Faith-based  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

||   Faith-based   ||
Results for the following question: Do you consider yourself a faith-based voter?

Yes
 15.4%

No
 82.6%

Undecided
 2%

Total Votes: 1066

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Pam H.
I am a Christian, so I am conflicted to answer yes; for I do not want to be grouped with thr right wing conservetive type Christians(because Of my belief in Christ and His ways,So some faith is apart of my choice; Go OBAMA). I am a Christian Liberal. I am part of A reconciliation groups at my church and have donated to Matthew shepard and Out Youth here in Austin. My church also marched in The Gay Pride March. Sadly I could not Go because my conservetive in-laws came in to visit. Jesus is so important to me and showing His love is too, so I exstend His love through me and all His rainbows of the world. God loves everyone. NO EXCEPTIONS INCLUSIVE! I also believe in seperstion of church and state; for the church is to be a healing force not a properganda machine for the Republican party which seems to me not to be doing to good on the moral factor( scandles; enough to circle the Earth several times). GOD LOVED HIS LITTLE RAINBOWS! Your Christian Allie Progressive4Christ

David W
Yes I do Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor-loving your neighbor doesn't mean that you put power plant in low income neighborhoods; it doesn't mean that you cut services for the most vulnerable; it doesn't mean that you invade countries for their oil My faith dictates that I vote for the candidate that embodies Jesus' command.

Anonymous
The intrusion by faith and the audacity of organized religion to be involved in hate mongering and through attempted lawmaking in the United States and abroad ,lets us all see how wrong we are to allow religion to run amok and to give Federal Income Tax exemptions of Faith Based organizations. Bush and his born again mantality, Romney and his LDS spin on everything sacred to our constitution and all the other presidential hopefuls now playing to the Religious Right , the Catholics and the Mormons. The world we live in has been ruined by the "My Religion is the Only True Religion" mantality. Every war in the past one hundred years has been fought over ideological disputes which should prove to us that we must not try and shove our Beliefs down the throats of another.

Justin H- Indiana
While I don't want the president or any other representative worshiping the devil, America is in such dire need of a true genuine leader who isnt goin to lead us into wars under false pretences, that I would vote for a leader who didnt speak of his religion. I would rather the president make choices based on common sense and for the good of the country as a whole, rather than his religion beliefs.

Joe Laux
I'm a Christian, and I vote for candidatres who support the Christianity that Christ taught; love, acceptance of ALL of God's children, and the preservation of all of God's creation. I do NOT support pseudo-Christians who hide behind the Cross while they spew their bigotry and hatred. Gandhi got it right when he said "I like your Jesus Christ. I don't like your Christians. They are nothing like Jesus Christ.'.

Steve Rosenthal
Voting should be based on the issues of a campaign and not how a religious faith says anyone should vote. Throughout history, "faith based" voting and running of countries have cause millions of innocent people to be killed in the name of that faith. Isn't it about time we moved from the Middle Ages and into the present. By voting according to how a faith tells you too is being nothing but a sheep being herded, many times to thier death. It seems that this heard instinct is heading this country to it's death.

Anonymous
Yes, but that by no means should imply that I'm a fundamentalist. Quite the contrary. I'm Unitarian-Universalist and I vote!

Anonymous
My faith colors my world - how I see things, how I act, what I value. Of course it affects my vote. The thing is, I see my faith as obligating me to do certain things - to care for the poor, to be a good person, to repair the world. I don't see it as a mandate to force others to live like I do. I am not trying to ban pork production.

Anonymous
Oh, hell no!

Dave
I don't believe faith or religion should have ANY place in politics or government in a nation that is supposed to be based on the SEPERATION of church and state.

Paul
I am gay and a minister, but I want my elected officials to be civic-minded, not religious minded. Limiting the choices of Americans is not good politics or good spirituality.

Mario
I'm an atheist and generally speaking I consider "faith" to mean "believing in something without a good reason" ("faith" as in "I believe on faith" rather than "my faith is Islam" or "I have faith in my parents"). Faith is what lets people vote against us (GLBT people) without a rational argument. Faith is why people a lot of vote for Bush because his Jesus-credentials are better than Gore or Kerry's. Faith is why there are radicals in our country who don't care about fucking up the future b/c Jesus's return is imminent. Faith is how people who otherwise believe strongly in equality can set aside human rights b/c an ancient book says so. Faith is why I would probably never get elected to any major gov't position if I was honest about myself as a gay atheist (apparently Americans trust atheists less than any other group, according to surveys). So no, I'm not a faith-based voter, and you'll have to excuse me if I have a low opinion of them. I'm much more in favor of reason and evidence-based voting.

Brad W.
I am guided by my faith when I vote - that's why I vote they way Jesus would, for candidates who treat everyone equally and work for justice!

Green Gay
Jesus Christ, no!

Anonymous
I consider myself a political-based voter.

Rev.Jason Dench
I think it is important because with out faith life would be very difficult even 10 times more hard as it is now. I also think the president also represents all of the USA and some type of faith is important but they need to be totaly honest about it and not fake to say they have faith just to get into office is wrong and it will show eventually all stuff the repress always come to the surface every time.

Anonymous
Why would any self respecting Gay man or Lesbian vote or for that matter adhere to any major faith based chain of fast food relgion? The world is being torn apart by religion. The history of the world is a battle of one faith over another. Religion as it is in the world is the most devisive entity known to man. America needs to wake up and take away the federal income tax deduction currently given to faith based organizations simply because their main goal has become one of politics, not GOD!

David
Though I profess no affiliation to my faith, I believe that I was created in the image of God; simply beatifully and wonderfully made. I vote based on all issues especially those related to the equality that I and future generations should be granted regardless of their faith and orientation. I love people and those who embrace their faith; even as an ex-minister in which I was dismissed because of my orientation. I believe that we are on the edge of seeing great strides of inalienable rights granted.

robert G
I vote by my contions not my faith....

