YouTube, the GOP, and the Bible

Actually we should place the blame on CNN. The YouTube "debates" that have aired on the news channel are really nothing more than "man in the street" questions. Even with some computer technology thrown in, the questions are selected by CNN's news staff. There had to have been inquiries on almost all the subjects that interest American voters. But the thirty plus that were chosen was an attempt by CNN to steer the debate the way they wanted it to go.

Even though the desert warrior who threw his automatic weapon on camera, got a lot of buzz, the truly important question was asked by a seemingly angry young man who wanted to know how literal the Republican candidates took the Holy Bible. That each politician on stage seemed to follow many of the Bible's precepts is to be commended.

However, why would CNN allow such a pointed sectarian question to pass through their screeners and take up valuable time in the two hour presentation? The real issue is why should the population at large need to know the theological views of those seeking the secular office of president. What if one of the candidates was Jewish? Would he or she have to announce publicly that he does not believe in the New Testament accounts of Jesus? How about a Hindu or Muslim? How would they fare with such a pointed question?

We all want morally upright people running our nation. People we can put our trust in to make wise and equitable decisions. But the president is not the pastor of a church or a rabbi in a temple. He or she is a flawed human being who most likely has had a successful life and is someone who should be capable of leading us. The specific religion one espouses is a personal journey. Even Jesus himself declared that true religion is praying in private and seeking God in the depth of one's soul.

By allowing candidates to declare publicly their Christian virtues, we are creating potential chiefs of staff who will be using the Bible and the trappings of their religion to push agendas that might benefit themselves and those who narrowly follow their views.