Being a Christian Isn't a Qualification for Office [UPDATED]
I said it back in December when Mike Huckabee was pushing it, and I say it again now after seeing Barack Obama's Kentucky campaign literature. (warning: that's a link to CBN News...)
As I mentioned in Huckabee's case, it's not that it creates a church-state issue per se, but it is the kind of thing that contributes to a general climate of division along religious lines. Do we need direct appeals to a voter's religious affiliation and comfort level? As opposed to plans and governing philosophies and actual qualifications? Am I being too sensitive? It happens...
[UPDATE: Interfaith Alliance head Welton Gaddy offers his discomfort as well:
“I am deeply disappointed that Senator Obama once again chose to distribute information about his religious beliefs in an attempt to score political points before a critical primary. The candidates for president are running for Commander-in-Chief, not Pastor-in-Chief, and the Constitution clearly prohibits using religious convictions as a qualification for public office. There are so many serious issues facing this country from the war to health care to the economy. Presidential candidates need to spend more time outlining their vision for this country and less time trumpeting their religious bona fides.”Well, I don't know if that's precisely what the Constitution prohibits. I certainly don't think Obama's ad is unconstitutional by any stretch. But I do agree that candidates should refrain from an emotional appeal toward the same bias that the Constitution says may not contribute to an official qualification for office.]