Anonymous
I was raised in the Episcopal Church and converted to the Catholic Church 30 years ago. Yes on issues that are important my beliefs shape them in part, I am faith-based voter, but I am very liberal and progressive by nature and think God is as well! The bible was badly translated and mistranslated by homophobic mental midgets...God loves gay people and they are guided by the same rules as straight people.

Rick Sutherland
I prefer living in reality. Too often faith is confused with spirituality, and they are not the same thing. So, long story short, I educate myself on all of the issues that I can before voting. We have voted just because our families are one party or the other for long enough. An educated vote can save lives.

Frank Erdman
"Faith-based" is a violation of the seperation of church and state. Therefore to vote based upon religion is inconsistent with our democracy. That said, I think faith influences one's values so one could be implicitly a faith based voter, if not explicitly so.

Michael Wills
Unless you mean that it takes faith to believe that your vote counts in a system that allows people to be elected with a plurality instead of a majority, or where Wyoming's electorate has 7 times more clout than California's due to the unequal representation by the electoral college.

Sooz
Your question poses a dilemna for many of us, I would imagine. I have faith and it guides all my choices but in these times suggesting I'm a "faith-based voter" puts me in league with all kinds of folks with whom I have nothing in common, certainly not an interest in the advancement of equal rights for the GLBT community. I'm a lapsed Catholic bisexual women who wanted to be a priest when she was ten. I still grieve that the choice was never mine. But less and less all the time. There's always a forest full of Wiccans out there with whom to worship AND frolic! If on the RC Church would find its feminine side, I could happily consider myself a faith-based voter along those lines!!

Anonymous
If you have a faith, I do not see how it can not affect everything you do. Since voting and politics affects everyday life for all, this must be affected by faith too. Pity, though, that some faiths - or parts of faiths - seem to have been connected so strongly to certain political stances. Can I say I'm a Christian liberal - is that possible any more?!

Andrew
I have faith in the amazing power of people when they come together, to do both good and to cause harm, but that wasn't one of the choices. Faith as in mainstream, organized religion (aka: tying up my vote on some wedge issue that when it comes down to it probably isn't going to save us from ourselves anyway), then No.

Tommy
While I have a deep spirituality, my voting follows my domestic needs. You know render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and toGod, what is God’s.

Anonymous
As an off againa on again atheist pagan, there really aren't any situations out fhere for me... so I most often vote against candidates rather than for others. What a mess.

Anonymous
Organized religion is the reason I don't attend a church, actually. I prefer a personal relationship.

Madison
I am not a faith-based anything. Faith should have nothing to do with politics. "Freedom FROM religion...."

Anonymous
seperation of church and state!!!!

Anonymous
Separation of church and state.

Anonymous
I'm a progressive Christian (UCC). I decide based on the candidates justice stands: poverty, gay rights, civil rights, pro-choice, etc. I like that Barack Obama has been so forthright about his faith; it's a good way to draw out the undecided vote.

Anonymous
Aren't there enough WARS and isn't the world filled with enough Hate caused by religion already?

Marty
No. not at all. However, if the candidate is a Mormon , God help us (Gays) The only faith I have is in the running mates statements and actions thats how I base my decision!

Anonymous
What in the hell is a faith based voter?

Anonymous
I am a practicing Jew, and very proud of that, but my faith does not dictate who I vote for. Indeed, if that were the case, I'd of rooted for Lieberman against Lamont. When I vote, I'm a liberal Democrat first.

Timothy Coomes
I am not a member of any party and vote for the person whom I believe is best qualified and most gay friendly.

Anonymous
Religion is the biggest SCAM on the planet....

Scott Buchicchio
HELL NO!!!!!!

valerie
Not any more. Faith has been hijacked by extremist people I'd rather not be associated with. People who have perverted every aspect of what it means to be compassionate, honest, forthright, and humble. So, yes, I guess the answer would be "No".

Kevin
My faith is important to me and affect my decisions in life, that includes the way I vote. My faith calls me to in inclusive, equitable, and look out for the people who are unable to speak for themselves or are in need.

Richard Whatley
I vote my values. And my religion expresses my values. But I would have these same values even if I was an atheist. Sorry, maybe I have become too cynical. But it seems that almost all of the faith based voters I hear about seem to just be people who don't want to take responsbility for thier own actions and beliefs. Especially when those actions and beleifs are harmful to others. So instead they blame God for what they do. These people have perverted the word faith and made it into something dirty and mean. I am sure not every person who describes themselves as "faith based" falls into this catagory. But I have yet to see any in any significant numbers compared to the former.

Anonymous
Voting for politicians is an act that should be based strictly on the facts. Leave your faith at home and at church.

Anonymous
If other people want to live their lives based on mythology that's their business.

fred pfisterer
You have got to be kidding. The evils that have been perpetrated in the name of religion over the centuries are appalling. There is no place for religious faith in my life. It is pure myth, delusion, and fantasy.

fred pfisterer
You have got to be kidding. The evils that have been perpetrated in the name of religion over the centuries are appalling. There is no place for religious faith in my life. It is pure myth, delusion, and fantasy.

Peter
Faith is not a means of knowledge, much less a guide to good politics.

Anonymous
I only consider faith as an factor in my voting in that I want assurance that a candidate's faith will not interfere with his/her governance and following the Constitution. I don't care whether a candidate is and athiest or religious.

Gary Miller
Religion is very important to me. I want my candidates to share my values. I dont care whether they are Christian, Muslim or atheist, but I do want them to share my values especially on issues having to do with civil rights.

