Is there a law that American President should be a Christian?

Hi,

Recently i came across loads of information on internet, reading about the chaos which people created (opposition majorly) about Obama being half christian and half Muslim. Some say he is still Muslim, some say he is Christian, some say he is half half.

But the point to debate is, Does an American president have to be only a christian? America is known for its secular nature, just like other secular giants like India. Although India has 70% Hindu population, yet there is no law as such that Indian president or Prime minister needs to be a Hindu. Rather History has seen Hindu, Muslim, christian and now Sikh leaders of that country. So is the case with many other countries who call themselves secular.

However, The hue and cry before the final result that Obama is "xxx (religion)" shows that America isn't secular in its political aspect. Don't you think president has to be someone who is capable to lead, irrespective of religion?

Please correct if i am wrong.

 

The issue people have with Obama is whether or not he is one or the other, some think he was lying or covering up something. The ones I heard that were concerned saw it as a character issue if he can't admit his beliefs they thought he was lying.

You can be what ever you want by law unless your religion is the practice of killing people or something illegal.

 

Well of course no religion teaches killing of people. Read any scripture and you find the same, protect human life. Then why isn't it ever that a non Christian becomes president of America?

 

Don't believe everything you read.

There's no written law that says you have to be Christian to be president, but since the country is about 75% Christian, it's highly unlikely that you'll get into the running, let alone the white house unless you call yourself a Christian.

Although the US Constitution aims to be secular, the Christian church plays a big role in the decisions made by the government via the democratic process (among others).

 

Do you mean real Christian or American Christian? (What? You didn't know there was a difference?)

 

Ofcourse we are talking of tainted christians, tainted muslims or tainted others.

Real christians, real jews, real Muslims are getting extinct these days!

 

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

Amendment one of the US constitution. Works the same for everyone, even the president.

 

That's a good one. If you could provide source link as well, it would be great information to all.

 

Who says any of our presidents aren't more than a "member" of a church to try to get more votes? Many have called themselves Christian and not have a clue to what the first Christians were or what made them Christian to begin with.

I will probably get attacked by someone who still doesn't understand that.....

 

To answer the OP's question, Article VI of the United States Constitution specifically disallows a religious test as a prerequisite to holding public office. Here's the text (relevant portion bolded):

This isn't true. Some have claimed their issue was whether he was "lying," but as shown in long debate here on DP, many would simply disallow a Muslim to hold the Presidency (against the letter and spirit of our American political system).

 

haha, yeah i agree.

 

1. There is no requirement that the President be of any particular religion.

2. However, Americans are free to consider a candidates religion if they so chose when making their own decision on whom to vote for.

 

I agree, Brown. More, I'd argue, it is expressly forbidden in the constitution to make a religious test for the holding of office. And I think that to be true to our ideals, anyone, of any faith, should be considered on the merits of their candidacy, and nothing else.

I remember when Kennedy took office - the charge "Papist" was pretty widely thrown, that somehow he'd give allegiance to the Pope over his mission, as President. It didn't die with Kennedy....I just think all this stuff is wrong, and it doesn't matter what faith, or lack of faith, is at hand.

 

I agree it is expressly forbidden in the Constitution. I guess I wanted to clarify that as individuals we can use whatever criteria we want to judge the candidates. Not that it is right to judge someone on race or religion, but that we have that right.

 

I hear you, Brown.

 

Obama is a christian and will instill his values on the population of America. Obama will be a great leader and spread the wealth and make a true middle class. The next 8 years will be a revoulution in new government programs and Christian values.

 

Nostradamus yeah? well hopefully your words come true.

 

NO, American President will lead the country not Christianity. Pope, Archbishop and Cardinals are the one only for Christian. I sure they can't be a Muslim or any other religion. Even there's a law that says that, who's crazy enough to use it as an issue? It's too personal

 

LOL, a source link to the constitution? It's just the laws of the united states of America. Theirs no real source link.

 

Dratt............don't they have a website or something?