It appears that Mr McCain has avoided clarifying his position on the issue" is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?". While it is his personal decision, of course. It would be wonderful for politicians to be transparent in matters as important as ones` core belief system, when they intend to rule a nation.
Whether or not Mr. McCain is successful in his bid, Americans can rest knowing: " The king`s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it withersoever he will.
Proverbs 21:1

On may 2002,I want to work at ITRT research institute at Taiwan,on early oct, my mother pass away at San Diago,
End of Oct, I participate running exercise at ITRI,I fall down, I saw my mother, She told me " I am not belong here, go back" I also saw my brother in law, two unclsa, and grand motheer.
Few days later, I was moved to major hospital in Taipei, One nnight, i wake up and knett down against the window.My wife ask me: what you doing ? I told her I saw"Jeses"
Wright now, I recocer very well ,So I could write email to you!

Michael Shih, Creator of http://www.biocarta.com and http;//www.gene2gene.com

In answer to Jason question:

Yes. The Constitution in reference to our elected officials states in article VI:

"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

"Jesus said "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine…" (Matthew 7:6). Maybe Senator McCain and Gov. Romney don't give "direct" answers about religous beliefs because they think some of you are "swine and dogs". Based on some of the responces from you "Christians", I wouldn't share my most precious pearls for that very reason."

Quoted for truth.

I can't believe that people would want to abandon the most qualified presidential candidate ONLY because he may not be their particular flavor of Christianity. Isn't there something in the Constitution about a religious test?

My "prayers" will have been answered when we someday have a new president who takes the oath of office with his/her left hand on the Constitution and not on a Bible/Koran or other such superstitious tract.

i dont care much what he thinks but its pretty clear to me that he attends chuch and has 'judeo-christian' values…whatever that means…but does not believe in Christ as a god.

Here's a though leave JESUS out of this. This is Politics not church!

Typical evangelical hairsplitting. The issue here is evidently not whether John McCain is a Christian, but does he use the same code words as the Evangelicals want him to. That's incredibly stupid, and shows the very paranoia and magical thinking that Evangelicals claim is anathema to them, but that pervades that entire strain of Christianity.

I wonder what Hillary said..

Matthew 10:33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

Mr. McCain certainly could be more knowledgable of the Gospels than I am. I could not dispute that. It might not be the in same train of thought here by Mr. McCain's comment in that one should “Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s and render onto God the things that are God’s", but I certainly don't recall that one's Christian faith is something to just be a "private" matter between the believer and his/her God rather than a public/universal statement of commitment.

""Some may be shocked to find this out, but "Separation of Church and State" is not found in the Constitution. Look it up. I wholly disagree with the opinion expressed by a founder for total separation of Church and State.
Posted By anon : December 16, 2007 2:41 pm""

Check the writings of John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Tyler…sounds like a lot of high-ranking officials, and some of our notable founders, have all approved of seperation of church and state.

And if you don't seperate the two, look what happens. The Roman Catholic Empire, which brought about the inquisition and the crusades. The slavery of Egypt. The near-extinction of Japan's Ainu population. All of those were due to religious leaders acting in 'the word of God.' So I see a good reason to seperate the two.

""Separation of church and state? Check out the Constitution top to bottom, front to back, inside & out. It ain't there, bud. It's only "implied" but folks go screaming about it. Why do people always bark up that tree? All you have to do is READ it and you'll see that's it's not there. Geez……
Posted By Jimmy Rexrode, Peachtree City, Ga. : December 16, 2007 3:05 pm""

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

No, the express words 'Seperation of Church and State' do not appear. However, When Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptists, that is the exact phrase he used. Our forefathers knew what a theocracy could do to our country. Why should we be the generation that destroys their legacy by voting with our books instead of our minds?

I plead to every sentient being posting on CNN. DO NOT VOTE FOR RELIGION! Weigh the consequence to the action, and allow rational thought to prevail over clouded, narrow zealotry.

And no, this is not an attack on religion, though I have my own views of such. This is a reasonable request for the future of our nation. Use fact, not faith. IF only for the good of our country.

Shirley pittsboro NC ,,,,,,,, MY comment to you to re-read the title to this story was McCain was asked by someo one ,, he does not wear it on his sleave like you have stated. I am not particularly religeous in any fasion , so I understand your "SIGN" I just dont think it applies here,,, DO you ?

Jesus said "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine…" (Matthew 7:6). Maybe Senator McCain and Gov. Romney don't give "direct" answers about religous beliefs because they think some of you are "swine and dogs". Based on some of the responces from you "Christians", I wouldn't share my most precious pearls for that very reason.

Posted By Lee : December 16, 2007 7:35 pm

Excellent post Lee! Of ALL the posts I have EVER read, that was MOST INSPIRATIONAL. Right on!!!!!!!!!

good answer john mc cain. your the only republican i would vote for. and by the way when did it become part of the GOP program you had to belive in Jesus to be a member of the GOP party, did in miss somthing in the last 14 years or did newt put that in.

Senator McCain has given the best answer on his faith in the presidential history of the United States. He took faith seriously as well as personally. He does not bank on his faith like many other politicians do.

Now you should see how presidential, sincere and intelligent he is in every aspect. He will make us proud.

You may also see why NH Union-Leader endorsed Senator McCain in early December.

"What is most compelling about McCain, however, is that his record, his character, and his courage show him to be the most trustworthy, competent, and conservative of all those seeking the nomination," the newspaper said. "Simply put, McCain can be trusted to make informed decisions based on the best interests of his country, come hell or high water."

