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Debate Info

23
20
Yes, they could be cured. No, they're mad.
Debate Score:43
Arguments:35
Total Votes:46
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes, they could be cured. (14)
 
 No, they're mad. (10)

Debate Creator

Antrim(1287) pic



Should Christians be allowed to run for public office?

Anyone who believes in the eye-watering nonsense of the Bible absolutely must be so deranged that they should never be allowed to hold any position which involves making decisions that would affect the lives of normal people?

Yes, they could be cured.

Side Score: 23
VS.

No, they're mad.

Side Score: 20
3 points

I'm an Atheist and I say yes. Christians of many levels have been in public office throughout our history.... there were even a FEW among the founders. As long as they believe in the separation of church and state and agree that the church should not make rules for a society that is FAR from all Christian, we need them. Problem is, we are being taken over by a plethora of radicals. Hate-filled radicals from hate filled churches. Many even hate those Christians that go to a different church! THAT is the type of Christian we don't need, especially in public office! If they can't show the tolerance for others beliefs they are "fake Christians", and THEE cause of many wars over the centuries!

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Kalamazoo(333) Disputed
2 points

The danger lies in the fact that the Christian office bearer will not be able to separate his beliefs in the existence of supernatural beings from reality.

We see in Christian dominated administrations, such as the D.U.P. in devolved parliament of Northern Ireland were they will not permit abortions nor allow 'gay marriages''.

It is impossible to overstress stress the dangers of anyone who genuinely believes in the nonsense of the Bible being 'let loose' onto the stage of public sector decision making.

Side: No, they're mad.
AlofRI(3294) Clarified
2 points

I agree with you. The thing I see is, Christian people like JFK, Obama and thousands of others in America have gone around their religious beliefs and done the right (er....correct), things. I applaud them for that and can't hold ALL Christians accountable as the current mass of 'Christians" WE are dealing with. There are many good Christians, there are many good Muslims. I don't agree with their beliefs, but, that's their business. What the current mess of idiots are trying to do in this country is disgusting and WILL, eventually denigrate their religion. Those that can keep the Bible OUT of their politics are good people.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
outlaw60(15368) Clarified
1 point

Crazy AL you are spun out again the plethora of radicals and hate filled radicals are those on the American Left but you would not know that because you don't pay attention. Tolerance of other beliefs ? AL the American Left is tolerant of Islam as you are on their radar for death.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Annoyed_Kiwi(35) Disputed
1 point

Well, at least the "Left" allows somewhat free and open discussion about these things without outright banning those who disagree...

Side: No, they're mad.
3 points

Making someone ineligible for office based on the fact that they disagree with you is incompatible with liberal democracy. To demonstrate the wrongness of this proposition, imagine that people were only allowed to run for office if they believed in the Christian God. Exclusion of certain attitudes and beliefs from the democratic process is antidemocratic. How can one be represented on a certain issue if one's representative is not allowed to hold your point of view? 75% of the U.S. identifies as Christian by the way (Source 1).

Sources:

(1) http://www.gallup.com/poll/187955/percentage-christians-drifting-down-high.aspx

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Antrim(1287) Clarified
1 point

The point I'm making is that I believe that anyone who believes in for instance.

1)talking serpents

2)that 'god' made the ''heavens'' and earth in six days, ( where was he in the meantime?) and then took a nap on the seventh.

3) Noah single handedly built a wooden boat sufficiently large enough to accommodate every living creature on earth along with sufficient quantities of specialized food to last for a prolonged period on water.

4)Someone was able to eke out 2 fishes and 5 loves so they fed 5000 people.

I mean, I've nothing per se against Christians , it's just I am extremely uneasy about any religious zealots who can believe such outdated irrational crap are entrusted with making reasoned decisions while in public office that affect the lives of millions of innocent, normal people.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
WinstonC(1225) Clarified
1 point

"I mean, I've nothing per se against Christians , it's just I am extremely uneasy about any religious zealots who can believe such outdated irrational crap are entrusted with making reasoned decisions while in public office that affect the lives of millions of innocent, normal people."

Putting aside the word religious this is exactly what the radical left says about the right wing. "I am extremely uneasy about (people) who can believe such outdated irrational crap are entrusted with making reasoned decisions while in public office".

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
2 points

Just because certain theists on this site write ridiculous debates, it doesn't mean those opposed to them can't take the moral high ground.

Of course Christians should be allowed to run for public office. Any properly qualified individual from any demographic should be allowed to influence the politics of their country.

Christianity is not a disease to be cured. Whilst one might disagree with someone's beliefs, it doesn't mean they need another religion, or atheism, being pushed down their throats.

The only time I would say an individual should not be allowed to run is if they are completely fanatical (Christian, Marxist, atheist etc.) and their beliefs are going to harm others, in which case they should probably be de-radicalised.

We should also encourage those holding official positions to be properly representative. Around 70% of Americans identify as Christian, therefore around 70% of elected officials should ideally identify in the same way (they don't have to be "fundamental").

