true. We must remember that there are many Christian leaders who espouse shaky theory. Wright???s 911 comments may be inflammatory to pro-war/America can do no wrong foreign policy wing nuts. Yes. But on closer analysis the foreign policy actions of the past have been and will be debated on their ethical correctness or their potential for what the CIA calls ???Blowback.??? This issue is being blown out of proportion. Those who harbor racist thoughts would view some of Wright???s statements as controversial but only out of historical ignorance or denial of the years of proven oppression. Should Wright or any African American feel happy about the years of discrimination, slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, and other aspects of US history? So now the right wing has issued a de-facto religious test for office. Well we should analyze all republican candidates religious associations and every word their religious leaders have spoken. This is sick and shameful how some in the press or media have reacted to the Wright issue. The man has the freedom of speech that we should respect even if he offends some of the racists within the right wing. Now on Talk Radio there are Christians claiming that Rev. Wright???s Church is no Christian. What? Is this the new Protestant v. Catholic, Christian on Christian infighting? Are we to believe that opinions from predominately white Churches have a cultural clue as to how African Americans feel or should feel. How dare those who claim to ???judge not lest ye be??? start violating their own tenants? Since when is it a crime for a Black pastor when talking about the injustices bestowed their people to use the N-word? The proper use of that word in terms of history is not a symbol of reverse racism. Yet now we have people judging if his comments are Godly enough. This is a joke of a debate when you boil the water down and look at the facts left in the pan. We have sunk to a new low as a Nation. This ugly debate is the result of years of fusing politics and religion by the right wing thus making all pulpits a voice for politics rather than pulpits of faith.

GOING TO CHURCH DOES NOT GIVE YOU A STRONG RELIGIOUS FAITH. YOUR RELATONSHIP WITH GOD DOES. SOME PEOPLE WHO DO NOT ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY PRACTICE THEIR FAITH ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS, AND ON THE OTHER HAND SOME PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH REGULARLY AND WALK OUT OF THE CHURCH AND GO ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS AS IF THEY DO NOT BELEIVE IN GOD...IT IS NOT ABOUT GOING TO CHURCH.......I THINK PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN TRUST A PRESIDENT WHO BELEIVES IN GOD, BUT SAYING IT AND LIVING IT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. THEY FEEL A MORAL SENSE OF TRUST. i KNOW THAT IS HOW I FELT FOR A LONG TIME....UNTIL I REALIZED WHAT A TRUE CHRISTAIN WAS.

Isn't it interesting how we only see things from our internal perspective and as is normal, we feel our perspective is right and justified. It shouldn't matter what religion a candidate is- so long as they are faithful to their beliefs, moral, ethical and place the needs of American's in forefront. Those who sling mud and choose to be close-minded have the right to express themselves; such is the beauty of America. Remember, you don't need to be mean or unreasonable to express your viewpoint. Recall the Golden Rule; be nicer. Personally, I am part of the 80% in favor for a candidate with a strong, internal moral compass.

You know whats interesting christendomhater I never said one mean thing about any of the previous commenters, yet here you call me a name. Why? I just expressed my opinion, just like you expressed yours.

clojo ur a weenie!

Our nation was founded on Christian values. The founding fathers had political philosophies that were deeply influenced by Christianity. Thomas Jefferson was a deist, but he believed in God. Our freedoms and our laws were grounded in a Judeo Christian worldview.
We have already seen the affects of leaders who do not believe in God. Historically, the rulers who have no religious values demonstrate unspeakable atrocities that all consist of mass murder and genocide. The Soviet Union, Cambodia, and China are prime examples. Joseph Stalin revealed the weaknesses of Communism, along with Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, and many other communist leaders, all it took was killing millions upon millions of innocent people.
Let???s take the most renowned leader, Adolf Hitler; he was by no means a Christian. Many members of the confessing church in Germany were martyred, along with the millions of Jews, and many other groups. He was though, a politically cunning theist who claimed he had religious beliefs for political gain. I would rather someone be an agnostic or atheist then pretend to be a Christian for only political purpose, but of course in my opinion the best solution would be for someone to live up to what they say they believe.