This is why I get so put out with the religious zealots. It's nobody's business whether McCain (or anyone) has "publicly accepted Christ". Do we have to proclaim it in public to make it so? I would really hate to think that God would ignore my prayers of appreciation simply because I didn't make a public spectacle "accepting" Him. I think He pretty well knows whether or not I have accepted Him into my life. And I think it's between Him and me.

McCain is a Christian. He simply does not want to use his relationship with God as a tool or a punchline to accelerate his political ambitions. That is the RIGHT thing to do.

I get a chill when I read the comments by the bible thumpers. History, and the newspaper, is full of atrocities committed by these folks who kill you to save your soul.
The constitution was written to protect me from these zealots but they are nothing if not determined.
God save me from organized religion.

The last 2 presidents to wear their religion on their sleeve were G.W.Bush and Jimmy Carter. Please, vote carefully.

McCain left his balls in Vietnam. He talks real tough and dances around questions real slick. He denies and implies Jesus Christ in the same breath and is therefore unfit to lead. He's just another fearful, pandering politician.

Here's Ron Paul Statement of Faith:

The Covenant News ~ July 21, 2007
——————————————————————————–

We live in times of great uncertainty when men of faith must stand up for our values and our traditions lest they be washed away in a sea of fear and relativism. As you likely know, I am running for President of the United States, and I am asking for your support.

I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful. But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator.
more…
http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul070721.htm

As a long-time democrat, I would not have a problem voting for John McCain. The man has done more for this country than any of the other candidates. He certainly has the experience to be Commander-in-Chief. Wake up America.

I believe that by demonstrating a true understanding of biblical principles, John McCain is showing his strength as a Believer and as "Man of Faith"

He should of been brave and said I am a atheist and I am just as moral as the rest of you, if not more.

I think McCain answered the question rightly. I am a Christian and I don't like when politicians brag about how religious they are. This is one of the reasons why I don't like Huckabee. He thinks he is someone special ordained by God (like Bush). People will be dissuaded to become Christian when they look at Huckabee in my opinion. Politicians should stick to just that, politics. If they really want to shine Christ's light in their life, they should support every citizens freedoms (from the bill of rights) and oppose all corruption from the establishment. And they should serve the American people with sincerity, humility, respect for the middle class, and also have a good moral conduct. Low taxes are a plus too.

Jesus said "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine…" (Matthew 7:6). Maybe Senator McCain and Gov. Romney don't give "direct" answers about religous beliefs because they think some of you are "swine and dogs". Based on some of the responces from you "Christians", I wouldn't share my most precious pearls for that very reason.

It is so good to see a politician who won't be browbeaten into saying some phrase that must be said to satisfy a manipulative evangelical. Not everybody is going to express their faith in those terms and shouldn't be pushed into corners and coerced to make religiously correct confessions. Satan could say "Jesus is is my Savior" and the likes of hitler claimed to base his beliefs on Christianity. Just like many supposed christians who support the killing of innocents in iraq and many other places where a supposed christian george bush wages agressive premptive war against third world countries who dont have any ability to threaten our national security. only with the likes of cnn cbs nbc etc.and their types promoting prowar propaganda and ignoring people like ron paul who is raising millions of dollars today, can these people rule over us. Who would Jesus bomb? Thou shalt not kill. Prince of Peace=Jesus. how did it get so twisted? Neo-conservatism. I don't like McCain but i respect him for resisting being pigeon holed. And to think, i'm a conservative born again ,christian. But I dont like manipulative christianity its not like the true Jesus at all.

Why is this asked of Republicans, but not Democrats?

Politics are politics, religion is religion. yes the religion of a politician effects there thoughts and actions, but politics should not be mixed with religion. let's keep the focus on how he is going to improve our country and get us out of the horrid mess Bush has gotten us into. i want someone who can do that. let's worry about running the government right, then we can worry about whether or not he or she belives in God as a politician.

Yes, we need another born again, bible believeing, Jesus confessing President like Bush, so that when we go to war against the enemies of God, Jesus will help us kick the living s#^t out of them. Just think of the mess we might be in right now if we didn't have a born again, bible believing, Jesus is Lord confessing President.
I know that I personally feel much better about water boarding, detainment without arrest, and spending half a trillion dollars on a war waged on trumped up charges because all these things surely must have been sanctioned by Jesus.
John McCain, my advice to you is to proudly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then maybe you won't have such a problem with torture.

The next question to all of those running for president should be "sir or madame - have you accepted the Constitution of the United Staes into your life"?

Those who are religious I ask just one thing of you…continue to read your Bible, Talmud, Koran, or whatever holy book you choose. But please - five minutes a week - read the Constituion (you can skip the two ammendents dealing with Prohibitation). I believe the "holy" book used to swear in the next president should be a copy of the Constitution.

Doesn't it say somewhere…judge not lest you be judged?

Why can t we have a county based on ones behavior, past and present, rather than claimed belief?

Since when has morality been determined by faith or lack of faith.

Any other position denies the principles of this nation's founding and reflects faith or nonfaith at its worst.

The man survived YEARS of being tortured in a POW camp. I doubt someone could survive that experience without deeply relying on faith, and it's something he has every right to keep private.

You can attend a church 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, till the day you die and without Jesus being your Lord, Master & Saviour you WILL go to hell, and then spend eternity in an eternal lake of fire. FIND me a CHRISTian that KNOWS this (There's a difference between believing and KNOWING…the devils believe and TREMBLE!), that will NOT use such an opportunity as stated above to share Christ Jesus as the ONLY Saviour? WHERE one attends a Church house built with mans hands, has NOTHING to do with ones salvation, Jesus IS the ONLY way.

Posted By steve nichols, pigeon forge, tn : December 16, 2007 5:19 am

This is the funniest thing I've ever read on the political ticker, hands down. Steve, the folks at the mental institution are looking for you, it's time to take your meds!

