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by carlos_amezcua from Los Angeles

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Religious Litmus Test?
Dec 7, 2007 | 7:21 PM
Category: News
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It seems unfathomable that in 2007 pundits and their ilk are still kicking around the so called religious litmus test for America's presidential candidates.  Didn't we learn with JFK?  Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was forced to answer critics who claimed he hadn't come clean on his Mormon faith.  Well, he has, and now it's time as journalists, talk show hosts and voters to move on and consider the candidate on issues and record.  Religion, no matter who practices or where, is deeply personal .  It is for me and I don't expect anyone to worship the way I do, I just want the freedom to believe any way I choose.  It is a founding constitutional right, in fact, it was so important thousands laid down their lives during the American Revolution to insure it.  So, I agree it is interesting to discuss a presidential candidate's religion but his or her faith should not be considered as a criteria to become the nation's chief executive.  I leave you with this,  if religion concerns you then you should seek understanding and learn before passing judgement on the character of an individual based on what you DON'T know about his or her faith.
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Paul_D read my blog
Dec 7, 2007 | 10:40 PM

you are 100% correct carlos. and i would not vote for a Mormon to be my president. a catholic, jew, protestant, muslim, agnostic, atheist...ok with me. but a Mormon? no way.
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 7, 2007 | 11:03 PM

That's very interesting. I agree with you that Religion is personal and I respect everyone's right to worship, or not, as they choose. But at the same time I understand why Religion is such a huge deal to so many. Most of us believe in one, and unfortunately, there are many contradictions and different variations between them. What you're suggesting, to leave Religion out of Political debates, would be ideal, we did manage to separate church from state. But throughout History, Religion is such a strong force, that it has caused many wars. Probably most wars. People feel extremely passionate about their beliefs, to the point of dying for them. So, I don't see that changing any time soon, (Iraq, Muslim extremists) if ever. Unfortunately.

Paul_D, that is hilarious.
WordWise read my blog view my photos
Dec 8, 2007 | 10:18 AM

But, Carlos, what if we do have a clear understanding of their religious beliefs? What if those beliefs are in sharp contrast to our own or make the candidate incapable of separating the legislative from the "moral" (read religious) issues? What about the "moral" war over gay marriage, gay rights, or abortion?

Hugo Chavez is allegedly a devout catholic, yet he has censored the media and embraced socialism, while attempting to take power for life, because he believes he knows better than the people of Venezuela. Seems that is what the catholic church has done for centuries.

GW vetos stem cell research, because of his religious convictions.

Yes, Carlos, thousands died for our right to worship (or not) as we see fit, but then the founding fathers wedged "God" into our pledge and splashed His name all over our currency, forever alienating some from their inalienable rights.

So, when you say you want to be able "...to believe any way I choose." please remember that there are those who wish NOT to believe the way you choose and that, in human history, the greatest and bloodiest wars have been over religion.

Besides, knowing that a candidate believes in leprechauns and elves, might avoid some embarrassing consequences, down the road.


for more lunatic ramblings, visit http://WordWise.MyBlog.com
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 8, 2007 | 11:23 AM

That's right WorldWise, you wrote what I was thinking, much better than I could. Thanks. I like your last sentence:

"... knowing that a candidate believes in leprechauns and elves, might avoid some embarrassing consequences.."

I think that's the problem some people have with Romney. Not that he believes in leprechauns or elves, but that his Religion, Mormons, have a different interpretation of the Bible than most Christian faiths. Or should I say, mainstream Baptists and Catholics. Not to mention, Jehovah Witnesses....etc...like I said, there are too many variations and people are adamant about the interpretation they believe in, because they think theirs is the right one, and all the others are false. So how can we possibly keep Religion out of the Presidential race, when so many think they're right and those who believe different are wrong, therefore false, and how could a false and confused person lead them? Get it? That's the problem with Religion, there's too many of them, and they all think they're the "true" word of God. No wonder we have so many wars as a result of all this confusion. And no wonder so many choose not to believe in one.
TRUTHGUYSinLA read my blog view my photos
Dec 8, 2007 | 12:15 PM

I dont vote Religion but I some religions are automatic disqualifiers since it says alot at what you get.... Scientologists look for UFO's and isnt a religion (Germany is banning them right now), and Atheist ( a relgion) are detached from reality. and so on. I will vote for Romney if the GOP candidate
jamesryan read my blog view my photos
Dec 8, 2007 | 7:17 PM

What's wrong with leprechuans and elves they
are supported by the wee people. It doesn't matter to people what religion they believe in?
I don't think so! Americans are suppose to have open minds when a candidate speaks, but that's not the case. Hopefully in another 100 years that will apply.
mystere read my blog view my photos
Dec 8, 2007 | 11:02 PM