Brian T. Baraboo
Avocate.com, When I walk into my voting booth, it is without God or prayer or meditaion. I walk in with my ballot ready to punched/scanned. I make my ballot iniative or candidate selections through, reading about them; listening to "point/counter-point idems.. I do this with my head, wtih no "praying for direction" ...Well, I have to admit I've said stuff like, "Oh God, please don't let this person or issue win" . Lastly, I think initiative in our voter guide are so fabricated with lies that they should not beable to publish them. They read like a tabloid rags.

Mark
I'm a member of a mainline protestant church that has reached out to the GLBT community, not to "change" us, but to accept our gifts and to be a part of their urban and diverse mission in Atlanta. The church has been recognized by the denomination's leadership as one that truly is engaged with Christ's mission and we've been both a "thorn" and a wonderful example of what a church is expected to be with our missions. We do vote for those that are inclusive of the GLBT issues, so we are bright star of Christians that are progressive in our views. And I'm proud of my church's involvement both as an active presenter of Christ's message and as an outspoken voise of equality, fairness, and values that comes from the GLBT community.

Jim Swanson
For me, voting comes down to a question of what is right and just for everyone in this world, how do we treat one another, how do we care for those in need, and what kind of stewards are we of global resources? I believe all these issues are central to my Christian faith and clearly help guide my voting. It really amazes and disturbs me how many conservatives have tried to hijack faith to manipulate others in an effort to promote their narrow minded, hurtful, and clearly self centered agendas that fall well outside anything I would consider truly Christian. I believe that as a faith-based voter, one needs to put others ahead of themselves, promote peace, seek understanding, and ask how do we take care of each other? It comes down to the old cliché, what would Jesus do.

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Anonymous
If the politician wears their religion on the sleeve, I vote against them. Formally Repblican Now Independent!

Randy
Regarding the topic of gay marriage mentioned in the article, totally agree with the reverend that all "marriages" performed outside of a church should be civil unions and those who choose to get the approval of their religious organizations can have their relationship "blessed" and call it a marriage. the most important aspect is that all committed couples have the ssame rights and benifits.

Anonymous
I tend to avoid anyone puts their religion in too prominent a position. We must not become a theocracy.

ken
I can only consider myself a "faith-based voter" if the candidate plays the faith card above all other issues. In that case,I would definitely vote AGAINST him.

Al Forino
Unfortunately the Presidential results of Florida 2000 and ohio 2004 have left me with no faith that my vote will be counted, lat alone matter!

Louisa
I had to select undecided, because although I am an atheist and don't like to let faith interfere in my voting, I would be inclined to vote against someone who was letting their religion decide their politics, regardless of law or fairness. Some politicians seem openly in favor of establishing a state religion, and I cannot support them.

Anonymous
Faith and religion have no place in politics or government. One day I hope to vote for the first candidate to admit to being an athiest.

Anonymous
No, I appreciate it when candidates keep their faith private and leave their Bible, Koran, Torah, etc. at home !

Starchild
More like a reason-based voter.

Kevin Brauer
In America we ALL should vote in the best interests of our precious Bill of Rights, our Constitution, in the principles of our fragile "Balance of Powers" among the 3 branches of government. As Constitution defending Americans we should NEVER base our votes merely to protect or favor our personal one-sided religious beliefs. I happen to believe "Our Creator" is a mothering full figured lesbian of colour and I can only hope that every time I've ever voted I've really made her proud! Kevin Brauer Denver

Andy
While I would never listen blindly to a single book or person for all the answers to life's questions, I must say that my Christian upbringing informs my values and ethical outlook in life. Equality, caring for the most vulnerable, and promoting justice and peace are ideals that certainly form the basis for my political views and voting decisions. If that makes me a faith-based voter, ok, though I am not sure it does. Some things in life are just too complicated for a yes/no answer.

Gary
I am a faith-based voter; however, my faith is not characterized by the mean-spirited exclusivity of the religious right. Recently, I stood on the lawn of the first Baptist church organized on American soil, the FBC of Providence, RI. The marquee at the front of that lawn presented a message that is, unfortunately, rare among Baptists: "We reserve the right to accept everybody." I want my faith-based voting to reflect that kind of thinking. It is important for Americans--especially the media--to begin to realize that Christian fundamentalist groups do not own the Christian religion. They make the most noise, but they don't speak for all.

David Watson
As a American Baptist, Yes, I am faith-base Voter. And I support Gay rights. Last time I checked there was no commandment that told us who to hate. But there are two Commandments that Christ gave use: Love your God above everything else, and love your neighbor as Christ has loved you. But, I would like to point out the Republicans do love their Gods above everything else: Money, Power, and Elitism.

Gary R.
I am a Believeing Christian and base my Vote [ partially ] on the Candidates history of Faith and does he or she believe the Bible and does the Candidate have a Biblical World View .

Bob
It is sad to say, but I have NO FAITH ... in our government.

Anonymous
Relegion should be personal and has no place in politics.

Anonymous
The faith of the candidate (or, rather, the role they feel faith should play in politics) is what is important to me. So my answer could be yes or no, depending on how one interprets the question.

Anonymous
I am a gay Christian, and I am concerned with ethics. But the politicians CLAIMING strong faith that guides them in their decisions have not proven themselves to be trustworthy.

Anonymous
The whole idea of believing something because "you just know it to be true in your heart" epitomizes the very worst qualities humanity has to offer: ignorance, laziness, and cowardice.

Anonymous
I love Jesus, and he loves me! My home is my church, because I don't feel comfort at church. Go Hillary!!!!

Ginelle
No, I do not vote based on religion. I believe religion has no place in politics. I believe polititians and government should be serving the people as a whole and not just special interest groups whether it be religious or otherwise. In my mind a true democracy is for the benefit of all people to live in freedom and harmony despite their religious beliefs, the colour of their skin, or their sexual orientation.

