Op-Ed: What About the Other 25 Per Cent?

The United States has a majority of its residents that believe in the Christian faith at 75 per cent of the population. But what about the rest of the population who call the U.S. home; do those 25 percent not matter as much?

During presidential campaigns in the United States citizens watch the various candidates attend church and let their Christian beliefs be known. While the candidates may claim to have religious tolerance do they? In a nation that is expected to separate church and state why is the religion of those who will lead so important? In the US about 18 percent of the population is atheist or agnostic. That leaves roughly only 10 percent of the nation's population Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or another religious affiliation. Are they left out of the political front because they lack the same religious beliefs? As Reuters reports:

"Why is that relevant? Who cares? The great issue is where do we stand on Medicare and Social Security and immigration ... Why inject religiosity into that?" asked Paul Kurtz, chairman of the Council for Secular Humanism.

"Are we (secular humanists and atheists) marginalized? No. Are we turned off? Yes!"

Those who have do not belong in religion have been the targets of the religious right who see moral decay and secularization in the same light. When the politicians cite freedom and that freedom requires religion it leaves a nasty taste. A Pew Research Center survey found last year that 63 percent would be less likely to support a candidate who did not believe in God. But here's the kicker the two groups that actually go to their polling stations are evangelicals (90 percent) and those who have no affiliation (82 percent). Perhaps for that 82 percent the candidates should consider what they endorse. And what do the candidates believe? Let their own words tell us:

Hillary Clinton

"Let's not lose sight of the fact that 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' is not working. We are being deprived of thousands of patriotic men and women who want to serve their country who are bringing skills into the armed services that we desparately need, like translation skills. And one can argue whether it was a good idea when it was first implemented, but we know have evidence as to the fact that we are in a time of war -- when we really need as many people as we can to recruit and retain in an all-volunteer army -- we are turning people away or discharging them not because of what they've done but because of who they are." [3/14/07]

Barack Obama

"In fact, because I do not believe that religious people have a monopoly on morality, I would rather have someone who is grounded in morality and ethics, and who is also secular, affirm their morality and ethics and values without pretending that they're something they're not. They don't need to do that. None of us need to do that. But what I am suggesting is this - secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square. " [6/28/06]

Mike Huckabee

"I would like to think... that I’ve made that people realize that Christians are real people and they have a real world view that’s defensible and intellectually sound, and that it impacts people’s lives in a positive way. I think it would be tragic if that were the case because the application of Christian principles in government ought to bring a greater sense of justice, a greater sense of hope, and a decency to the process" [1/08]

John McCain

"We were founded as a nation on Judeo-Christian principles. There's very little debate about that. And I think the noblest words ever written are, 'We hold these truths to be self evident that all, all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator.' " [9/07]

Mitt Romney

"Do they [evangelical Christians] want agreement on doctrine, and does that really effect how someone leads as President? Or does someone want a President who shares values and will preserve the values and culture of America? That will only happen if people band together where we share common values." [9/26/07]

(This site gives many quotes as to what the candidates believe) Choosing a person to side with to run the nation is a hard job. Most people tend to have certain criteria for the person they will stand behind and pick to lead them. Their words during this time period have in the past not always proven to be where they end up when in office. It's a delicate weaving of making the people smile and vote that the speech writers that the candidates use play on. So who's voice will you take a gamble with? Do you believe that the secular population deserves a vote? Do you think any of the candidates this time around will be able to separate church and state? Do you believe that church and state should be separated?