The Big Maverick of the Republican Party

[Myroria]

I saw this on Jolt, and sure enough, it's true.

John McCain, the "moderate" "maverick" of the Republican Party said that "The Constitution set up a Christian nation".

Every 4 years, I say "Well, it can't get worse", and then something like THIS crops up.

For those of you not familar with the US Constitution, it says on two seperate times that America is not a "Christian nation":

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why I'm no longer a Republican.

"It's my sincerest hope, that in the year 2008, the Democrats and the Republicans...take some time off."

[kor]

It surprises you that the religious right would say this?

[Eientei]

McCain isn't really a part of the religious right, considering some of his views on social issues.  I think he was just pandering to the religious right with that comment, because they have some serious problems with him.  Not that I particularly like McCain, but I do think it's more likely that this is pandering than an actual statement of belief.

Too bad so many Americans seem to hold the view that the architects of the Constitution wanted to create a religious state.  Ask them for proof of their assertion, a quote, anything.  They won't be able to find any.

[Myroria]

It surprises you that the religious right would say this?

I'm not surprised, I'm disappointed. Sure, they're religious, that's fine, but to say that the Constitution ALLOWS religion in government is just...wrong.

[Bara]

i don't want a religious guy in power...

if he does...i hope i don't have to go to a Christian school.

*shudders*

[Myroria]

Why make you go to a Christian school when you can teach creationism in school? I mean, sure, it suggests an invisible spirit in the sky just poofed us into existance, but it would do fine in science class!

[Eientei]

i don't want a religious guy in power...

if he does...i hope i don't have to go to a Christian school.

*shudders*

Eh, don't worry about it.  We've somehow endured seven years of George W. Bush without that happening (aside from abstinence-only disease prevention programs in schools, the above-mentioned teaching of creationism, etc.).  If you want to worry about a fanatic taking office, worry about Mike Huckabee, but he's pretty much out of the race at this point anyway.

What worries me most about McCain is what sort of Supreme Court justices he'd appoint.

[Myroria]

Yes, when I heard that it was mathematically impossible for him to win, I was relieved and saddened at the same time. On the one hand, Huckabee was a religious psycho, but on the other hand, I really would have LOVED to see a Stephen Colbert Vice President.

[Eientei]

No doubt.  He would have held the best press conferences ever.

[Gulliver]

Such a conflict of wants and such that that situation would have made.

[Annex]

I am sorry to say this Pragmia, but that's not you at your most eloquent or lucid.

As for the whole Christian Nation business, it's pure rhetoric. I prefer to ignore it rather than hold such statements against people (unless they are seriously advocating a religion-derived government like Mr. Huckabee probably is). Considering the degree to which Christian principles influenced the creation of America (see: Locke's "A Letter Concerning Toleration") and the prevalence of Christianity throughout America's history, it's no surprise that candidates spin the constitution in this manner. After all, it does protect Christians (and most others) from religious intolerance, and morals that were inspired by Christian ideals are allowed to become law.

I believe there's some sort of subtle delineation to be made between creation of a Christian government (not true) and a Christian nation (which is partly true but a meaningless statement). At this stage of political discourse in America, I have such low standards that empty rhetoric like this doesn't get me angry anymore. If McCain declared Christianity the One True Religion Of America and advocated making America a theocracy, well, that's something else entirely. But he's not going to do that, because he'd probably lose all his acquired Joe-mentum then.