Dave from Ireland
Oh dear sweet Jesus God, no :-)

Jim
In reading some of the responses, it is clear that the term "faith based voter" is taken to mean a Christian or fundamentalist voter by most responders. I would submit that every one of us is a faith based voter, even those that have faith in the notion that there is no God. We as living beings place faith in our own ideas and beliefs, or lack thereof. That personal faith forms the essence of who we are as individuals. Personally, I come from a very stringent, Judeo-Christian family. While I no longer believe in that fundamentalist clap-trap that most modern day churches spout these days, I do have my own "faith" that helps sustain me. It mold who I am and influences my decisions, so I suppose that in the literal sense of the phrase, I suppose I could be called a faith-based voter. My personal faith is based on the dignity of the individual and is not swallowed up by any theology or dogma that would drag people down rather than build them up. All are precious in God's sight. I just wish more of our churches would believe it.

Inge
Faith-based? You can waste your own money however you want to, but don't waste my taxdollars on your Fairytale Sky Commander Cult's latest membership drive or Hall of Hypocrisy Expansion project. Such hard-hitting questions about female sex symbols and characters from fiction compendia. Oy.

Paul
Yes . When candidates starting spouting platitudes about how their faith influences their politics I immediately rule them out as viable . Case in point : a female state representative in Delaware ( Pam Thornburg ) who opposes gay rights because the concept offends part of her constituency ( the Amish ) who don 't even vote !

Allen
Whatever happened to truth as criteria for making a decision?

Joel
Faith? A persistent belief in the reality of fairy tales? No, I am not a "faith based" voter.

Anonymous
My spiritual quest is a priority in my life, but I don't consider myself a faith-based voter. I must vote based on my standards, but I don't feel the need to force others to live according to my terms.

Anonymous
I am against faith based politicians

Manny
Although a person of faith, I think that this part of my life should be private. As long as I have mi rights to worship however I want, there is no need to take my faith into the ballot

Anonymous
Faith is what otherwise rational people use to explain the ridiculous.

Mark Stafford
The idea of faith-based political conviction is archaic at best. How can voters make choices based on a religious belief or faith when there are so many variations on faith in this country to begin with? Politicians whose leadership is based upon their religious convictions do not belong in the political arena to begin with. What ever happened to "separation of church and state"? This is the very issue that our community has been at odds with since 1969 - society, in general, has taken the issue of homosexuality and attached religious-based guilt. Until that changes, the gay community will always live second-class lives.

Eric Klee
I wouldn't necessarily say "faith-based," as I'm not heavy into religion, but I would vote against someone running who is heavily faith-based because of their closed-minded views. So...in that case, I guess I would vote faith-based -- against it!

AJ
I believe that faith and religion have no place in politics.

Anonymous
No, I'm a FACT-based voter.

Greg
I still believe in the separation of church & state.

R Rafferty
Faith belongs in your heart and not in yor election, I can elect a Muslum, or Jew with the same morels as a Christian on a Morman. The bottom line is, can the elected official vote in accordence with the contituants that put that official in office? I don't personally care that Abortion is against the Christian values. Frankly it is (based on timing) againts most Faiths. But if the people who put me in office choose, the choice is thiers not mine- I have simpley helped allow them to be able to make that choice on thier own in private.

Ben There Done That
I believe...thus, I vote...I am not party based however...! I vote for the candidate that I feel will help care for my body, mind and soul..!

H
Yes because if they have no sense of right and wrong they shouldn't run the country. I don't trust anyone who has a shifting foundation. Right or wrong, Bush hasn't waivered to fit the fickle public. The Democrats put their finger in the air and answer to what works at the time - no foundation. I will vote for someone who goes to church.

Anonymous
What the hell is a "faith-based" voter? Heck, I dislike any kind of label when I vote!

Joe in Syracuse, NY
I am a gay christian, and thru the liberating love of Jesus Christ, I take my faith -along with my sexuality - seriously. I look for basic moral values in those politicians seeking my support; but I will not vote for (or against) a candidate because of their specific faith . However, I also strongly believe in the separation of church & state and when I see pols pandering to the "Christian Right" I get very nervous. My greatest fear is the flip-flopping Mitt Romney & the potential influence of the Mormon Church should he (God forbid) make it to the White House.

John H. Neu
Every time I vote, I am hoping above hope that I may be doing something good not only for my nation-state, but also for human kind. Of course, this means that in the last few national elections (i.e., those won by George Bush), my candidate has NOT been a winner. Of course, I am expressing "faith" in the democratic system since most economists tell me that "voting" is a totally irrational act. No sane individual would waste his or her time casting a vote! If by "faith-based" voting, you mean that some specific religious views motivate my vote, well I gave up on formal, institutionalized religion ages ago--when I was in my 20's. So I guess I am NOT a faith-based voter, if that is your meaning.

Anonymous
My faith demands equality, tolerance and acceptance of all toward all. With that in mind, it's quite easy to find the right candidates, as they're few and far between.

MJ Restrepo
Absolutely not, to me it would be a sign of discrimination on my part. As we pursue equality, we have to be midful that of our own personal criteria must be free from what could be perceived as discrimination based on sex, age, race, CREED or sexual orientation. This applies to any considerations I make while making a choice to vote. I like to think of myselft as a Politically-based voter.

Arthur
I think that my personal values inform my political decisions, but I am not the puppet of any organized religion. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution trump everything else when it comes to voting, and the fact that we are all equal is the unequivocal foundation of my personal faith.

Yoni Oriole
While I am a staunch advocate of the separation of church and state, my own political views are largely shaped by my progressive Jewish faith. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and taking care of the widow and stranger among us, for example, are a far greater moral imperative than persecuting people because of their sexual orientation.

