Does the Religion of the U.S. President Really Matter?

There is much ongoing debate, at least where I live, concerning this topic. Radio hosts are challenging this concept for several reasons. Historically we may recall former President John F. Kennedy making the statement: “I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute—where no Catholic prelate would tell the President [should he be Catholic] how to act, and…where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who appointed him or the people who might elect him.”

This debate over the religious convictions of a future President of America is gaining a head of steam in many places. Severe criticism has been leveled at Mike Huckabee for advertising himself as the only Christian candidate. (Mr. Huckabee is an ordained minister of the Baptist church.) But the surge in the polls in favor of Mr. Huckabee has prompted Mitt Romney to speak on his Mormonism. He did broadcast some statements of belief on Thursday, Dec. 6. Many people are unsure of Mr. Romney because when polled about his Mormonism, they seem to know only about the past (connecting Mormonism with multiple wives). Until now, Mr. Romney has played down or not addressed his personal beliefs. He has stated the need for strong family values and is now anti-abortion.

Let us leave out specifics of differences of belief for the moment and ask the question, was John F. Kennedy right? Does a person’s religious belief really not matter? I would emphatically say no! I do not believe you can separate a man or woman from his or her religious convictions. Consider that when Christ was here on the earth, He stated that His Kingdom was not of (or from) this world. He explained that if it were, then His servants would fight. Can one be in politics and not fight? Certainly not.

As President of a country, one must fight for what is best for the people. The President must uphold the laws; if he disagrees in principle with a law, can he just leave his convictions on the shelf? If you deeply believe that abortion (at any stage following conception) is murder, how can you swear to uphold the law that allows such an act? It’s a very unlikely scenario, but if we had a Mormon President, could he appoint Mormons to the Supreme Court and then have laws against polygamy thrown out?

Would either Romney or Huckabee be willing to set aside their personal value systems if they conflict with the will of the American people?

In answer to the question, Do you believe this book? (the YouTube questioner held up a copy of the Bible), Romney said, “I might interpret the word differently than you interpret the word, but I read the Bible and I believe the Bible is the word of God.”

Officially, according to the Mormon Web site, “As the Bible was compiled, organized, translated and transcribed, many errors entered the text,” How would Mr. Romney reconcile his reading with that statement? Further, how can he prove that the same thing has not happened with the Book of Mormon?

Conversely could Mr. Huckabee, serve, say, as vice President under a Mormon without a huge conflict of values?

Which candidate on either side of the political divide would Jesus vote for? The Bible says that God puts into office the leaders people deserve.

Can you really successfully mix religion and politics? I think not!

The whole scenario is fraught with problems, as no leader truly knows how to lead the people in the right way—there will be compromises! That is why Christ says that when He returns, the kingdoms of this world will become His—and He will rule righteously forever and ever.

Please read our booklets titled The Gospel of the Kingdom and Jesus Christ: The Real Story. They will enlighten you.