You misunderstood what I said. I don' think it's possible for religion to exist only in the private realm. I'm not making a value judgment here about whether or not we neet a religious political leader. I'm simply suggesting that for a Christian, faith is life. There is no aspect of our lives that should not be implicated by our belief in the Christian way of life. If there is a political leader who claims to be of any religion, but is able to set it aside when making decisions during a certain part of his or her day, that religion is useless. Therefore if we do elect a Christian leader, I would hope that his or her faith would control every decision he or she makes, from the way they interact with their family, to the way they direct foreign policy.

Dear rustyleary

Theoretically, I agree with you when you say that belief in God is a personal matter. And indeed, when you talk about the non-violent way of Jesus Christ. And that a Christian leader cannot separate his or her commitments of faith from his or her public life...

Only Christian?

Practically, our days are determined by history and by actual events and decisions driving our life. Looked at that way, I do not see any gain for the humanity because of some years of non-violent way of Jesus Christ. What are these some years beside two thousands of war and violence caused by religious and ideas coming from Religions? I hear somebody saying, it was not the religion! And even if it is so, say me why we need it if it has never stopped us continuing? And let us never forget those who lost their lives and the ever remaining smell of horrible and great human suffering.

If you believe in such high power or whatever I have nothing against this. It is your own and it is every human right and I would support and respect you same regardless of Religions.

Religious ideas are unfortunately absolute! People who believe in them, they believe they are always right. And they believe that they have the right to manage our life due to their beliefs. This is because they are convinced of a higher power (of God), without any of the smallest evidence, who gives them this right.
This dogma has never been changed since the genesis of every religion.

Politics is and must rest different. Politics beside Religion is same like fire beside oil.
And therefore I see it like a serious danger for the world freedom having governments and presidents based on and overfed with religious tenets.

Relatively speaking, you see one of the harmless results. 70% want a president with strong religious faith. Is this what we understand about objectiveness and can this lead us to freedom or can this comprehension strengths democracy?

"belief in God is a personal matter"

part of the reason the religious right, and orthodox believers in general can't acquiese to a non church-going religious leader, perhaps like Giuliani, is that we (i find myself in this group) have to object to this statement. We cannot accept the pressuposition that matters of faith must re relegated to the personal realm. What would it look like for a conservative christian leader, who upholds and follows the non-violent way of Jesus Christ, to lead this country today? A christian leader cannot separate his or her commitments of faith from his or her public life, and therefore political strategy...

Everyone is entitled to their religious beliefs, that's what makes the world go around. However, I must say it's not a bad idea to put in an agnostic leader, (they believe in something!.) When you seriously think about it...all religion comes down to the same thing...a higher power! As far as atheisim....to each their own...personally I believe that not to believe in something is nothing short of ignorant

Everyone is entitled to their religious beliefs, that's what makes the world go around. However, I must say it's not a bad idea to put in an agnostic leader, (they believe in something!.) When you seriously think about it...all religion comes down to the same thing...a higher power! As far as atheisim....to each their own...personally I believe that not to believe in something is nothing short of ignorant

You people are supper retards. Go lay down an die. The world will end when an atheist President is elected.

Why do people want a president who is religious? Religion does not mean that someone is a 'good' person, it simply means that they worship a god, who could be just as evil as Hitler in all reality!

What we need is a President who is an ATHEIST, like billweeg said, one who realizes that there is very little true 'morality' and that no one has the right to force their morality on others through laws and other things. Once we finally realize that, the world will start getting better than it is right now, because we will actually be doing things, not for some 'god', but because it makes the world better!

I'm waiting for a REAL "authentic" candidate to come out... as an Agnostic. That'll be the day!
"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful."
attributed to philosopher Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC ??? AD 65)

The United States and for that matter the world will finally reach it's full potential when an athiest is elected presedent.