Richard
I consider myself a faith-based voter because if a candidate uses his or her faith too much to attract voters, I will not vote for them. Until I see a candidate who uses religion as a reason for not discriminating against GLBT individuals, I will not vote for a faith based candidate. Those who say they support Gays, but do not support Gay marriage (i.e. John Edwards and others) are not really supporting us. They are either afraid of us or afraid of standing up for their own convictions.

Jerry Metzker
With a Christian faith that features social justice, and spreading God's love, of course, I use this core part of my being in how I vote!

Paul-Michael
Being Gay has persuded me to sway away from openly religious politicians. Christians tend to be very judgemental and hippocritical on the issue of homosexuality.

Matt
Absolutely not!!! The problem with poilitics today is that too many people vote based upon their religious beliefs and faith. The government of the U.S. was created to be separate from organized religion. If anything, religion is the primary cause of conflict in the world today.

Russ Pollock
As a Christian pastor and as a gay man, you bet my faith informs both my vote and my politics. My concern for poverty, hunger, peace, inequality, and social injustice all stem from my reading and belief of the Christian Gospel. I just wish the American media--as well as the LGBTI community--would recognize that the legalistic and fundamentalist right wing is NOT the entire representation of Christians in America.

Bob Green
My faith is in a god of love, tolerance and kindness. Unlike the Republican God of hate and fear, intolerance and persecution. Is it me or does the Republican God sound more like the Devil? Great, Devil worshippers running the country - it explains sooooo much.

Rational Voter
Fuck no!!! Hell no!!! No Way!!! Instead, I use my brains and rational thinking.

South Jersey Steve
I vote on the issues. Sometimes, in the past, those issues caused me to vote Republican, but mostly at the local level. I am an Independent and I know how to use my brain.

Landon
I believe in a god who wants people to love him and love their neighbors as themselves. Any god who wants his followers to hate others because of whom they choose to love is not worthy of worship.

Michelle Piano
I believe that prayer and the word God should not be banned from schools, I believe that a Christmas Tree is just that and a Menorah is just that and we are taking away everyone's right to express their freedom of religion, I also don't think that a candidate of any stature should impose their religion on their constituents.

Anonymous
I long for the days when "separation of church and state" was actually something we all acknowledged and believed in. It is time to loosen the grip so called "people of faith" have on our country.

Mike Carpathios
America was founded on religious freedom. To be fair to all religions, "faith-based" issues need to be completely independent from the official government process. Ethics and morality need to be discussed outside the realm of any religious beliefs.

Patrick
I guess it depends on what you mean by "faith based." I believe in responding to the needs of the least, in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick and imprisoned, providing health care for all, treating people justly. I believe in the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and acting as stewards of mother earth. I suppose those are my beliefs. I vote on them. But faith means believing in someone and something you can't see or prove. I believe in looking at what is here and acting to save and care for what is here. I don't believe in trying to control everyone and making them do what I want them to do.

Anonymous
But I do consider myself and my family to be values voters ...

Steve
Well, I have faith that the Republicans will always provide plenty of arrogance, hypocrisy and self-righteousness, but that's about it.

Susan
I have never been a "faith-based" anything. I know what's fair, just and Constitutional in America. I know what Jesus taught. These two schools of thought have similarities that are my values, Love and acceptance of others being major.

Anonymous
Hell NO!

(The Rev. Dr.) Joseph A. Krasinski
Being an Episcopal priest, I cannot help but let my faith speak to my political stances. However, while my faith informs MY vote, it is the issues of justice that the candidates speak for and not THEIR faith that decides my vote.

Diane
I consider myself a SPIRITUALITY-based voter. I believe the radical Christianists have fouled the "faith-based" definition by claiming that only they know Divine will.

Anonymous
My religion has nothing to do with who I vote for, nor should religion be a part of the political debate. If these "faith-based voters" respect American values, then they wouldn't walk all over our constitution. If they do this, then I have no respect for those faiths. Religion should have the respect for our American values to keep religion out of political speech. I once asked a Buddhist minister why they don't get involved in the political fight, and I was told that it's against the law, so they keep it out of politics. I have a great deal of respect for this because it proves to me that he or they respect American values and our constitution, when other's want to and are trying their hardest to destroy our constitution and American values. Keep religion out!

Travis Colten Yocom
I strongly believe in the separation of church and state. I believe that the government should have no say in matters of faith and the church shouldn't attempt to take over the government. Today there is no balance between any of the factions of American society. I am pleased that that rat Karl Rove is resigning as he was and is a master divider and prime hatemonger. The current state of affairs in America is the product of people like Rove and Dick "the Sith" Cheney.

Jim
This is a joke question, right? Is this the Advocate, a Gay publication?

Ben
What on earth is a "faith-based" voter? Someone who has faith that his/her vote actually means anything -- i.e., who has faith is the system? I try to be a reality-based voter, but in the surreal environment of 21st century America, that's not easy.

Loraine Hutchins
Depends on what you mean. If it's a code-word for Christian, no. If it means I impose my faith on others, no. If it means that my spirituality, sexuality and politix are all connected, then yes.

Anonymous
I vote my values, not my faith! I am lucky, because of MCCSF I can do both!

Anonymous
I vote my values, not my faith! I am lucky, because of MCCSF I can do both!

Roger
Yes, I vote against anyone who uses faith to decided the fate of the world, so I guess that would make me a "faith based" voter.

Anonymous
If I did I would not have left my church for its bigotry.

Marsha Botzer
I hope we can leave the gods, all the gods, behind in the dust of history. There is more real human love in one LGBT relationship then in all the dead scriptures of the world, and more beauty in one sunrise than in any ghostly dream of a future life.

Jeff
A big NO...faith and politics should stay separate. If we've learned anything with this current Administration, mixing the two is dangerous. Freedom of religion also includes freedom FROM it.