See the rest of you clowns in the lake of fire!

Separation of church and state?…Why do people always bark up that tree?

Because one only needs to take a look around at all the worlds ills, especially the wars in Iraq and the Middle East, to see that religion and the foaming at the mouth fanatics who support it are the cause of about 90% of the world's problems. Religion is the opiate of the masses. People in Iraq were brought up to believe that if they die killing infidels, they go straight to a special place with Allah, where 13 virgins wait. Who are you to say their religion is wrong and yours is right? Through history, wars have been fought and millions killed in the name of god. More people have died in the name of god than for any other reason in recorded history. Our country is supposed to be better than that. We need to come out of the dark f'in ages.

My mistake, actually it was under President Adams with Jefferson serving as VP and presiding over the Senate that ratified the treaty.

Jimmy Rexrode,

You are dillusional sir. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" is far more than an implication of the doctrine of a seperation between church and state, and if you would like more proof, in 1797, just 6 years after the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1791, many of the very same drafters of the constitution, under the leadership of President Jefferson, unanimously ratified the Treaty of Tripoli. Article 11 of that treated states: "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;"

Passed unanimously by the Senate, by many of the same people that built the constitution and under the great Jefferson, distributed to the people and read aloud on the floor of the Senate without complaint or objection. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Taking any individual as one's savior, be it a God or a hippopotamus, is so dangerous. I interact with Christ regularly - in the physical and spiritual sense. The idea that he demands worship is incorrect. He came as a model of what we all could be. If you need to see him as an overseer, he can do that until you are ready to become as enlightened and powerful as he was.

We aren't electing a pope, get over it. His answer IS between him and God and a separation of church and state.

Way to go John! The details of your faith are none of their business. What you have to offer to the polictical process is - your history, experience and record. By the way age can also be viewed from the same perspective.

I'm sorry, but to me that either means no or he cares more of what the world thinks than his faith. Quite dissapointing that he would not give a direct answer. That being said I plan on voting for Ron Paul. Check him out.

Bottom line is that these candidates for the most part recognize that Christ is alive and a part of their everyday life. When these candidates are confronted by a group of people; they dont necessarily know the right way to respond. Not wanting to offend anyone who may not have the same beleifs as that person who asks the question.

May God bless John McCain! I cannot vote for him since he has gone over to the Fundamentalist side of Christianity or at least tried to kiss up to them. He was right on the Surge giving the Iraqi govt a chance. He was and is right that the way the war has been wages from the start is tragic. He is right for me other than I believe in the right of the people to make the laws of our country, not the Christian Church. Too bad I can't vote for him, I guess it will be Edwards.

:Joseph, St. Louis, MO:

"Jesus says we have to acknowledge publicly that we have accepted Him and the answer McCain gave does not."

Jesus did not say that. King James Bible says that. It is not my intent to offend religious sentiments, but I am sharing my understanding.

In fact Christianity was not even around when Jesus was alive. Jesus was brought up a Jew and used to spread message of "Judaism" during his lifetime.

I've heard McCain sidestep this type of question so many times. He should proudly acknowledge his relationship with Christ, if he indeed has one. I get really annoyed when politicians claim this is a private issue. My faith affects who I will vote for and as such I will not vote for McCain or any other Republican who does not take a clear stance on such issues.

Dear "A Voter in NY"…Separation of church and state? Check out the Constitution top to bottom, front to back, inside & out. It ain't there, bud. It's only "implied" but folks go screaming about it. Why do people always bark up that tree? All you have to do is READ it and you'll see that's it's not there. Geez……

the truth is, a muslim extremist can give the exact same response. exact. (by no means am i comparing him with one, just the comment itself.) i actually respect him in many ways, but people are asking about religion for a reason. many have stated "it's personal, leave it alone"… but c'mon so is adultery in a marriage… did we bother to leave that alone? when you hear something "personal" about the prez, do you turn the tv off? doubt it. and for those who are naive enough to think that Christians are suppose to live a perfect life, obviously don't know the first thing about being one- including some who say they are. All a real church is, is a house full of sinners, TRYING to get it right, knowing the only way is through God's grace, and giving thanks for that. Protestant Christian values are what this country was built on, not on an evangelical who doesn't know when to stop. and the source of a persons values, will determine their consistency and dependence on it, directing the decisions they will ultimately make. THAT's why it's so important. someone who genuinely believes, fears God in a good way, knowing he's held to a higher standard… a higher accountability than to just mere man. it keeps them in check (but we still have the freedom to NOT listen to it and muck it up.)

regardless of experience, no one knows how they will react when attacked or at war for the first time. we talk about experience and religion, but bottom line is character… and both of those, plus other aspects are significant factors, whether you admit it or not. McCain dodged it for a reason, and that reflects his character to "settle to political pressures" and "make ambiguous" something that if really true, should have had no problem answering honestly. it frightens me to think that there are people who don't care or who don't want to know the source of a leaders values. it shouldn't be the whole argument, but it needs to be a part of it. personally, i fear the day we get a president that thinks he can do it on his own, without any real dependence on God. you think it's crap now… just wait till that day!

as a christian, i must say that i'm embarassed that religion has become such a divisive topic in the national political structure.

if the best candidate available is a person of another faith or someone who doesn't believe in God, i'm voting for said person.

Terry, El Paso, TX quotes the tests at the end of the biblical book of Mark.

He might like to know that the verses he quotes are not found in the earliest manuscripts and this is footnoted in many modern bibles.

He should get his facts straight about Christians and Christianity before spreading hate and bigotted beliefs about them.

Some may be shocked to find this out, but "Separation of Church and State" is not found in the Constitution. Look it up. I wholly disagree with the opinion expressed by a founder for total separation of Church and State.

