When American voters participate in a presidential campaign — both in the primaries and the general election that follows — we cast a ballot as both a personal choice and a choice made in the context of its broad national importance.
These contests are pivotal events, and their outcome inevitably shapes the course of history and defines the very character of our country. Our next chief executive will face a range of major national and international issues such as the Iraq war, future Supreme Court nominees, healthcare reform, education vouchers and a host of other vital matters.
For many of our country’s citizens, religious beliefs are central to the process as they evaluate the various candidates. Certainly, the decisions made by America’s voters will have strong consequences — generally and spiritually — once a new administration is in place.
As such, I think it is critical for us to keep religious considerations in mind when we contemplate whom to vote for (indeed, it’s important for us to incorporate spirituality throughout our daily lives and not limit our faith to the time we spend inside a house of worship).
With that said, I feel that the voting public has an obligation to become well informed on the stances of all the presidential candidates and make their decision based on various criteria; we would be foolish to cast a ballot solely on the basis of a candidate’s professed faith.