Anonymous
Personal faith should not play a part in politics at any level. I could never consider forcing another person, with his/her own beliefs, to live within the boundaries of my own faith. I have too much repsect for other peoples' faith to do that.

Jason in AR
I consider religious faith to be utter sillyness so no I suppose I would not consider myself a "faith-based" voter.

Anonymous
Yes, I do have a strong Christian faith, but it has changed in recent years away from strong, conservative evangelicalism. I think The Church has done so much to foster anti-gay feelings, but I'm glad to see that some churches are coming around. I will be more open-minded in the upcoming election and I'm probably more interested in environmental issues that faith issues. "You can't legistlate morality" is very true, esp when it is based on a handful of scriptures taken out of context. I don't want to see an American theocracy.

Marlin Bynum
I personally, tend to vote along Liberatian lines. Get the government out of my bedroom, out of my house, and out of foriegn entanglements. Libertarian ideas call for the least amount of government interference in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if we could define marriage and not the government. Later, Marlin Bynum Keller, TX

Jay
I know there are a lot of individual Catholics who are pretty liberal and able to think for themselves but the way the current Catholic church has crawled into bed with the evangelicals has really turned me off to my church. I gave it a fighting chance but now when the hands go up in the air during mass to praise a jesus that condems and hates and discriminates it turns my stomach. Organized religion is all about power, control, fear, hypocracy and corruption and I'll have nothing to do with it.

christine yared
The only faith-related issue for me is "will the candidate's religious beliefs prevent him/her from following and enforcing the Bill of Rights?"

Anonymous
no, too many of the faithful turn their backs and judge us. The UU church is my one shining exception

Anonymous
Yes, but not anti-gay or anti-abortion. My faith demands separation of church and state and freedom for the individual to live the life as they are called to.

Ray Barrett
No. This nation was founded on the principle of freedom of religion, and the Constitution wisely provides for the separation of church and state. Freedom of religion also includes the concept of freedom from religion.

Willowrising
My values influence all my decisions in life. As a Universalist I don't prescribe to any one philosophy so it is not a simple, black and white matter on how I come to my conclusions.

Anonymous
How could you have faith in any candidate when their motives seem to be greed and power, not love nor compassion.

Max Evans
Although I consider myself a non-donominational Christian, I do not vote based soley on my spiritual beleifs. I am disgusted with the religious right and religious extremists of all faiths. We as Americans have a seperation of church and state, however the republican party only acknowledges this when it suits their needs. I vote based on issues and commons sense, which of course tends to come down to a lesser of two evils.

Anonymous
I have faith that no matter who we vote for, equal rights for our community will not improve so long as people vote based on their faith only.

Warren
If being faith-based is considered on religious denominational grounds, NO!!! I am against faith based, cause faith-based could be denial of rights or help or aid based on ones particular persuasion whether sexual or whatever??? meaning prejudicial...What I would mean by faith-based is, it takes a bit of faith to even vote, cause one really does know the unknown quotient with ANY candidate, they can say one thing and not come through or be not able to.

Jeff Moses
Absolutely -- Social Justice is a key tenet of Judaism.

Joe
All people believe in something ... but I certainly don't fit in any of the traditional religious categories.

Anonymous
Faith should never be a factor when voting for any office. Proof of that is our so-called president. In order to have a true separation of church and state, religion must stay in places of worship only.

Anonymous
I am an Atheist. Faith should be kept as far as possible from the State.

Sandy
I am an atheist and hate what religion is doing to our country.

Anonymous
my faith accepts lgbtq life

Anonymous
Even though I am a regular church attender, I find it impossible to allow my political choices to be based on anything but what will be best for the LGBT community. Aftrer living for sixty years, self preservation becomes a driving force in one's life. I could no more vote for a Republican candidate than I would vote to have the late (Thank God!!!) Jerry Fallwall. The very concept of log cabin Republicans drives me up the wall. Can't they see that these self-rightous right -wing Christians will never extend full rights to our community?

doug
i base my vote on who i feel will be the most fair and who will bring about the greatest amount of good to the greatest number of people i think it is profoudly unamerican to base your vote on your religious values. we are governed by our CONSTITUTION & shoud vote according to the values in that document

RichardB
But only in the sense that my faith informs my vote. Neither my faith nor my religious preference dictate my vote. A person's faith is always part of that person's value system; and so it is with me.

John de la Parra
I choose to take faith back from hate-based conservatives. Faith is a universal human urge and it should be a power for good. So, I vote for the candidate that will bring the most peace, love, and understanding to an ailing system.

Wendy Thompson
I'm glad the Dems are starting to show their faith a little. It's naive to think that they (or anyone who is a faith based person) makes decision WITHOUT leaning on their faith. We in the LGBT community also have to claim our right to be faith based - I certainly am!

Chris Kaelin
Absolutely not...whatever happened to "Separation of church and state"?

Doug Rankin
Politically, it's far more difficult for me to be openly atheist than it is to be openly gay.

David Twombley
While both my partner and I are very active in our respective churches (Methodist and Disciples of Christ), we vote based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

David Twombley
While both my partner and I are very active in our respective churches (Methodist and Disciples of Christ), we vote based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Joseph
No Way! Too many atrocities are committed in the name of faith. I learned at a very early age that most people don't practice the high morals and love that their faith professes.

Meowzer
I don't consider myself faith based anything. I'm an out and proud gay man and agnostic. Faith doesn't belong in politics and means nothing to me. As a matter of fact, I think I take a candidate less seriously when they use their campaigning time to discuss their religious beliefs. I don't need to know any of that stuff. Give me information on where you stand on the issues. As long as they don't care who I lay with, I don't care who they pray with.

Amit
The founding fathers specifically decided on a seperation between church and state. Faith should have no place within the bounderies of politics. if the current political atmosphere has taught us anything, it is this simple fact. The role of government is to ensure the rights of all while religion clouds this goal and thereby is incompatible with it.

