irateplatypus

As a Christian, Kerry appears to me to be a person who is educated in the "culture" of Christianity but does not embrace the faith in a deeply personal way that seems to characterize Bush's theological stance. I'm sure Kerry is aware of Biblical principles and church doctrine, but it seems to be more of a heritage than an everyday faith to him.

Granted, it is all speculation... I don't pretend to truly know either of the President's or Kerry's faith, but that is how it comes across to me from what both of them project publicly. As a Christian, I am convinced that Christianity is a positive thing and am encouraged when our leaders have views similar to mine (as i am sure anybody is about their own views). Politicians know this and, i feel, tailor their public appearance accordingly... so I'm not too naive on this.

Because the President makes both fiscal and moral decisions for the country, I think that a leader as powerful as the President should expect that their religious beliefs be part of the issues. Not that we should only elect a person of a specific religion... but that the electorate be fully aware of the context in which the leader makes moral judgements.

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If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

~ Winston Churchill