In the UK, the ideal number of Christians would be around 40% to reflect the religious views of the populace.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Kalamazoo(333) Disputed
1 point

I cannot understand how anyone could trust a Christian to make rational decisions based on hard facts when their minds are contaminated with fanciful notions of some mythical character zooming around the cosmos who must be praised every day in prayer, verse and hymn.

Please, please cast your mind back to the time when you were being brainwashed by the ''CHILD-LOVING'' clergy and recall some of the ridiculous nonsense you were asked to believe.

If you believed the biblical fairy tales as a child that's fine, but I repeat, how can you trust the sanity of anyone who continues to accept the 'Holy' rubbish as true as an adult.

Christians are dangerous people to have in public office, especially high office.

''I MUST PUSH THE BUTTON IN THE NAME OF GOD AND COUNTRY''.

Mushroom clouds appearing all over the globe because ''The Lord'' came to me in a dream and ordered me to annihilate all sinners.

Side: No, they're mad.
catninja(249) Disputed
4 points

I cannot understand how anyone could trust a Christian to make rational decisions based on hard facts when their minds are contaminated with fanciful notions of some mythical character zooming around the cosmos who must be praised every day in prayer, verse and hymn.

The majority of Christians are perfectly capable of making rational decisions, especially those who are not strong followers of the faith and believe that rational thought is a better means to understanding faith anyway. A very good example of this is Quakers.

Please, please cast your mind back to the time when you were being brainwashed by the ''CHILD-LOVING'' clergy and recall some of the ridiculous nonsense you were asked to believe.

I wasn't asked to believe anything in church. In sermons, we had Bible passages analysed and were told that these might be good guidelines. I've spoken to plenty of people who'll take much of the Bible as allegory.

Christians are dangerous people to have in public office, especially high office.

''I MUST PUSH THE BUTTON IN THE NAME OF GOD AND COUNTRY''.

Mushroom clouds appearing all over the globe because ''The Lord'' came to me in a dream and ordered me to annihilate all sinners.

And those people are the sort of people that should be getting de-radicalised. I never said every single Christian ever was going to be suitable for the role.

Then again, I live in the UK where people are Christian, but usually do a good job of keeping their beliefs separate from their work and family lives.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

This would be a very dangerous assumption to make.

Do you know, or have ever heard of a Christian accepting the truth about the flapdoodle upon which their crazy religion is founded?

Christians should be restricted to running errands or cleaning duties, but definitely nothing to do with important decision making.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
outlaw60(15368) Clarified
2 points

"Anyone who believes in the eye-watering nonsense of the Bible absolutely must be so deranged that they should never be allowed to hold any position which involves making decisions that would affect the lives of normal people?"

http://www.factcheck.org/2017/01/eight-years-of-trolling-obama/

According to a 2015 CNN/ORC poll, 80 percent of Americans correctly believe that Obama was born in the U.S., but only a plurality, 39 percent, know that he is a Christian. Twenty-nine percent believe that he is a Muslim.

For the record, Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1961. He is also a self-proclaimed Christian who adopted that faith as an adult.

In a 2006 speech, Obama said that it “nagged” him in 2004, when Alan Keyes, his opponent in the Illinois U.S. Senate race, suggested that Obama wasn’t a “true Christian.”

And not long after Obama announced that he would run for president in 2007, the New York Times wrote an article detailing exactly how Obama, whose Kenyan father was born a Muslim, came to Christianity while attending church in Chicago.

Looks like Obama blows the subline of the heading smooth out of the water according to factcheck.org.!!!!!! By the way Obama did two terms in Office as a Christian so those on the Left say. Learn to read

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

"Anyone who believes in the eye-watering nonsense of the Bible absolutely must be so deranged that they should never be allowed to hold any position which involves making decisions that would affect the lives of normal people?"

http://www.factcheck.org/2017/01/eight-years-of-trolling-obama/

According to a 2015 CNN/ORC poll, 80 percent of Americans correctly believe that Obama was born in the U.S., but only a plurality, 39 percent, know that he is a Christian. Twenty-nine percent believe that he is a Muslim.

For the record, Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1961. He is also a self-proclaimed Christian who adopted that faith as an adult.

In a 2006 speech, Obama said that it “nagged” him in 2004, when Alan Keyes, his opponent in the Illinois U.S. Senate race, suggested that Obama wasn’t a “true Christian.”

And not long after Obama announced that he would run for president in 2007, the New York Times wrote an article detailing exactly how Obama, whose Kenyan father was born a Muslim, came to Christianity while attending church in Chicago.