Troy Marino
I definitely do not. To vote based on faith (religion) is a vote based on fantasy. I prefer to base my vote on something more cooncrete.

Anonymous
KEEP CHURCH AND STATE SEPARATE!!!

Linda Orr
Jesus may have been a prophet, but he is not my God. This country founded on religious freedom is fast becoming a place where it is not all right to announce that one is not a Christian. The line between church and state must not be crossed. If and when it is will be a dark day for those of us who are not Christians, and who are not heterosexual.

Buzz
In actuality there should be no such thing as a "faith based" voter. Candidates should be selected based on their qualifications. Their, or your, personal faith beliefs should not be the criteria on which your vote is based. One's personal faith should guide him thru life. It can be the foundation on which you raise and/or educate your family. However, no candidate should have to pass a faith based litmus test to garner your vote. This country was constitutionally established based on the seperation of church and state. American's should be free to practice religion and also free to disassociate themselves from religion. In an ideal America a qualified Christian, Muslim, Jew, agnostic, or atheist should have an equal shot at being elected president! In his best selling book, President Jimmy Carter stated that, "Narrowly defined theological beliefs have been adopted as the rigid agenda of our political parties." Although a President is sworn in by placing his hand on the Bible, he is sworn to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Note that he is not sworn to defend the King James version of the Bible. Unfortunately Republicans have transformed their party into a political tool of conservative Christians, Jimmy Carter, although an ordained Baptist minister, was most always able to put his secular duties first. He states in his book that, "I was careful to seperate my official status as president from the private worship habits of my family." The electorate should be equally careful when casting their votes!!!

Anonymous
Separation of church and state, baby! It may be a practical impossibility, but it's what we're supposed to be striving for...

ADAM A KARU
When you say "FAITH" its remind me of mental illness name "Christianity" Hillary Clinton- Barack Obama- John Edward- are not for gay people! do not vote for them!!

Anonymous
"Faith-based" means excluding folks who don't believe the same as you do. It really means "religious" and religion is frequently an instrument of oppression. It is just Bush's way to give money to people he likes and take it away from people he doesn't like. This term is like "family values," it means different things to different people but it basically adds up to intolerance.

Paul "CRT"
I am a christian raised in the Pentecostal Faith I am now 39 years old, I never formally joined a church. But, in figuring out my life as a gay male has not caused me to give up on Our Lord And Savior, Jesus Christ! Having my faith made me stronger to deal with Religious figures and organization. God Created Me, and uses me as a positive role model for other gay men I come in contact with. Sincerely, Mentor Sentor

Chris, Houston, TX
Using faith as a political compass is fine; just keep in mind not everyone abides by the same compass. We need to be respectful of others religion, philosophy, and values. We must keep the line between church and state well defined, or else we as a nation will fall back into a theocracy.

Anonymous
Yes, as I've lost faith in the system.

Anonymous
I'm an atheist. I find religion destructive and repugnant.

A. Lee WALKUP
What/which/whose faith is my response to the question of being a faith-based voter. As a secular humanist I dismiss the faith-based calls as aggression against religious freedom. If anything, I distance myself from politicians who wear their faith on their sleeve; if they presume their religious bigotry should be the basis of my enthusiasm for their candidacy, they don't realize that they drive me away by their religiousity.

George Yeckel
I try to separate politics from religion, since our government should be so separated. For me it's not difficult because, while I am spiritual, I am not religious. I don't want to consider a candidates religion in making my choice, but if they behave in such a way as to meld their religion into their campaign, then i would exclude them from my OK list.

Anonymous
If God comes down and tells us how to fix the economy then maybe there is room for faith in political decisions, but till our elected officials can feed on on 7 Fish (great restaurant in Key West btw) then god doesn't seem to be helping any.

Tom Brown
This is a difficult question to answer. I believe in a higher power but I am not a member of any religious denomination.

Anonymous
I only consider myself a "faith-based voter" in that my faith underlies my basic vision of justice, equality, etc.

The Rev. Mark Johnson(CT)
I am a faith based voter only within the context that I a person of faith and I vote based upon my completed thoughts influenced by my belief systems.

Anonymous
No, I chose to live in reality!

Anonymous
We need to take back these terms from the far right. Yes, we can be faith based voters. Love, compassion, helping those in need was Christ's primary message. There is no shame in those values.

Jack
My spirituality doesn't play a role in my voting. My only concern are that none of my civil rights are violated.

Anonymous
No. I don't want to vote for anyone who is applying their faith to the government JOB they're running for. I don't go to work and use my faith to decide if i'm going to do a task or not, I do the job I was hired to do. Government should be no different, escpecially since it's suppose to serve the interest of all Americans, not just the ones with the same beliefs as the elected official.

Larry
That's a tough question. While I do indeed have a strong belief in God and that belief therefore affects everything I do. I feel my faith shouldn't have a major effect on how I vote. At least from the standpoint of considering the candidates faith...or the lack of it. The current trend of the various candidates parading their 'faith' in order to get votes is very distressing to me. Faith, in my opinion, should be a private thing, not a political gambit.

John
While my faith has helped form my opinions on some issues, it plays a very small role if any on the decisions I make when I vote. I feel that those who try to make you vote a certain way because 'it's in line with the beliefs of the faith' are perverting the faith to their own specific needs and wants.

Roger B.
If there was EVER a time for separation of Church and state; it is NOW! It is the 'religious' right, to which George Bush is a fervent adherent, that had made the US a world class laughing stock and caused the deaths of almost 4,000 brave young American in the middle east. Let's not forget, also, the ongoing persecution of LGBT people in this country; all in the name of religious beliefs. Give me my constitutional and 'God given' rights, and stay the hell out of my bedroom!

