Have you noticed how many politicians these days, are openly professing to a Christian faith? John Howard and now Kevin Rudd have both been outspoken Bible believing prime ministers, while many others like John Anderson, Kim Beazley, Wayne Swan, Peter Costello, Peter Garrett and more, have made claims to various brands of Christian belief.
Anna Crabb, a political researcher, has done some research to show that the pollies' claims to faith have increased in recent years. She analysed more than 2000 speeches made between 2000 and 2006, by 60 prominent politicians, and found that religious references Increased each year, particularly after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
What are your views on politicians' claims to faith?
• When a politician talks about their faith in a speech or a statement to the media - do you trust them?
• Do you think it's appropriate that they bring their faith into their politics?
• Does a politician's faith or brand of faith influence the way you vote? Or do you look more at their policies - considering that believing politicians may still have a wide variety of opinions on different issues anyway?
• If you're looking for an indication of what a politician believes, do you think their speeches are important ? or their actions?
Comments (2)
I have been a Christian for 20 years & I think politicans should talk about their faith in public. It helps Australians know where they stand on paticular issues. Faith & Politics should join & should not part.
Posted by JASON ANDREW TOPPIN FROM BORONIA VICTORIA | July 12, 2009 10:26 PM
Posted on July 12, 2009 22:26
I would like to think the politicians have started to talk more openly about their faith as a result of Christian initiatives such as the Christian Parliamentary Breakfast group, and groups which pray specifically for politicians. I think it is important for them to do so, not just in obedience to Christ, but you can rest assured that Muslims in public office will be expressing their faith ideas. If they speak into a vacuum, then the general public may not be aware that Christians too have legitimate beneficial faith statements to make too.
As to how much it affects my vote, I look for actions and policies which are consistent with a biblical viewpoint. eg President Obama's stand on abortion and homosexuality is not consistent with the bible, so I would question whether he is a bible-believing Christian. This would affect my vote.
Posted by Roslyn Brown | July 6, 2009 1:37 AM
Posted on July 6, 2009 01:37