Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
I have a potentially pot-stirring question...
And I'm seriously not trying to get everyone riled up. I just am really and truly curious to hear the responses.
Do you think that religion should play as much of a role as it does in the political campaigning process? I ask, because I understand people have strong religious convictions and beliefs, and that this country was originally founded on Christian principles. I am not trying to flame or criticize anyone for having them, not saying they're right/wrong, bad/good.
The area I grew up in had a huge Jewish population - and this country is not solely comprised of Christians anymore. Therefore, do you think it's ok to have Christian beliefs continue to be such a huge part of the political process, or is it excluding huge groups of people in the country?
Again...not looking to stir the pot (and I'm not looking for a defense of Christian beliefs), just honestly interested in opinions.
Re: I have a potentially pot-stirring question...
This is something that I considered while reading the political post below. I have a hard time not letting my religious beliefs play a huge part in my political beliefs. I'm not saying that everyone should feel the same way either.
But, this country was founded on Christianity, so it is hard for me to believe we should make changes and cater to people of other beliefs. I don't want anyone to be offended by the fact that I am Christian, but it is offensive to me when people don't consider offending Christians to avoid that with other religions. (ie. Christmas trees being called Holiday trees...not being able to say Merry Christmas...I hope this makes sense) Why are those that believe in the values this country was founded upon the ones who have to suffer?
Just My Opinion
I think that America is such a large melting pot of individuals at this point that isn't necessarily appropriate to lead and make decisions that will impact the country based solely on ANY religious principle?however, the people leading and making decisions have the right to be swayed based on their personal religious beliefs, and one can only hope that they will use discretion when making choices that have a large standing impact on the rights and beliefs of others.
I think that issues of morality, and good vs. evil, can only be judged by God. And I don't believe that how I might personally feel about things should impact how another person is able to live their life. I feel that puts me in a seat of passing judgment on what is wrong and right, and I don't personally want to be in such seat....
Well said, Lauren.
It's next to impossible IMO to make a decision and not let your religious beliefs have an impact on your choice.
I also agree about people not being afraid to bash Christianity, but to bash other religions...be it Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, etc. is wrong. That makes zero sense to me. You want to celebrate Diwali? That's fine with me if that's your belief...but let me celebrate Christmas for what it is, because that's what I believe.
I don't agree with forcing a religion on someone, but if our country was founded on Christian beliefs, that should stay the same no matter what. Do you think if a bunch of Americans moved to, say China, that they would change what their country was founded on for them? I don't think so. I would never move to another country and expect them to cater to me and speak my language, accept my religion as the only one, and otherwise make these grand accomodations for me.
To me, if you want to move to America to better yourself and your family, I'm all for it if it's done legally. But don't come in here illegally and think you should have all the rights in the world, that doesn't sit too well with me!
I think that, in our system, people tend to equate religious beliefs and values with morality. By claiming to have a certain religious viewpoint, the candidate shows that he or she has values and morals (that may or may not have anything to do with the actual religion).
It's not that religion IS the big thing - religion is the representative of a candidate's moral beliefs.
Anyone can say, "I have values. I will not lie to you or cheat you."
But if that person says, "I am a Methodist and have been actively involved with my church for 30 years. I hold strong values in line with the Methodist doctrine in America." People can relate to that, and they believe it.
It's not that they wouldn't believe the first person (and not that a person can't have values without religion), but the claim of participation in a well-known religion is something of value to people. That claim gives them comfort and confirmation that their candidate has values similar to their own.
I agree with this, Amy. We are fortuante that we do go to a church that doesn't pressure its members when it comes to politics. What I really like about our church is that they are so welcoming of all beliefs, lifestyles, backgrounds, political views, etc. And that's very refreshing and surprising seeing as how we go to a traditional style church.
Honestly, I am not sure that it's legal for churches to endorse any certain candidate because in order to be a tax exempt organization, that organization cannot appear to endorse any certain candidate. If they do so, they could lose their tax exempt status which means donations would be not tax deductible. I could be wrong about this in terms of churches, but I know the organization I work for cannot endorse and talk out against candidates.
I agree with that.
I also feel like if they say "I have been a bhuddist my whole life and I follow my beliefs strictly" or WHATEVER, people might be less quick to trust that person's moral system even though a lot of religions have the same or similar moral code- "don't lie", "don't cheat", "don't steal", etc.
So even if in their personal lives they don't closely follow Christian convictions, I think they use it as a selling point to earn people's trust.
Do I agree with that? No. But, thus is politics.
I agree with that.
I also feel like if they say "I have been a bhuddist my whole life and I follow my beliefs strictly" or WHATEVER, people might be less quick to trust that person's moral system even though a lot of religions have the same or similar moral code- "don't lie", "don't cheat", "don't steal", etc.
So even if in their personal lives they don't closely follow Christian convictions, I think they use it as a selling point to earn people's trust.
Do I agree with that? No. But, thus is politics.
I agree with you and since the issue of Happy Holiday VS Merry Christmas began I find myself saying MERRY CHRISTMAS far more than I originally did...but then, I've always been somewhat of a rebel.