Religious Messaging in Political Rhetoric
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M5 Discussion: Religious Messaging in Political Rhetoric
John F Kennedy answers qustions put to him by clergymen of the Houston Ministerial Association in the Chrystal Room of the Rice Hotel in Houston Texas September 12 1960AP PhotoTed Powers
John F. Kennedy answers questions put to him by clergymen of the Houston Ministerial Association in the Chrystal Room of the Rice Hotel in Houston, Texas, September 12, 1960.
(AP Photo/Ted Powers)
In this discussion, you will explore the role of religion in presidential campaigns. Read the article “Religion and Politics: Do the “Nones” Have it?opens in a new window”
Read this article, and also draw on other sources (such as reputable news sources and scholarly articles) to discuss the following questions:
So is America a Christian nation?
How do you predict the role of religion to be in the upcoming November 2016 elections? How will it be different from the last two elections?
If the U.S. population is becoming less and less Christian as the Pew Center dataopens in a new window suggest, why do you think there continues to be an emphasis on and alignment with Evangelical Christians in these early presidential campaign activities?
Is it realistic to expect a person to put aside their religious views and make decisions in the best interest of the country? Or, is this simply rhetoric?
Please post an initial response to the question(s) above, then reply to at least two different peers over the course of the module. Remember, in order for class discussions to be meaningful, you must participate regularly and consistently.