Does anyone else think it is sad that a presidential candidate must even feel the need to obscure their most deeply held metaphysical beliefs?

Why shouldn't one be able to simple say "Yes" to the question McCain was asked? Is it because of all the undue attention it brings from moral relativists who have no business complaining about other people's values (since they have no agreeable standard at which to point for their own values).

Nathanial,

You want a President that has your God on his side huh? So do you believe that God is going to abandon the millions of Christians in the United States because the President is not a Christian? If so, what a jerk. We have seen the disaster that having a self righteous Christian in the White House brings us, domestic and foreign policies that are so faith based that they are completely out of touch with reality. BTW, I am not an atheist of an agnostic, I merely believe that religion has no place in politics. The unification of the two has been nothing but disastrous historically and globally.

Senator McCain gave the right answer. In the New Testament book of James, the writer says don't tell me about your faith, let me see your faith in the actions of your life; because faith without actions is dead. If you examine Senator McCain's life of actions, it is obvious he is a man of faith.

George Bush has publicly said that he accepts Jesus as his lord and savior. And we all know what a great president he is.

I, too, am tired of this religious litmus test.

THIS IS THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK BARACK. Not to seem to be up in arms about this. I just left this comment under the Barack article. Why ask McCain this question? Is there a question of McCain being a Muslim? I have asked countless news agencies in email if Barack Hussein Obama, the guy running for president, has ever been a Muslim. He was raised by Muslims. His father was one. He has attended a Muslim school. YET. Yet no one, not one of the news agencies has answered any of my emails, CNN included. Why can’t I get an answer to this question? All I get it that "Barack attends Christ Church." In which I answer from my personal experience that I am an Episcopalian and that I attend a Catholic church because my wife is Catholic. Am I Catholic? No. I'm an Episcopalian. Why is it so hard to get this question answered? And yes, I've gotten the question asked of me, "Does it really matter?" to which I answer, "Yes. It matters." It matters to me. I don't think that I would ask the question if it didn't matter. So, please. I implore you to answer my question.

I hope religion isn,t the litmus test for president. I know several people who clamin they are born again christians and peralnally I wouldn,t wnat them in an office if any kind.

Whether someone has accepted Jesus as their personal savior is totally irrelevant to whether they are a good president. Hypocrites abound in the religious world. George Bush loudly proclaims his faith and look at what he has done. Tortured people, started wars for profit, lied to the country, vetoed legislation that would provide needed services to the poor, and conducted foreign policy in such a way as to cause the rest of the world to consider us immoral and dangerous. Professing Christianity and/or attending church is no guarantee of moral behavior.

Expressing your faith in God is the right thing to do. God said that you should not deny Him rather be proud to tell all people about Him and your faith in Him. Someone's faith in God should not be kept secret.

I resided in Mississippi for 5 years and people of the white race and people of the black race attended separate Baptist Churches. In fact people of the Black race were not allowed to enter the door of Baptist Church attended by members of the white race. I am indeed surprised to hear McCain say he is a Baptist and would indeed be interested to know if members of the Black race are allowed to attend his Church.

Kudos to John McCain. I am someone who usually votes Democrat, but would consider voting McCain if he was the Republican candidate, especially if Hillary is the Democrat. He is the only Republican I would consider voting for, and if Republicans want any hope of winning the election they will make him the candidate.

"…I also believe that talking too much about one's faith and religion in my view is something between me and God," said McCain. But how about talking a little bit about them while campaigning? Is that OK– or just plain pandering? One can't have it both ways, John.

Did I actually see a post about evolution theory? Evolution, with reams and reams of scientific proof, is a theory. But we should follow and elect right wing Christians based on beliefs from a book written thousands of years ago? Have any of you looked at what ELSE people believed in at the time the books of the bible were written?

It is convenient that to know Christ as your savior means you go to heaven, regardless of how you live your life. This explains the hypocrisy of the born-again Christian movement.

If you believe in Christ, live like He did. If you do not, then don't shame yourself.

YOU GO MC CAIN. ARE WE GETTING THE OLD MC CAIN BACK…

The religious zealots have highjacked American's political authority and standing in the world, and McCain knows that - look at how he answered this question.

Separation of church and state anyone?
Good answer by McCain.

He can't win with any answer to some of you idiots. He believes what he wants to believe and that is it.

If you losers who are hammering him want to believe in nothing or a frigging rock, go for it, whatever get's you through life.

This was either some bible thumping cretin or a Clinton plant as both types have been front and center in this campaign cycle.

To call EVERY Christian Conservative a bible thumper, would be like me saying EVERY liberal is a liar because the Clintons always lie.

So McCain's answer is that he goes to a Baptist church, huh? I sometimes go to Burger King, but that doesn't make me a Whopper.

Jerry, Coming from a Christian, your comments are completely ignorant. The foundation of the country that you describe is that of Saudi Arabia and your selective Bible reading resembles the radical clerics. Also, When exactly has McCain pandered to Hollywood?? I think you must have him confused with your own candidate Mike Huckabee who has pandered to Chuck Norris repeatedly throughout his campaign.

It is interesting, and very scary, that all of the talk on the right is about religion. romney = Mormon, Huckabbe = Baptist minister, McCain is asked whether or not Christ is his Lord and Savior. The GOP intolerance of anyone who had a different religious belief than their own continues to drag the party into irrelevancy.

With that said, kudos to McCain for his final response putting the questioner in his place. After the last two terms, I can not bring myself to vote for a Republican president at this time in history. However, if I could, this would definitely be the guy.

