Religion In American Politics

The American political system seems to amaze me. I took an interest in American politics this year and I am shocked at what I have discovered. I attribute most of my discomfort to the republican party and their agenda. I also happen to hail from one of the largest democracies in the world-India. As I child I recall having the principles of democracy beaten down on me and my classmates. One of those principles was secularism. However, from what I’ve gathered, in America, the republican candidates seem to have done away with the principle entirely.

The dominating religion in America is Christianity. There is also a sizable part of the population that could be considered evangelical. Shameless candidates like Huckabee know this all to well. Huckabee talks only as a Christian and not a political leader. I thought a political candidate sells himself on policies and benefits and focuses on bringing about social change in their country. To deviate from that and market yourself as a “Christian Leader” is an appalling thought. However, even a devout Christian should realize that such a crass maneuver by a political candidate should not be forgiven.

We all have our biases. Sub-consciously or otherwise we may be attracted to a leader who represents us as a race or gender or religion. But a voter has to forego of this tendency and choose a leader that best represents the interests of society. Because muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, blacks, whites and browns make up a cosmopolitan society such as the United States. Marketing yourself as a Christian is severely outdated and ridiculous.