Lindsay+E.+-+REL+-+SP12


 * 29 March 2012**
 * [|More Americans say too much religion in politics] **


 * Summary:**
 * Recent studies has shown that an increasing number of Americans think that there is too much religion in politics. This is apparently the first time since 2001. The change in poll shows that “**38% of Americans think there is too much religious expression from politicians”(Liptak). There has also been another factor showing that “54% of Americans believe that the church should stay out of the way of politics”(Liptak). This pole is most likely changed by the Democratic view of too much religion. Both percentages of these thoughts have increased over the years though. This is the first time, however, that the percentage of the too much religion has surpassed the percent of not enough. The Republican candidates half very close splits between their supporters. The thoughts of too much religion may have come from the GOP candidates who have been throwing their religion and believes back and forth at each other. More Catholics have also increased their believe that the president is more “unfriendly to religion”(Liptak). No matter who is put into office, there will still be some type of argument for the part, or no part, of religion in government.

I think that this relates to the course in many ways. One way it relates is because we have discussed laws that were put in place earlier in time that were based around religion. The Prohibition had some take on the religious aspect. People who were really religious could have seen that there was too much alcohol being distributed and thought that the Prohibition was a good thing. If someone disagreed, they could have easily thought that the religion should stay out of what the government does. We will also continue to learn more about the freedoms as we continue into more current topics. With newer freedoms and rights comes opposing views. Some of these views are very religious and try to stop them by putting their religious beliefs into the government issues. As we move into the time period of segregation, I’m sure we’ll see much separation is based on different types of religious beliefs. The KKK had been for white supremacy and claimed to be Christian. Their religious views differed from others and if they would have their way in government, there would be a very different type of society based around a religion.
 * Relevance to Course: **

The article relates to the theme religion very much. The article is explaining the connection between politics and religion and what people think about it. Religion has played a key role in America for a very long time. In the beginning, the travelers had come to America for religious freedom. It is no surprise that religion has been a controversy in politics. Religion has also differentiated between the political parties. There is always a new law that has been in place that religion has taken a different view to. The article ties in with religion since America is based on the people and what they think, including the controversial topic of religion.
 * Relevance to Theme: **

Have there been other poll dealing with religion? Has anyone looked at the numbers between different races? Have they looked at numbers of different religions? Will they do more polls before/during/after elections? Will there be more of a shift of numbers as we approach elections?
 * Questions: **

Liptak, Kevin. “ [|More Americans say too much religion in politics] ”. CNN.com. CNN, 21 March. 2012. Web. 29 March. 2012. <[]>