It would be refreshing if just one of the candidates could be honest about this subject, but we all know what would happen to that guy! Mention a religious affiliation in an election in Canada and you are out, DON'T mention one in the US and you are out! Go figure.
I used to say I was an agnostic, now I'm being truthful, I'm an atheist an prouder of it by the day. Sorry if that offends any of you idiots out there believing in a fairy tale passed down over the centuries, but you've been pushing this nonsense down everyone's throat for long enough. It time for the realists to stand up and be heard.

Good for McCain!

Here we go again–imposing a religious test on political candidates. Shameful.

I am glad he realizes that faith/religion should be a personal matter and not something a Presidency is based on. The religious basis for leadership sounds familiar… something the current president talks about invading another country for?

If religion affected how the president make decision, then this country is not called the United States of America anymore since the decision will only benefit one specific group with the same religious belief. For those who want " the president with my god on his side." maybe you should go to live in Irq or Iran for a few years and see how it is. And no it's not the will of All people to have god on president's side. Look at today's president. He has so called " god on his side", but see what he has done? I'm becoming regret that I registered to vote the first time as Republican if religious plays a big role in how we should elect a president.

This underscores McCain's challenge and Huckabee's opportunity in a state like SC that has a lot of evangelicals. The latest poll of SC released yesterday has Huckabee clearly ahead — a stunning development.

To Jerry of Raleigh and all others on this board who are "true Christians"

Read up on your history. Our founding fathers were Deists. They weren't the Christians of today. Jefferson actually wrote his own Jefferson Bible. They weren't the fanatics that you people are. Please get your facts straight. As for John McCain, he lived a very difficult life. He has experience, he stands by what he believes in, and although I probably won't vote for him, he is a shining example of what a Republican should be. Keep faith out of politics, and keep it instead in your homes and churches. Once it's brought into government, we are no better than the people we claim to be at war with. I don't want a theocracy, I want a DEMOCRACY.

MCCAIN vertainly has more integrity and guts than most other politicians today. too bad that he is still trying to justify (by pretending to be proud of) his participation in such immoral unjustifiable anti-christ-like war as the vietnam war. he's too smart to believe in such a war. he has no choice but to be gungho with the Iraq war, to be consistent with his pride in his vietnam war experience. i bet the man is torn into pieces inside. he simply can't come to terms with his personal baggage. what a pity.

One mentions flaunting the idea speaking of Jesus. The question was simple, a straight answer was avoided. The answer of "Yes" or "No" is far from flaunting. I respect Mr McCain, but the people asking the question, deserved a response that was more personal, than having an answer that was across the board. He knew what they wanted to hear, he just avoided a conflict of interest for other ears in the audience. I do not much care for George Bush, but even he would have said "Yes" I believe.

mark wilkes barre PA, you are a perfect example of what I am talking about - here's your sign!

Standing in a garage, honking loudly does not make someone a Cadillac either. There has been a self-proclaimed Christian in the White House for the past 7 yrs too but his actions are not the least bit Christ-like. At the very least I can say his brand of Christianity is very far away from what I was taught. Look at what the person Does, not what they Say.

The Judeo/Christian god and religion is, and has been since its infancy, an endorsement, and tool of tyranny. But as the many posters here have proved — mention god, and the off switch to the brain gets flipped.

This guy is about as religous as Judas Priest.

RonPaul(dot)com

Good Luck, America.

"If you confess me before men I will confess you before the father". He did sidestep the question but it's a moot point. Christian Conservatives believed Bush was a Christian and he's been the biggest One-world America Wrecker in history. More importantly is to look at the candidates voting record and personal history. Based on that information I have my candidate picked out. Unfortunately the religious right don't use the same criteria and thus we are in the dire situation we are in. They vote for the first person who can spell G-O-D, is against abortion, and will go along with the republican agenda.

This is a secular country. I want to know that people have good morals. But we learned from Bush that if we vote based on religion, we get decisions based on religion. And that is not good in the US. Decisions should be based on good morals, but on whether the Bible says something is right or wrong. Examples: Gay rights, abortion, stem cell research. The candidates should stop stressing their religious beliefs and start showing that they can think for themselves and have the capacity to rule for all not based on religion.

Its called seperation of Church and state- Senator McCain was simply following established guidelines set forth by our founding for-fathers.

You know, those guys that all the Right wing nuts always try to drag into thier irrational reasoning for allowing discrimination, etc etc.

Kudos to Mr. McCain for answering in a respectful manner and not acting like Chrisitanity is the only religion in the USA - a FREE nation - NOT religious state.

I don't believe a man has true faith if he is unwilling to admit the basis of his faith - Jesus Christ. Why are people afraid to praise God and say it loud and clear? If we Christians don't proclaim it, who will?

McCain played this correctly… he explained that he is a man of faith, and looking at his record of service to this country, I for one believe it. I have no problem with candidates declaring their religious views, if they so choose (Huckabee),but it shouldn't be required.

Right on Bruce in Virginia! Fanaticism and "radical christianity" have got to go. We'll never get along with each other in this country and with other cultures around the world until we tone down the radical christian rhetoric in this country which is often hateful and demeaning to others. This country needs a quantum leap in spiritual maturity. The bible has some wonderful things in it to live by but also has some terrible, harmful words in it that are very divisive and hurtful in our society. If you want to "live by" the bible, fine, but please do us all a favor and skip over the ridiculous parts

whoever asked that question should be excluded from the democratic process. its unamerican right to the core and violates the disestablishment we've enjoyed for over two hundred years. our founding fathers new that if religion and government mix, it ruins government and it ruins religion. look at the taliban for a prime example.

WHO BLEEPING CARES?????

McCain is an also-ran in this race, and if religion is that big of a question then people are REALLY not with the program, because that is so bleeping low on the issue chart that it's subterranean!

