Congressman Jared Huffman comes out as a non-believer and rips Trumps phony religious pandering
Source: Raw Story
David Ferguson DAVID FERGUSON
09 NOV 2017 AT 11:25 ET
A Democratic congressman from California says theres too much religion in U.S. politics and that too many politicians Republicans in particular use religion as a cudgel, including President Donald Trump.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) said that he is going public with his personal stance against religious tests and the idea that lawmakers must be religious to appeal to constituents.
The 53-year-old congressman said that for years he has left questionnaires about his religious beliefs blank or written none of your business on them. Hes one of only nine members of the current Congress who left their spiritual profiles blank.
I dont believe in religious tests, and I dont believe my religion is all that important to the people I represent, Huffman told the Post, and I think theres too much religion in politics. For those reasons I felt good about not even answering it.
Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/2017/11/congressman-jared-huffman-comes-out-as-a-non-believer-and-rips-trumps-phony-religious-pandering/
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Or...frankly anybody who doesn't try to sell me their religion.
hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)Religion should be a private affair and should NOT be a part of politics.
Kleveland
(1,257 posts)Separation of Church and state seems to be a difficult concept for many.
bluestarone
(16,940 posts)a concept that has been long forgotten! When did we lose the fact that we need separation of Church And State? THIS has to be a must!!! Yes to separation of Church and State!!
susanna
(5,231 posts)northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)IronLionZion
(45,442 posts)I only know because they told everyone within 2 minutes!
JK. I get what the congressman's saying though. For many, it really is a private matter and no one else's business. It shouldn't be the basis of who to vote for and it does certainly influence some people's biases even if subconsciously.
muffinsforbreakfast
(8 posts)Ok, dammit, what happens when a athiest, a vegan and a cross fitter walk into a bar?
IronLionZion
(45,442 posts)They all enjoy a respectful conversation over some drinks?
muffinsforbreakfast
(8 posts)That's what I thought but I wanted to make sure.
PNW-Dem
(244 posts)I dont know any Atheists who go around openly discussing their non-beliefs with strangers. On the contrary, being obnoxious about your magical thinking is the working definition of Evangelical.
IronLionZion
(45,442 posts)right here on this thread
Puzzler
(2,505 posts)-Puzzler
PNW-Dem
(244 posts)It's estimated that 18% of Americans are non-believers. Too bad that we are too persecuted to feel comfortable about speaking up like this Congressman. It takes courage, but hopefully we will see more.
brooklynite
(94,571 posts)...it's mostly about his opposition to religious tests, not a clear statement of his own position.
sarge43
(28,941 posts)Section 3, Article 6: 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. (my emphasis)
Kleveland
(1,257 posts)Apparently very many elected officials do not read or understand what is entailed in the oath that they have taken.
WE all know the occupant can't read anyway, but ignorance is no excuse.
Ligyron
(7,632 posts)"So help me God".
sarge43
(28,941 posts)Yes?
Ligyron
(7,632 posts)Scarsdale
(9,426 posts)biggest offenders with this religious scam.
Plucketeer
(12,882 posts)In lieu of that, a 6ft deep hole will do.
Iggo
(47,552 posts)theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
theres too much religion in U.S. politics
yallerdawg
(16,104 posts)He identifies as a humanist, he said, because the term atheist implies a certainty he is uncomfortable with.
I suppose you could say I dont believe in God. The only reason I hesitate is unlike some humanists, Im not completely closing the door to spiritual possibilities, said Huffman. We all know people who have had experiences they believe are divine and Im open to something like that happening.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Seems to be a sensible point to me.
It seems most people are certain they are absolutely right about religion (or atheism) and look at things in a black or white view.
It is refreshing to hear someone acknowledge that it is possible that god exists and it is at the same time possible that god does not exist.
maddiemom
(5,106 posts)brewens
(13,586 posts)pandr32
(11,584 posts)Without that "moral majority" that Jerry Falwell organized and brought into the GOP (God's Own Party ), and a few other unpleasant groups of people (like the KKK, those still waiting to fight tyranny with their hoards of guns, those screwing the country financially, and traitors), along with the brainwashed, they would die out.
I think it is way passed time others, like Congressman Huffman, spoke out about it. Religion in this country is meant to be private and not political.
KT2000
(20,577 posts)do they have to fill out that even asks about their religion? Just the fact that it is asked is objectionable.
joanbarnes
(1,722 posts)Oneironaut
(5,495 posts)It was laughably ridiculous to all but the easily fooled useful idiots that voted for him. Hes s fraud and isnt even good at it.
lucca18
(1,241 posts)I went to see him at a town hall meeting at Dominican University the same day that Trump fired Comey.
What a meeting! He was great!
msongs
(67,405 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)Grins
(7,217 posts)Saying ...I dont believe my religion is all that important to the people I represent," is exactly "coming out" as most would understand the term.