Why no Athiest Politicians?

[Driftwood]

On Faith Panelists Blog: Haiti and the hypocrisy of Christian theology - Richard Dawkins

Pat Robertson is at least not a hypocrite.

[st333ve]

The problem with being an Athiest is that a lot of Christians will automatically be offended by you.

You have to tolerate peoples religion, but religious people dont have to tolerate Atheists or many other groups of people.

Fair play to those politicians who are Athiest, I thought it would be political suicide but I'm glad to see that it doesnt stop them from doing their job.

[femmefatale]

From whence will come the Anti-Christ ...

I don't think those in the world of politics need to declare their Atheism. It goes with the territory.

[Bobert]

I think this will answer your question:

YouTube- West Wing - In God We Trust Episode #131 - Barlet, Vinick, Ice Cream and Religion

YouTube- West Wing - In God We Trust Episode #131 - Barlet, Vinick, Ice Cream and Religion

[st333ve]

I'd vote for an Athiest politician if I broadly agreed with him/her.

I just think they would be much less gullible than a Christian and more clear minded. (I know that sounds insulting but there simply isnt any other way to say it)

[irish_goat]

There's really no advantage for a politician openly declaring and advertising the fact that they are atheist. There's still so many people in Ireland who are near disgusted at people who say they are atheist.

At the end of the day, what a TD does on a Sunday morning isn't anyone's business anyway.

[femmefatale]

Originally Posted by st333ve

I'd vote for an Athiest politician if I broadly agreed with him/her.

I just think they would be much less gullible than a Christian and more clear minded. (I know that sounds insulting but there simply isnt any other way to say it)

More clear minded? Like voting for someone because their religious convictions (or lack of them) rather than their political credentials?

[st333ve]

That's true and it shouldnt be anyones business, but in reality people know what religion their politicians are.

Trevor Sargent is a Protestant politician and one I actually respect, I never looked that up I know because people mention it.
It should not be an issue, and it wouldnt be with me but sadly it is with an awful lot of people.

[johnfás]

Originally Posted by st333ve

That's true and it shouldnt be anyones business, but in reality people know what religion their politicians are.

I think that is a bit simplistic. In reality alot of people want to know about the philosophy which underlies the opinions of politicians - religious faith is just one such thing - there are plenty of other things too but we just treat them as inputs and set religion apart rather than treating it as another input.

It is probably more the media which sets it apart. In reality people tend to vote for whoever gets the potholes fixed and whichever party they support.

You can't really compare America to Ireland on these issues. I know you're not - but there is a tendency on some of these threads to slip from one to another when they are totally different societies.

[Garland Names the Planets]

Originally Posted by femmefatale

More clear minded? Like voting for someone because their religious convictions (or lack of them) rather than their political credentials?

The atheist might have demonstrated an ability to think critically. That's a plus on my voting scorecard. Looking for a law to protect my hurt feeings. That's a minus.