Remember that a religious zealot was the idiot that got us into this mess despite warnings from sane individuals not to.

Remember that this Fifth Crusade is not only unnecessary but also unsustainable.

Remember that BAC questions and evangelizing in general on fundamentalism is a sign of religious insecurity. If one is secure in their beliefs their behaviors will reflect that, including not being a rude and pushy arrogant person pushing off their religion on others.

This is a race for President, not sainthood, and this holier-than-thou junk needs to END!

Do you bend over for the religious right?
I reserve that right, but don't get excited!

McCain sees the Jesus thing working for Huck, so now he's doing the same thing? No thanks.

I'll stick with Ron Paul, who's a real christian. A humble man who believes religion is personal and shouldn't be forced on anyone.

Join his campaign today, December 16th, and become a participant in a historical day of campaign contributions by donating any amount you can!

I hate these stupid Christians wanting a Bible banger for a President. They are taking us down the tubes… Hillary is going to win if they keep this crap up and then we'll be in a world of hurt. We need a tough secular Republican President.

So then, that means no?

Talk about avoiding a simple question. Yes or no. If you go to church you shouldn't have a hard time saying it.

You shouldn't be president if you can't answer this. I'd elect someone who did or did not. But to dodge this question when you state you go to church proves you are either evil or intend to mislead the public like Bush has.

Game over.

Perfect example of American Christian "Taliban".

Whoops! McCain is disqualified from the Republican nomination. This won't cut it. Obviously he has something to hide from the "base".

McCain gave a thoughtful and wise answer. As for Mike, Huckleberry should stick to singing O My Darlin' Clementine. If Huck becomes the Republcan nominee the GOP will most certainly lose the Presidency. Probably GOP loses anyway because American people sick of them.

I'm not certain that Senator McCain spoke with any degree of conviction in answering the concerned citizen's question. He has every right to be evasive in his political journey toward the presidency, but I believe that Jesus made it perfectly clear when he said, "Him that is ashamed of me, so too will I also be ashamed of him before my Father and the holy angels. Going to church doesn't make you any more of a Christian than going to McDonald's make you a hamburger. If he's able to speak with conviction and candor on many of the subject's affecting our society without worrying about political or civil backlash, then he should be able to publicly honor his Lord and Saviour. If we are a Christian nation with leaders who proclaim Christianity as the faith of choice for this country, then let our leaders who invoke this right upon themselves not be ashamed to publicly honor him in whom why we are called a Christian nation. Much was indeed sacrificed for this cause.

Rocky Venuti:

You're right Rocky. We need the secular progressive leadership of the Clinton Era…the immoral, lying, deceitful, poll-driven brand of "leadership" provided by Bubba himself. See the irony? The self-proclaimed "SP"s have no more integrity and honest American values than hypocritical christians. So what's the difference?

Sorry, I've known too many God fearing "good" people who have accepted Jesus Crist into their lives. It means nothing. The louder they shout it the more I'm skeptical. All it is a a social badge to find others who believe as you do so one can feel like they belong and are accepted.

This is not what Jesus or our founding fathers had in mind.

Jesus was a hippy who preached peace, love, tolerance, and happiness. His goal wasn't for us to blindly worship him and judge/harm in his name.

Good answer Mr. McCain. You are the only viable Republican Candidate. If any of the other clowns (except maybe Paul) are nominated this election will be an easy choice.

Posted by Alice, TN-If the GOP follows previous years campaign guidelines set by your PREZ GW…there would be no one allowed to attend a campaign function unless they were invited or a right wing extremest neo-conservative republican…so don't blame your extremest questions on us DEMS. All you folks want is someone to spit out your extremest message you don't care who the messenger is…VOTE DEMOCRATIC 08…

He gave a well-enough answer without looking like a zealot. Good job to Sen. McCain.

And so far, I don't care what anyone believes, as long as they don't press their religion onto me? And you know something? The only religion that I haven't had someone chastise me for not following is Bhuddism. Never had someone tract, never been called a heaten, heretic, or lost soul by a bhuddist. Now, can someone explain to me why all these 'peaceful and loving' religions want to beat my head in with their beliefs?

McCain was right to answer the way he did, it sounded honest to me. I'm no fan of religion, but at least christians have a time-tested story to believe in.
It's people who support Romney I don't get. How could anyone actually believe in the Mormon faith? It's REDICULOUS! That man is not fit to lead anything!

These Evangelican Christians hordes are a brain washed, egoist lot that have contributed to the downfall of US standing around the world led by the neocon fanatics at their heart.

Jesus freaks - that's all they are - hiding in religion. The only ones who benefit are their fat cat preachers who surround themselves in lavish luxury and beautiful women.

Open you eyes. Vote Hilary Clinton,

Obviously, a question from a "plant" of the Democrat persuasion hoping McCain would come across as a religious zealot. Too much is being made of one's religion, or lack of it. McCain did nail his response. It amazes me, however, how seculars seem to relish in an environment totally devoid of religion. The SP's are taking this too far…and the religious zealots take it too far as well.

The same line worked for Jefferson over 200 years ago. But for McCain it seems to have gone over like a lead balloon with today's pious crowd. Have no fear though, this year the religious right and their anointed candidate are going to be crushed under the weight of integrity and honest American value. They and their vile system of bible based values will be driven back into the shadows where they belong.

