A Canidates Faith,Does it Matter?

Since conservatism has ties to a majority of Christians,it would seem that this would have some impact on the decision making process.Convenient Christianity for the sake of a vote is so prevalent.It would be hard,unless you actually went to church with the canidate,to know if they are real or not!While church attendance is not the only standard to test Christianity,it shows something of the commitment of a person.So "Fire Society"community does it matter?

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If a little known man or woman tried to run for president and they received any attention, they would have proverbial rug pulled out from under them.Today on MSNBC,they had a blurb that was titled"Preacher Primary".I guess it does matter to someone when they want to use it as a slur!!!
(Christianity is the most slurred!)

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A chief writer of the constitution stated"We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government,far from it.We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God".I am a Christian and believe our forefathers were too.So when I make up my mind to vote a big consideration is made as to the faith of my choice! (James Madison)

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We send people to Washington to promote the common good. The common good consists in that which protects and promotes the well being, first of our nation as a whole, and then of each of us as individuals.

The means of promoting the common good is the prudent exercise of their judgment in all matters which come before them. It is their judgment then which really matters, and the question is how sound is their judgment going to be?

While considerations of things such as education, experience, etc. do come into play, faith is a far more important factor. People of genuine faith are guided in their judement by a moral code which is consistent and enduring over time, and which is, more importantly, above their subjective determination. People of no faith may be guided in their judgment by a moral code, but it is one which is determined subjectively, and is therefore subject to inconsistency and change as the individual lives through time.

So a candidates faith matters a great deal. But the authenticity of a candidate's faith is of paramount importance. It is revealed, not through answers to questions about what they "will do", but rather through what they have done in the living of their lives up to the point of their candidacy. So we ought to be looking at the history of their lives. What have their experiences been? How did they handle whatever challenges confronted them? Have they been consistent, persevering, honest and loving, even in the face of the adversities which have confronted them.

The key word is "character." Character matters. Our Founding Father recognized the importance of religion. They warned that the republic would not long survive in the absence of public morality, and that public morality could not be maintaintened without the practice of religion.

People of faith practice a religion and are guided in their judgment and conduct by a moral code above themselves. People of no faith practice no religion. They are gods unto themselves refusing to be guided by anything outside of themselves. The judgment they've made with regard to faith and religion is already a demonstration of poor judgment.

Good judgment requires sound character. Character is cultivated through the practice of religion. Religion is practiced by persons of faith.

Faith matters indeed.

www.trumpetofheritage.org is a website that provides a great resource.Being able to contact representatives and other leaders.Keeping up on issues,national,state and local.It will also delve into our founding father's beliefs.While this website isn't fully operational yet,it is taking members.It has a postind section to hold discussions,debate and so on.Please check it out!

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To me, and just my opinion, Faith equals character, just as Jester pointed out. That doesn't mean any faith, though. There are religions that say basically whatever you do is okay......Satanism is a good example. At this point in time, I'm not sure I'd favor a Muslim being in the White House, either.

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I loved jesters post, very common sense.  The problem I have with candidates is what they allow you to see. George Bush hid so much from us that is just now comming forth. You wont get alot of negative feed for most politically correct candidates. I wondered why we didnt hear things about his past and his familys past before the elections. Now hes just the same as the liberals with the same goals pretty much, even though with his mouth he professes to be a man of faith. Although I admit I niavly was not looking for it, seeing a clear record of this is important. But some have the ability to actually cloud and hide that record till its too late. That record would actually show what charactar they had developed over time. And also where it came from. Faith matters but proof of faith and even intent in a man that will hold your future in his hands is crucial.

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I do agree that there ought to be evidence of your faith!However we don't spend every waking moment with the President.I just can't shake the feeling in my gut that President Bush is a decent man that has had made some bad decsions.Chuck58,you are 100% right on,Faith does equal character!Kerry,when he was runnig said"My faith is a personal thing and I don't wear it on my sleeve".I thought,man are you kidding,my faith influences my decsion making process on everything!By the way,the website I suggested,is being put up by a good friend from my church and will show our founding fathers knew faith mattered.

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I used to think he was a good man. But when he stepped over the line from caring for mexican people to treason and ignoring our laws.....thats suspicious. I started then looking for information on him. (Thank God for the internet) I found alot on his family history and dealing he has financially. His dad supporting nazis to him making allowances for big oil and money. Guess I just didnt know how to do my homework then. I wont ever take a mans word for it again.

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I think it was George Bush's grandfather who collaborated with the Nazi's.  You might want to double check but i'm pretty sure.

I have a "crazy uncle"in my closet"too.Don't we all?I wouldn't hold that against my whole family!A person is responsible for their own actions!

