10 Things You Should Know About Religion in the 2012 Elections

[cbayer]

“God Talk” Is Alive and Well in This Year’s Campaign

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/02/top_10_religion.html

By Catherine Woodiwiss, Sally Steenland | February 8, 2012



Religion is a dynamic force in America, so it’s no surprise that every four years religious language jumps to the forefront of presidential campaigns. From the Mormon faith of Mitt Romney to the voting clout of evangelicals and Catholics, religion is debated by candidates and seized on by the press.

Although the economy and jobs rank first in voters’ concerns, “God talk” is widespread and often loud this primary season, and culture-war issues like abortion and same-sex marriage get top billing in many candidates’ speeches. Hearing it all, voters can be excused for wondering: Is there anything more to say about God and politics?

Actually, yes. Despite the headline-grabbing appeal of the sensational and the strange, a number of important religious issues and trends have been under-the-radar, misinterpreted, or invisible in the 2012 campaign. Here are 10 things to know about religion that are likely to influence elections this year.

1. All major religious groups favor a more equitable distribution of wealth
Six in 10 Americans agree that society would be better off if the distribution of wealth were more equal. This majority includes every major religious group. Despite significant differences on other issues, one belief that unites white evangelicals (53 percent), mainline Protestants (55 percent), Catholics (61 percent), black Protestants (79 percent), and other faith groups (61 percent of the “non-Christian affiliated” including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists) is that severe economic inequality is both unfair and morally wrong. Interfaith engagement in Occupy Wall Street protests, unemployment benefits protection rallies in Washington, and collective bargaining rights battles in Ohio and Wisconsin indicate that populist religion is alive and well. Candidates who seek to divide the religious vote along “class warfare” lines should take note.

more at link

[sulphurdunn]

1. Republicans defined:

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15

"For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

[darkstar3]

2. #1: It's out of place.

Religion has no place in the governance of a secular society, and should therefore not feature in the decision making process for our leaders. Nothing else really needs to be said.

Would that reality lived up to ideals...