Looks like Obama blows the subline of the heading smooth out of the water according to factcheck.org.!!!!!! By the way Obama did two terms in Office as a Christian so those on the Left say.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

Yep. We are the majority in this country. If you don't like us, the majority, you are welcome to move to Goat-herd-Astan or Asia and tell us what flavor you like for your Sharia or Communism to be in a non Christian country.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Antrim(1287) Disputed
1 point

Because I express deep concern about my country being governed by people who believe in, among other nonsensical gobbledygook;- talking snakes,

the world being build in six days,

Noah's homemade wooden Ark with two of every animal in the entire world on board along with sufficient food for a prolonged period afloat,etc,etc, shouldn't mean that I must to go and live in Bananastan where the even more ridiculous Muslim religion is predominate.

Side: No, they're mad.
1 point

Yes they should be allowed as they are a part of the society and they are a citizen of that nation . So as per the law in any country there is no division of rights on the basis of the religion so they have full Independence and should be allowed to run for public office

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

We long ago in most Western societies decided that we ought not to make windows into men's souls when it comes to politics. Many people hold views which I personally find to be quite repellent in both their inspiration and their repellent consequences, but the principles of representative democracy demand that they, too, ought to have a voice within the legislature.

If one was to prevent Christians from being allowed to run for public office, one would necessary open up a whole can of worms, invoking powers to exclude people from the democratic process which could easily be used against oneself. Far too many people nowadays are willing to throw away others' rights without thinking about how such powers would be used against themselves if their enemies were given half the chance.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

I highly suspect that there are fewer "Christians" in public office on both sides than there are in almost any profession bar science.

What you are seeing in many politicians with the repeated invocation of God, throwing bones to the more rabid elements of the religious right in the country is more a cynical attempt to curry favor and win votes, rather than any actual religious motivation.

I also suspect that the beliefs of the Religious right are every bit as much motivated by their own inherent biases and political views as it is by the religion itself.

Saying that, there should be no religious tests, nor constraints on people running for office: but we should defend freedom of and from religion in government.

Indeed, it is one of the more hilarious hypocritical positions of the religious right: that they opine at how Democrats want the government heavily entangled in peoples lives; and yet see no problem with trying to interfere with what science is taught, and using the government as a tool to forward their religious beliefs.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
4 points

The majority of Christians on here are barking mad and get more so every day .

Bible thumpers should be banned from holding public office and left to 'positions ' more suited to their intellectual capabilities as in dog walking , road sweeping and maybe packing objects such as stuffed toys ; anything over and above the mentioned and you're playing with fire

Side: No, they're mad.
Annoyed_Kiwi(35) Disputed
1 point

This is an American-based debate website on the internet this is clearly not the best representation of a religion that counts for 2.2 billion people on this earth (granted this was in 2012 but the statistics will not have changed dramatically). It is likely half of the "Christians" on this site are merely trolls wishing to stroke their ego, (And I am inclined to assume you are merely the same while you will probably feel likewise as is the nature of the internet.) as opposed to actually believing what they say in a similar fashion to the Land over Baptist church. In any case even basing your arguments on the "Bible thumpers" on this website shows a lack of reasoning. I doubt Brontoraptor would even have the mental capacity to find his way to the White House without a guide let alone sit in office. Whereas there are many people who consider themselves religious and are objectively intelligent and would be clearly capable of serving in office. And finally, lets not how incredibly undemocratic and meaningless it is to restrict the rights of holding office to someone who believes in XYZ. Morales aside someone can easily just claim to no longer be Christian to merely hold office.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
Dermot(5736) Clarified
2 points

You don't seem to realise I'm merely having myself a bit of fun I'm married to a Christian and most my family are Christian ; I do stand by what I say about the majority of believers on here as they are certifiably insane ..... read their posts and tell me I'm wrong

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
4 points

Hello A:

No.. Not for Vice President.. Pence says he's "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, IN that order"..

Personally, I'd want a VP who had the US of A as his first priority..

excon

http://www.christianpost.com/news/mike-pence-im-a-christian-a-conservative-and-a-republican-in-that-order-166777/

Side: No, they're mad.
Antrim(1287) Clarified
1 point

Copy on that ex.

I feel it's vital that those in high public office are able to make decisions dispassionately and without their limited powers of reasoning being clouded with thoughts and images of imaginary supernatural beings.

I am also mindful that such comments coming from 'self seeking' politicians has more to do with them ''knowing their minions'' and presenting themselves in the mask most likely to attract maximum votes.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

So you didn't vote for Barack Obama? The man who wanted a redistribution of world wealth, meaning OUR wealth. Good to know you voted Mitt and John.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
2 points

The crazed minds which all those who believe in such stories as talking snakes,Noah's Arc and the earth being made in six days should be legally disqualified permanently from holding any form of public office.

Side: No, they're mad.
Antrim(1287) Disputed
1 point

I feel you're being a little harsh here.

They should be allowed to hold public for a limited period of time during which they could be observed to see if they'd grown up and come to their senses.

Side: Yes, they could be cured.
1 point

I agree with kalamazoo as the daydreaming fools could commit some shocking, irreversible blunders even during a short term tenure.

Side: No, they're mad.