Anonymous
NO....I come from a fundamentalist family and anyone who actually votes for a candidate because they think they are religious is a fuckin moran and idiot with no higher education!!!!!!

Anonymous
Pandering to religious desires and fears is what gets so many of our unqualified election officials in their office. That is why our country is in such a mess.

Scott Harvey
I think its sad when people base their vote on their faith and on the faith of the candidates.

Richard -Las Vegas
A person's religious convictions, or lack thereof, have no place in deciding a candidate. For a candidate to have to give his or her religious affiliation smacks in the face of the separation of church and state. For rhat particular reason, we will never see an atheist elected to ANY office in the US. Until we start electing candidates based solely on their merits and accomplishments, rather than their religious background, we will continue to get what we deserve.

Anonymous
i am not dumb enough to have faith

rex
After the way the GOP has PERVERTED RELIGION the last 6.5yrs..Im totally tuned off to any organized religion....Im tired of the phrase "Family Values"...like gays and lesbians don't have, or come from families or something!

Jo
Isn't it time we all acknowledged that misplaced faith in supernatural beings and other imaginary friends has brought us nothing but ruin and discord, particularly in the world of politics?

David Constantine
I believe fervently in the total separation of Church and State. I do not want to push my religious beliefs on anyone, not do I want others to push their on me. As far as I am concerned this is NOT a Christian country. It is simply a country where there happen to be more Christians than people practicing other religions. I do not care what the religions were of the founding fathers.

Anonymous
I vote my conscience.

Larry Seiferth Jr.
Faith based voting gives me a chill up and down my spine. Government needs to be separate from religion, while guaranteeing freedom of non-violent religious expression to all faiths.

Richard in Kansas City
Yes, faith in science and reason but not the ridiculous religious mumbo-jumbo of all of the churches. When we get rid of belief in fairy tales and myths will be the day of true glory!

Anonymous
I said no because (by contemporary interpretation) this "faith- based" term reeks of Baptist fat people stampeeding to the voting booth ready to pull the lever for ANY Republican moron before afternoon shopping at Wal-Mart. However, by being Gay, I am related to an enormous history of true spirituality. We are the creators of spirituality. Being labeled as "faith-based" is therefore an insult . Let's leave the cheap political terminology to the common heterosexual. Let us vote for the most enlightened.

Anonymous
Totally 100% NO. Religion has no place in politics.

Jeni
ABSOLUTELY NOT ! I am as strong proponent of the Seperation of Church and State Doctrine.

Frankj
I am because I am a Practicing Christian and I definitely use my faith as a bench mark when I vote. If justice and equality are not part of a candidate's language they do not get my vote.

Anonymous
What does faith have to do with voting on a candidates record and integrity?

Chuck
I do have a strong faith in Christ, so of course some of those views are with me when choosing a candidate. I do believe, using history as our guide, that leaders who had strong faith convictions had better character, and those with character made better leaders. Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, et al.

Rick
No. I am not a faith based voter. Faith means believing in an invisible god with no trustworthy evidence that he exists. God and Santa Clause are only make believe.

Anonymous
Faith should have no place in the voting booth or politics.

bill
At about 14 I set aside ignorance, irrationalty and supersititon in favor of repeatedly sinning with a boxing teammate and i've never looked back. I am not a a christian or any other sort of idiot.

Danyelle
Separation of Church and State... that's how I cast my vote!

Anonymous
what does that mean????????????

David Wheeler
Religion is the ultimate evil. It keeps bigotry and hatred alive. Thomas Jefferson, US President, said that, "Christianity is the greatest perversion that ever shown on Man." It really doesn't matter what the religion, it still kills folks dead.

Anonymous
I vote based on good fatih and clean concious, I am not religious and I don't think one needs to be.

Naneve
I vote based on what I think is most fair to everyone based on fairness not my faith or personal belief system.

Anonymous
Yes, in the sense that my religious and spiritual beliefs have shaped my political and social views. At the same time, I support 100% the separation of church and state. I am a Buddhist, and I have a friend who feels the same way I do, who is a neopagan (Wicca).

Redd
Faith does not equal religion. Faith can also mean beliefs. So yes, I am a faith based voter although I am an atheist. I believe in equality, so I will vote for candidates who push for equality. I believe that someone who works a full time job shouldn't have to choose between taking his sick kid to the doctor and putting food on the table, so I will vote for candidates who support universal health care. I have faith in who I think will be able to perform the duties called upon him/her the best, and thus I will vote those people into office.

Cindy
Absolutely not. Look where "faith" and religion has gotten this country.

Christian Burgess
Although I am an Atheist, I vote according to my spiritual beliefs, beliefs that are as important to me as any Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, or other organized religion's set of doctrines, because for me, politics & faith are one and the same. So yes- I consider myself a faith-based voter!

RICH
hell no!! SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE

Anonymous
No, and I deeply distrust those who do. That said, I am a rare breed - an agnostic who attends a liberal Jewish synagogue on a weekly basis for ethical/spiritual reflection time. So I do not distrust religion per se - so long as it does not enter into politics.

Anonymous
No, and I deeply distrust those who do.

Anonymous
This is a democracy....not theocracy. Anyone who votes strictly for faith based reasons is not only an idiot but is acting in an unAmerican way.

Stephen in Texas
But absolutely NOT a christian, jew or muslim. I believe (have faith) in the commitment I have with my husband and my lover, to be true to ourselves, supportive, caring, forgiving, understanding. No organization can provide that and we three absolutely oppose any group that attempts to take our relationship away from us.

Anonymous
Yes, in that my faith is Unitarian Universalist, and one of the UU beliefs is "the inherent worth and dignity of every person."

Mario
Why would I vote for any organized religion that is hell bent on exterminating lgbtq people, Im agnostic and do no subscribe to any religion and refuse to help anyone harm myself or my people

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