In response to some of the comments I have read here, No, he did NOT answer the question. Please, look at what the question is before claiming he answered it. He was asked if he had "accepted Jesus Christ as…Lord and Savior." By saying he is a "man of faith" and that he has "deep religious beliefs and values" he is not answering the question at all! This could mean he is of any religion at all. It does not even mean he believes in Christianity! Much less that he has accepted Christ personally. Also, most Christians do not portray their lives as perfect. In fact, most would be some of the quickest people to tell you about the mistakes they've made. And lastly, do you people realize it's okay to care about a candidates religion? It does not make us crazy Christian conservatives who will vote the candidate who ranks highest on the God-O-Meter into office without a second thought. We, for the most part, are rational citizens like everyone else. And we also believe that we should have a Christian president. Because I want a President that has got my God on his side. Also, as I've stated, there is nothing wrong with wanting a Christian president. If it is the will of the people..then so be it. Isn't that what the election is about? Read the constitution. In the same place where it gives us free speech and freedom of religion, it gives us "free exercise thereof."

The religion thing in this campaign is getting way out of hand. If having a religious zealot in the WH for the past nearly 7 years (although personally I think he's a fake) and seeing what has happened to our country in that time isn't enough to see the dangers, look back to Salem 1692. Or, take it back to England when people were bailing out to the new land to get religious freedom. Kudos to McCain. He should not have to explain. If people continue to vote based on blind faith rather than reality, the U.S. is doomed anyway.

I agree with Joseph - he side-stepped the question. I think in Washington (after you have been there for a couple years…thats considered an answer - but we have this other part we call the United States where thats a non answer - pretty much like every answer from Hillary)

To the Big Atheist: go play with yourself, nitwit!

Why does religon come up all the time, why does it matter. Every religon is based on the exact same principles with the exact same stories…For the record the founding fathers wernt christians they where masons, america isnt a christan nation..Go to europe if you want to find a christian nation because this isnt one…

…and furthermore, when did "sheol" become "hell"? Christians screwed up the already screwed up Jewish religion. It's a sad comment on human nature that people are still stupid enough to believe these lies.

"Either you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior or you have not." - Joseph, St. Louis

A shallow comment, Joseph. I know a lot of people who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and saviour. None of them agree on anything: the Bible, politics, social issues, abortion, anything. It doesn't mean anything. What about Catholics? They are never asked to accept Jesus as "Lord and Saviour." What about me? I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, and after a few years I realized that it was essentially a meaningless action.

Evangelical Christianity has only existed for a few decades. Evangelicals may imagine that theirs is a 2000 year old philosophy, but that is only because they don't read much. For them to arrogantly impose their silly test on our candidates is lucricrous.

Besides, if you want to know whether a person is a true Christian or not, the last few verses of Mark (chap 16, verses 16-18) provide the indisputable acid test of Christianity: "These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe:
1. They will cast out demons in my name

2. They will speak in new languages

3. They will be able to handle [poisonous] snakes with safety

4. Of they drink poison, it won’t hurt them

5. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."
(I added the numbers for clarity. They are not verses.)
So, instead of asking a meaninless question (politicians lie about everything else), just give him poison or let a rattlesnake bite him. If he does not even get a little sick, then he is a true Christian. Or, ask him to cast the demon out of an autistic child; that should be proof enough for everyone, when the child starts dancing from joy and starts speaking to his parents. Or ask him to heal someone with pancreatic cancer; a test which would certainly convince me.

The arrogance of most evangelical Christians has become so annoying that it is difficult to continue to humor them.

The "christ" thing is a Greek name for a Judaic concept of messiah. The concept of sin means nothing to an atheist. To all the posters who do believe in a book written by livestock sacrificing primitives, read some Bart Ehrman. Stop being dupes. Jesus is a false god.

Sorry John McCain - while I respect your service to this country, your answer here is definitely not good enough. Either Jesus is your Lord and Savior or He is not.

Many in the U.S. have been hoodwinked into believing faith is "private". Jesus says, "if you deny me publicly, I will deny you on judgment day"

Jesus said He was the ONLY way to Heaven. Jesus said, "narrow is the way which leadeth unto life". Sounds kind of narrow-minded" to me.

I want a President who will take us to the values that founded this country and made it the greatest country on earth. Not one who will pander to the pollsters and the Hollywood left.

My choice is Mike Huckabee. If you believe all the biased and "twisted" media attacks lately, I invite you to go to Mike's site and dig up the truth. The truth will set you free. God Bless.

PS - to those brainwashed by the media I do sound fanatical. The people who signed our Declaration of Independence would have sounded EXTREMELY fanatical. Hopefully you will be enlightened.

Why not just hold an international election to determine what the name of God is? I wonder if there are enough Christians in this world today to win it. "I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians." -Ghandi

Separation of church and state. It's in the Constitution. It's none of our business what anyone else's relationship is with their Higher Power.

We are NOT a theocracy. We are a DEMOCRACY.

UNREAL…the right wing conservatives are something else they are extremests in my opinion…I just wonder if the man asking McCain about his faith lives a perfect life (as most portray) McCain handled the question very well, why do the extremest have to always bring God into the picture…there is nothing wrong with faith or God but there is something wrong when it is used as the extremest of the right wing of the GOP use it to try & get someone to spit out there fundamental extremests views like they do in the middle east….as someone who lives in SC I know very well how alot of the neo-conservatives live their lives & it not always what they portray.

It is amazing to me that these self professed Christians are still clinging to the ancient belief that a man who was crucified over 2000 years ago is going to return to the earth from the heavens and save them from their sin. Do these same people believe in leprechauns, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy? I live in Greer, SC and this stuff is rampant around here. I lived in CA for over 30 years and nobody ever asked me to attend their church or if I was a Christian. In Greer, you can't even go to the grocery store without someone making a reference to Jesus, their church or asking you where you go to church. Morons!

Shirley pittsboro NC,,,, Please re-read the title of this story an think about what you just wrote

I am so weary of these so-called, holier than thou - have you accepted Christ as your Savior - you must believe the same way I do narrow-minded, one-issue, one note Nellys!