Carlos,

I'm glad that you make people think when you write your blogs. There are just too many people who don't think things through, and the results are disastrous! If religion becomes an issue to the voter, I hope he or she looks at the candidates, and how the candidates live out their beliefs in their lives. As for myself, if I see something seriously wrong in how the politician lives, I will not vote for that candidate from that point on. For example, Hillary will not get my vote after what I've seen the ways the Clintons live.
DfDeportation read my blog view my photos
Dec 9, 2007 | 6:51 PM

Carlos,

We need Hillary to explain her religion, in detail, to let us know how it will supercede The Constitution. Maybe she'll explain to us how her God approves of homosexuality. ha ha Or how about Holy-Roller Huckster? Yeah baby! Can I touch the TV screen and be healed Brother Huckster? They should all be ashamed of themselves forcing Romney make that speech. However, he did do a good job on it. As a Moderate Democrat, I'm goin' to re-register as a Republican just to vote for the Mormon guy...
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 12, 2007 | 8:50 AM

DfDeportation; see my blog on Hillary for a clearer understanding of how she views people around her...

Carlos, welcome to the FOX crew.

What a dangerous topic for one that is as ill-informed as myself...especially when it comes to politics and religon

As for the "Litmus Test" of religon, its so simple; and it also helps one (in my opinion) to discerne the true character of others.

Wouldnt it all boil down to DOCTRINE?? I mean...if the Bible tells us that it is to be a certain way - then we should be able to count on that as DOCTRINE.

I know this may step on a few toes, and I may even be in error, but here it goes:
(verse from N.A.S.B.)

Titus 1: 5-9 tells us what wew should look for in a Church 'Elder'; Would this not be a fair judgement of character for the 'Elders" or 'Leaders' of our government?

John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation. A little farther in chpt. 14 we see the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us with discrenement(amongst other things).

John 16 explains why some will react to this, & me, in the way they will.

Revelation 22:18-19 explains why we should reject Mr. Romneys "religon". If my experience serves me correctly; the Mormons (Latter-Day Saints) study from the "Book of Mormon", using the Bible from time to time as "Validation" to the claims made in "The Book of Mormon". These verses plainly state that this is wrong!!!

I'd like to state that although somewhat vague,; I do believe that I have established a base from which you may try to understand my position on this:

Romney is WRONG. He has all
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 12, 2007 | 8:51 AM

Part Deux:

Romney is WRONG. He has allowed himself to be decieved on a grande, & FUNDAMENTAL scale, thus dis-qualifying him to perform the job of "President of the United States of America".

As for Hillary; see my blog about the remarks she makes to her husband, and those around her...
Then read MATTHEW 5:1-12 (more commonly known as "the BeAttitudes"), these help us to understand how Jesus would have us treat one another.
Then read JOHN 13:34-35
Does Hilary know the Lord?
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 12, 2007 | 9:36 AM

Carlos, see what I mean?

Point made, unfortunately.
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 6:34 AM

dasvics...If I were to tell you that I am actually aethiest would you feel decieved?

...practicing for my political career.
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 6:48 AM

I would much rather live my life as there would be a God and find out that I'm wrong; Than to live it like there is no God, only to find out there really is...

...We can apply this to religon too. If you're going to worship; it may be prudent to make sure that you are right in your decision. The ramifications of a mistake, or being deluded, could be disasterous.

I'm not saying that its "my way or the hiway"; No. I am saying that its a life or death decision when you pick 'your' faith: PLEASE; be careful...

merry CHRISTmas
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 8:13 AM

RaceNeked, no I wouldn't. I don't care what you believe in. You have the right to believe in anything you want, and I respect your rights.
I don't like it when some people, tell other people, that they're wrong for believing whatever it is, that they believe in.

"I would much rather live my life as there would be a God and find out that I'm wrong; Than to live it like there is no God, only to find out there really is..."

Then why are so many people extremely adamant about their religion? I mean, if it's just in case there happens to be a God, why all the fuss?


"...We can apply this to religion too. If you're going to worship; it may be prudent to make sure that you are right in your decision."

OK, and don't you think that people truly believe that the one they believe in, IS the "right" one? Sorry, but that doesn't even make sense.

How about this: Believe in whatever you want, and have enough decency and respect for others, as not critic them in their choices. After all, it is God who gave us freedom, not you or any government. Our government simply honors God's wishes. Which is very cool and why I love The United States of America.


Now I’d like to know why it is that some of you feel so threatened by the beliefs and opinions of others? Why are you scared or worried about what other people think? Will whatever it is they believe in, or not, affect your salvation, or your beliefs, in any way?

I don't like "Religion", I don't like people telling me what I should, or shouldn’t, believe in or support. Mostly, because THOSE people, happen to be th
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 8:14 AM

.....happen to be the greatest hypocrites and “evil doers” of all. And I believe in God, Jesus, heaven and hell. But what do my beliefs have to do with the rights of others? Nothing. And it also bugs me that God is all over our money. It's disrespectful to Atheists and probably God. Why would God want to be all over the root of all evil?