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We had a councilman make the remark here about five years ago at a public meeting. I have never forgotten what he said. There was much to do about homosexualiy, religion, and the fallout following 911. I was on the chopping block at the time. This councilman stated, " I have never heard such hate filled speech as I did last week. I HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN ALL MY LIFE AND THAT REALLY UPSET ME." I have known the guy since middle school. I was surprised to find out he was a Christian. His language, the manner in which he conducted himself on Friday and Saturday nights fooled me. He must be a member of the IF IT FEELS GOOD DO IT CHURCH. He loves politics and is at the end of his second term.

I like to qualify these people. Where do you go to church. How many times have you been in the last month? Hmm...how about the last six months?.......well do you go on Easter and Christmas? Usually you get a yes to this one. Do you read your bible? What's your favorite verse? Then give them a bible and asked them to find the book of Zedekiah. Watch them scramble.

Back to the question. Yes I believe their relationship with the Saviour speaks volumes about whether I would vote for them. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Prayer and decernment are going to come into play in the way I vote.

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I think George Washington summed up what he felt about this topic perfectly.  He's also a pretty good authority on the subject, too.

 "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens…Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are instruments of investigation in courts and justice?

 And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education…reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in the exclusion of religious principle.”

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For an enlightening account of the role faith has played in the development of The United States of America I highly recommend reading "The American Leadership Tradition - Moral Vision from Washington to Clinton," written by Marvin Olasky - ISBN 0-684-83449-9.

 

I just see now that the man is not what he declares to be. Alot of people are seeing it, and alot of other people are not willing to look. In any case.....I call for proof now. Show me your works by your faith.

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I guess Bush professes to have faith. Lots of people do, but religion aside, he took an oath of office and he is not upholding that oath. And, that oath was in English - but maybe he was thinking in Spanish when he raised his hand and took it.

I don't use the term traitor loosely. kerry the Traitor is the only politician I've ever called a Traitor, and I believe that. I'm about to add Bush's name under kerry the Traitor's.

In reality, as far as illegal aliens go, the last election was a no win for us. No matter who was elected, the status quo would have remained. That is why the next election will be so critical. We are very close to losing this country.

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Yes we are Chuck. Very close. What makes Bush so bad is that he put on such a good act. He had so many people snowed, even good bible beleiving  people. He seemed to turn so suddenly in his last year. Its as though he suddenly got the go ahead from someone else. Treason is the only word I think of now for him.

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I think we're seeing the real George Bush now. The last term, he had to worry about being re-elected. Now, he doesn't care. He had me. I voted for him but the Dems didn't put up anybody any better as far as I was concerned.

So far, looking at 2008, we have just about the same scenario. None of the frontrunners in either party are what America needs.

 And yes, treason is the right word for what Bush is doing, and for what fully 3/4 of Congress is doing, maybe more. 

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I called my governor this morning and the girl handling transportation talked to me about the NAFTA. We went from one subject to another. We spoke for at least an hour. She said congress actually passed the bill that gave Bush power to do things. It wasnt Bush who did it himself. But congress is constantly checking on him. Now the wording of the bill may have applied to time of immergency, but whose to say something cant be blown up out of proportion to be percieved as emergency....such as illegal invasion that they are creating themselves by not enforcing the laws. She said that there are not enough people to enforce the federal laws, and congress is trying to push through something to train local enforcement because they have to specialize in it....duh. I said well if we have other freedoms that are actually constitutional and are enforced locally, it doesnt make sense that other things wouldnt be. Law breakers yelling racist should never stop them from enforcing our laws. And its seems common sense that illegals dont have civil rights here to kick up such a stink....but thats just me I guess. ACLU is just earning their paycheck.  

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Ummm, bugsygirl. Despite what that person said, local law enforcement DO actually know how to make arrests and transport prisoners. I did it all the time when I was a cop. Back around 1970, I arrested illegal aliens and we held them until the Border Patrol came and got them.

Police officers are sworn to uphold all laws, local, state and federal, and local or state police sure don't need federal training. I think your average city, county or state cop could teach the feds.

There's nothing to 'specialize' in, unless they're trying to create another whole new bureaucracy. Local law enforcement know where the illegals are. Getting them would be a cinch. All they need is to be allowed to do it. Most would be thrilled, considering the illegals are committing most of the crimes these days.

Who will train them - The FBI (Famous But Incompetent)? Lord help us all, I hope not. They're paper pushers who take credit for arrests local cops make.

They don't have enough people to enforce the laws? Not when they spend a year to "investigate" a business and then swarm in with a dozen agents to arrest a dozen illegals - a number that a pair of Border Patrol agents routinely arrest by themselves.

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