Does it ever dawn on you that there is so much to be done nationally and internationally that it DOES NOT MATTER who believes and how!

The country is going to he77 in a handbasket - you need intelligence, experience, vision and so many other things that are more important than being an evangelical Christian Conservative … this group is getting creepier at each posting.

as for "Just because he "attends" a Baptist Church does not mean he has a personal relationship with Christ. Posted By Joseph, St. Louis, MO "
I don't care!!!! Bush has a personal relationship and look at the damage he's done!!!

Let God sort it out when we all get to Heaven.

Joeseph st louis MO,,,,,,he just told you,,,He has DEEP RELIGEOUS BELIEFS AND VALUES, He's had experiences in his life where he had to RELY ON GOD not just to get him through another day or hour, but another minute !!!!!!! If you can't get a grip of those words no one can possibly satisfy you,,,, If that is not accepting and acknowledging christ in your life, I don't know what is. Guess you will have to vote for one of those other candidates

I personally think that there's been too much talk about religion in this campaign! It's starting to sound like some people want to elect a president to a theocracy. People who truly want a theocracy should go examine places where they do, indeed, exist::::: IRAN, Saudi Arabia, etc. We are a country of ALL faiths, beliefs - NOT just the Christian faith. I don't want a "Christian President" - - I want a President of the United States of America ….who might happen to be a Christian ….or not.

hey but look where a man of faith has taken america to

Terrific answer senater McCain,, quick to the point and done. From here on ,It should be no ones buissness What your religeous beliefs are. Way to go Man !!!

Well at leats he admits he goes to church. Rest assured Christians are being blamed for every societal problem in the world. The days of Christians being hunted down again are going to be at hand soon enough. This may be the last opportunity we have to vote in a president who claims at least to be a Christian

Um, who cares? How does accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior have anything to do with his ability to lead the United States? How does that have anything to do with his ability to solve our mounting debt crisis or manage our foreign policy? Presumedly, somebody will answer that we are a Christian nation or that Christian values are important, but if the values themselves are there, why does it matter how they got there? Bush has accepted Jesus Christ and he is a horrendous leader. Huckabee is a minister and I wouldnt trust him to lead me out of a corn maze. Stop putting so much emphasis on faith America, and start paying attention to the the most important issues, not abortion or gay marriage, but our devaluing dollar, or debt, and our money sucking foreign policy.

You can attend a church 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, till the day you die and without Jesus being your Lord, Master & Saviour you WILL go to hell, and then spend eternity in an eternal lake of fire. FIND me a CHRISTian that KNOWS this (There's a difference between believing and KNOWING…the devils believe and TREMBLE!), that will NOT use such an opportunity as stated above to share Christ Jesus as the ONLY Saviour? WHERE one attends a Church house built with mans hands, has NOTHING to do with ones salvation, Jesus IS the ONLY way.

How sad that some cannot see that religion and government are not one and the same. Does one have to open their soul to you Christians just to get elected. I am not voting for this man, but good grief how do you think he got through each second of every minute, every hour and every day being a prisoner of war? Do you honestly think each second took him further away from his religion, is that what you do when met with adversity? The man has been through hell on earth and back and you have the gall to ask him of his faith. Could any of you go through what he has been through and still stand up for America and fight the good fight, and yes, I am a democrat and ashamed of any republican that would question his religion. He has my total respect no matter what!

Westboro Baptist Church LOVES and hearts Huckabee!

forum.hucksarmy.com

I think McCain did answer the question. "I am a man of faith", if that doesn't answer it, then what does?
Only to ad he has "deep religious beliefs and values"
and if that didn't explain to the one asking the question, then McCain's last words should have "I had experiences in my life where I had to rely on GOD not to get me through another day or another hour, but another minute."
Its not possible to rely on God to get you through another minute, and not have Christ as your Lord and Savior.
What part of his words does anyone not understand?
And I think he is right, its between him and God.
Mr. McCain doesn't budge from his beliefs, even in the face of oppostition, he stands behind what he believes, being absolutley consistant. I think he gets his strength from God. Something some just don't understand.

I am a religious person. And I do care about the candidates religions. If McCain had not been asked this question, would I have gone digging for an answer? No. But since he was..I'd like to know the answer.

And there is nothing wrong with that. At all.
So long as the voters look at all the other issues as well. As long as they don't become blinded by religion, then it's perfectly acceptable to be influenced by it.

There are some serious religious wackos in this party. First Romney and now poor McCain. Quit wearing your religion on your sleeve people and just give it a break. If you want to see how the man will vote, look at his record - PERIOD!

We don't need a leader that believes
in fairy tales..If you want a religious motivated state system, you take a look Iran,Saudi Arabia, etc.. All the places that are pointed out as repressive and insulated. And they all have the same factors that the
religious right kooks in this country
would like to impose.They want people
that believe in THEIR interpretation
of THEIR religious text ONLY in power.
They use a literal interpretation
of their religious text.They want
all the laws and punishments used
based on their religious texts and
the list goes on… Whats the real
difference between what Pat Robertson
or Huckabee or the clown that asked McCain the question want and what the Saudi Royals, the Iranian religous council or the Taliban want? I don't see any diffferences other than
which fairy story they believe in..

Morons. Good Lord.

KUDOS to McCain! He nailed them skeptics.

KUDOS to Dale Davis, Glendora, California, for using my KUDOS tag!

First off, to Roumen, I believe that a presidential candidates faith and belief is everyone's business. Because while it should not be the sole issue, their religion is an issue. People want to know about it. And regardless of what some say, it does affect how they act as President.

Nathaniel R.D. Mounce