Religion, especially Christianity, has always played a key factor in the presidential elections. During the 1960's when President John F. Kennedy was running there was a huge controversy around his campaign in that he was Roman Catholic. This was an issue in the eyes of the some of public in that he was the first Catholic candidate to be elected. Some of public was worried he would act as a puppet for the leader of Roman Catholic Church, the Pope. Kennedy addressed this public fear by saying,"I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish; where no public official either requests or accepts instructions on public policy from the Pope, the National Council of Churches or any other ecclesiastical source..."
The revival of religion in politics can be seen during the early 80's with President Ronald Reagan. Reagan was a Christian and heavily focused on getting the religious voters. In his second Inaugural Address, Reagan mentioned God or religion 8 times which is the standing record for any president.
Unlike the less religious candidates in todays presidential race, such as Clinton, Trump, and Sanders, Ted Cruz is trying to reignite the religious debate and religion's role in politics. Cruz takes his religious identity more serious than his identity as an American. This is seen as controversial by many Americans.
I think it's interesting to bring religion into politics because it always makes for a good topic and conversation. It's fascinating to notice what different candidates say about their religious views and how that shapes what they say and how they act throughout the community and the public eye.
ReplyDeleteI agree very interesting that you brought up religion into politics. Very strong and Bold young buck.
ReplyDeleteI agree very interesting that you brought up religion into politics. Very strong and Bold young buck.
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