:-)
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 9:26 AM

Actually dasvics.., my belief is that much of modern "religion" is just another mechanism that is used to 'influence' the behaviour of the masses; another method of crowd control if you will.

Some of the greatest crimes against humanity have been committed in the name of "God"; the Spanish Inquisition instantly springs to the front of my mind... Terrorism/radical Islam...
Yet the majority of the New Testament teaches love and forgiveness. Seems a bit contradictory to me. How can one claim to "believe", and then go and kill in the name of that belief?, it is NOT what my God would have me do; His word tells me so.
My beliefs have nothing to do with the rights of others, as their beliefs should have no bearing on me. As long as the majority of Americans believe that money should say "in God we trust", then it should; and even if the majority DON'T agree, I think it should remain. As respect to the founding fathers of this country - who DID BELIEVE in God, and requested that it be acknowledged on our money. (Read Thornyones blog on "The Dollar")

If the aethiests are offended by the oath "In God we Trust" then let them use credit cards; doesn't say anything about God on plastic...
They(aethiests) seem to be offended by displays of the Cross(& other symbols of faith) and want them removed from their sight. I find aethiests offensive; does that give me the right to have them removed from my sight when discovered? No. I think they should just get over themselves and quit being 'victims'; We all have to tolerate things that we dont agree with.

Key word: ALL
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 9:29 AM

The founding fathers did secure for me, the right to freely express my opinion; thats all I can do. I have no control over any other individual than myself... Nor does anyone else; the problem is finding the people that know the difference.
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 9:56 AM

That sounds reasonable.
I've haven’t any problem with anything you wrote, except the part about our money. First, I think it's incredibly tacky to have God mixed with money. It's offensive, not just to atheists, but to some Christians as well. I have no idea why our founding fathers would do that. Of all the good ideas they had, that isn't one of them, imo. I don't see anything wrong with removing God from our money, or schools, or politics. God is a personal choice. If anyone wants to learn about him, they can visit a church or pick up a Bible. He doesn't need to be in everything and everywhere, certain things and places are inappropriate and even disrespectful to have God mixed with. He should be held sacred and worthy of our utmost respect. But if some people want to mix him in with those things, that's OK too. It doesn't make any difference in my life whatsoever. I’m grateful for God giving us life, food on a daily basis, a loving home, and the safety and freedom we all enjoy. Everything else is not of great concern to me.
dasvics read my blog view my photos
Dec 13, 2007 | 11:36 AM

Samo just made me think of another reason why people have questions about religion, what about Obama? I've heard that he was taught in Muslim schools at some point in his childhood. Is he Muslim? And would we accept a Muslim president, considering what's happening in Iraq, not to mention the fact that some Muslims, the extreme one’s, want us dead?
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 14, 2007 | 8:13 AM

Obamas being Muslim won't play to his favor in these elections, save for the Muslim vote; which is growing quickly. I understand that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, at this time...
Bush has done a very, VERY good job of polarizing the American people; it will be extremely difficult for a person of Islamic faith to do well, imo. I also believe that Romney will suffer for his choice in faith as well. I've seen a couple of instances where his claim that the church will have no effect on his presidency, could be questioned.
The predominance of America is Christian...why should a combined presence of 14% be able to dictate to 86%(+/-'x'%)of America what we see when we look around. If the majority of america IS Christian, then why can't we indulge ourselves and have the Cross in display around the country? Is this not a democracy? When did the MINORITY decide?
(the percentages given above are for example only - my creation.)
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carlos_amezcua

With more than 30 years in television news Carlos Amezcua has covered stories around the globe. He's been honored with many awards including 7 Emmys. His career has included assignments for CBS News, NBC News, CNN and Fox News. For 16 years Carlos was the principal news anchor on the award wining KTLA Morning News. In September of 2007 Carlos joined the number one Fox11 Ten O'clock News as Co-anchor with Christine Devine. ALTERNATIVE BIO Dude grew up on the shores of San Diego longboarding, crusin' the streets in my '66 VW and playing soccer. I played guitar in my dad's mariachi band for like ten years and saved enough money to go to college. I got straight A's in English 'cause I had to learn it as a second language. I started broadcasting on my college radio station reading news in the morning. I took a break for two years to be a missionary for my church in Guatemala and El Salvador, two beautiful countries. When I returned I surfed, played soccer, played guitar in a rock band, waited tables and went back to college radio. Along my rambling trail I met a real cute girl and married her. I moved to television reporting and had a bunch of kids by the time I was thirty. Still surfing, still playing guitar but now clearly a devoted husband and father. Dude, I even got to do a story for Walter Cronkite! I was gone alot from my family in those early years but Mary was my rock and held down the fort. Don't worry we had lots of quality family time! Somewhere in the haze that is my memory, my kids grew up to be pretty amazing. I landed at KTLA and spent 16 wonderful years there. In September of last year I parked my VW, surfboard and guitar at Fox11 and dude, I am loving life!

Member Since: 11/28/2007


 

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