Of course, America has always been a religous country. According to (world-reknowned social activist) Jeremy Rifkin's new book, "The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream", 93% of Americans own a Bible, 36% pray several timesa day, 45% believe the the church's views on Creation (about 10 000 years ago), and about 50% of Americans believe that the US has special protection from God. So, does this deep religous root in America greatly influence American foreign policy? Well, 82% said that they think "its good that American ideas are spreading throughout the world" and 60% think that American culture is "superior" to others. I think that this idea that the American "Dream" is "the right way" has gotten the US into a big mess in a world that is becoming more and more globalized. America's exclusive idealism is a barrier to the rest of the world when most other countries are becoming more tolerant and open to other cultures and ideas. As Rifkin has pointed out, America needs a quick change in thinking. As for the Religous Right, they are mainly voting for Bush on 'moral values'. Do you think moral values alone is enough to base your vote on? His atrocious record on foreign/domestic policy has me thinking they are ignorant to this. And where Bush has gone wrong is where the Religous right has gone wrong, in my opinion. He [Bush] blindly believes that his stance is right and that God is behind him. I am all for religion and spirituality, but this close-minded view is simply something from the Biblical Age, something Jesus would want to disappear, but it seems that it has only thrived in this land of the free. Debate away fellas
It's interesting that you brought this up, because I was talking to my boss/teacher today, a democrat, and she said that she thought the gay marriage issue was a huge part of the reason Bush won. She thought that a lot of born-again Christians who normally wouldn't vote were extra-diligant about supporting Bush and going to the polls because they wanted the ammendment to the constitution banning gay marriage. Normally I would think that was kind of silly, I don't think I've known many people that fanatically religious. But the last issue of National Geographic (with the cover story on evolution) states that not only do 41% of the United States believe that God created humans just as they are now (i.e. there was no evolution), that number has been more or less consistant since the 80s. That was sort of a wakeup for me, because it made me realize that I've never really spent time in a majorly religious state--I spent most of my life in MA, and I now live near a very liberal city in VA. So yes. With the majority of the United States calling themselves Christians, it makes sense that they'd want to elect someone who is Christian. Yes, Kerry was a Catholic, but I don't remember him ever bringing God or his faith up much in any of his speeches, while Bush did. I think it's more then that though. Sure, Religion contributed to Bush's win, but you know what I think lost John Kerry the election? John Kerry. Let's be honest here, he was not the greatest canidate. I know it's a cliche to say, but until the very end he did not make many firm stances. He does not have the most appealing voting record in the senate. And he really wasn't planning to do a whole lot different then Bush. Yes, he was going to tax the middle class less and the rich more--but his definition of "rich" goes by income minus expenses, which means he'll be taxing the hell out of small business owners as well. So to some it up I would say that the religious right certainly made an impact, but ultimately I think a better democratic canidate would have convinced the swing voters and beat Bush by a mile. A great article comparing Kerry to Bush can be found here, although I made a thread about this awhile ago so I think some of you have already read it.
This adds nothing to the conversation, but I was talking to my friend on MSN, and he said something to the effect of, "good to see God got past that pesky Seperation Of Church & State thing". I may be a quasi-republican, but I found that damn hilarious. Anywho. Continue this thrilling <s>debate</s> agreement!
I do believe that Bush won because of the christian vote. There has only been one Catholic president of the United States; John F. Kennedy. I think that gives light to how the religious vote if the two candidates are tied in their opinion. They don't trust anyone from another religion. Which is absolutely ridiculous because religion and politics should be two completely seperate things, and neither should be influenced by the other.
I belive Bush won because of the evangalists (sp?) too I agree they should be two seperate things but in some cases people rule countries by religion such as Sudan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. which is a bad thing. Iraq wasn't one of them. France, England etc. don't do that which is respecting people's religions and not making them feel like outsiders. I think is productive and good for most people.
Here's one site I found that made me really frightened about American Politics: www.theocracywatch.org Here's an excerpt of what they've found being said by the CHRISTIAN STATESMAN newspaper: The mission of the National Reform Association is to maintain and promote in our national life the Christian principles of civil government, which include, but are not limited to, the following: Jesus Christ is Lord in all aspects of life, including civil government. Jesus Christ is, therefore, the Ruler of Nations, and should be explicitly confessed as such in any constitutional documents. The civil ruler is to be a servant of God, he derives his authority from God and he is duty-bound to govern according to the expressed will of God. The civil government of our nation, its laws, institutions, and practices must therefore be conformed to the principles of Biblical law as revealed in the Old and New Testaments. :whistle:
I'm a Christian, and I think Bush is the anti-Christ. He is the one that comes in the name of the Lord, yet is the ultimate deciever. I think if a lot of Christians were more critical, they'd notice how hypocritical and contradicting he is to his "faith." He's nothing but a modern-manifest destiny practitioner.
Bush won because of the religious right and "morals". i am sickend by how many ppl said that morals were the bigest issue when alot, if not most, of those same ppl are against gay marriage. having a constitutional amendemt that goes against our own constitution is INSANE! these "morals" should not be left up to the majority. if we had left slavery up to the mojority we would still have it around. and even now, i think slavery would pass in some states. women would not be equal either. i think it should only be desided by looking at it through the Constitution. but im off on a tangent yes, American "pride" as some call it, has gotten us into a hell of a lot of trouble. the world hates us. we are just like the big bully on the playground. "we can have WOMD, but not you. and if you are even speculated to have some we will go in a slaughter all of your inocents." and various other things. grr sry a rather liberal tangent how can that many ppl believe in creationism????? i really dont get it! that just seems insane to me. well im sorry i have views that may seem a little strong(lol very strong). im sry i hope i didnt offend anyone. but Bush won w/ the religious right. Kerry's views were not what the church wanted so he lost. i think is is sick that they can rule our country when they're not even sopposed to be involved. things such as marraige should not be put into religous beliefs. it is a moral issue, not a religious one. the church has way too much power.
Although I hate him as much as you do, I don't think he's the Anti-Christ, Link. [/b][/quote] Well, I probably shouldn't go around declaring it either. Let's just say there's mounting evidence for it. But like I've said, I hope in this next term he proves me wrong.
LMFAO Ironic. Bush is ruling the country with religion and the whole reason he won was because of the evangelists and you call him the Anti-Christ...scary but makes sense. If the Anti-Christ is someone who does evil things and represents God there are LOADS of them. I'm not Christian so correct me if I'm wrong. BTW I'm not mocking you, it's just funny. Not likely he's going to prove you wrong though
i agree, politics and religion are the perfect poison mixture. look at all the history, how many wars were led for religions, so many people dying for Jesus Christ, he would vomit over the crimes against humanity that were made in His name. or any religion that murders others in the name of their God. what kind of god would want bloodbath and suffering? god like that would seriously need a shrink.