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shoe77 · 4719 days ago · link · · parent · post: Ask Barack and Mitt: What do you fella's know about science?
15. Something about Religion? A belief in a fundamentally religious America--or a Christian America--hinders many efforts in an innovative and scientific America--a strong America. I don't know what specific question I would ask, but I feel religion should somewhat be in the discussion. Although one could claim to be personal, the belief system of America's leader will surely affect decision-making and priorities that ultimately affect the country. Religion, therefore, should definitely be fair game. I.e, Romney's Mormon beliefs and Obama's radical Islamic beliefs.
Honestly, I'm okay with this not being a question. I know a lot of scientists feel at odds with religion, but there's no reason we can't have a sound investment in science with religion sprinkled on the side for a leader's/citizens' personal inspiration.
It becomes a problem when they ignore advice based on evidence, but turning it into a science vs. religion debate will just alienate voters and detract from the more subtle and interesting things candidates can say on the subject. (I share Kris Wilson's view on organized religion, but I just don't think a presidential race is the right place for such a discussion)
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I would have to say, though, that scientific endeavors such as stem cell research ( Bush vetoed bill on this) and global warming are largely dwarfed by certain religious beliefs and influence that the church has on issues. A good question then would be what effects the leader's "personal inspiration" has on his scientific enthusiasm and support.
A large scale discussion of the politics of religion would be messy, but I think independent considerations of religious beliefs are fair game.
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I tend to agree with you, but the risk you run by asking direct questions about religion is to turn the person into a cult hero. Remember when the media asked W if he had consulted his father when thinking about the wisdom of invading Iraq? His answer was "I consulted a higher power". His minions ate it up. Jesus gave his seal of approval to murder, and that's good enough for a lot of them, apparently. The same goes for scientific issues. You or I might be appalled by the idea that someone would overtly use their faith to discern the best and brightest science policy, but you and I aren't the 60% of people who don't believe in evolution.
thenewgreen · 4719 days ago · link ·
Do you remember how big the question of religion was in 2008? I don't think we need to worry about those questions getting asked, this time we have a Mormon running and the electorate are going to want to know what that means ideologically. I think the stem cell question in and of itself is a good one though, this could get to the heart of what I would like to know, "is the candidates decision making influenced more by logic and reason or religious dogma"? Without asking that specifically you could likely deduce as much.