Religious Beliefs and Government Leadership Research Paper

Religious Beliefs and Government Leadership - Research Paper Example 1-2). Although Romney (2007) cites the influence of religion in the principles of America’s founders, he also states that times has changed, and the emergence of cultural diversity in America requires leaders to maintain their objectivity when making public policy. With his speech, it is evident that Romney supports the notion of Church-State separation, although he admits that his Mormon faith helped shape his values and perspectives in life. In analyzing the speech of Obama and Romney, one can say that both leaders support the separation of Church and State affairs, particularly in their presidential candidacy and in creating leadership policies. For instance, both leaders cite the necessity of providing state benefits and programs that will benefit the majority, regardless of religious beliefs. Thus, although religion influences the decisions of public leaders, politicians should exercise control over their personal opinions lest their opinions violate the beliefs and right s of the majority. However, considering Romney’s argument on faith as a source of one’s fundamental moral principles, one can say that religion, in one way or another, influences how leaders develop their strategies (p. 4). This idea is also evident in Obama’s (2006b) argument about the religious freedom through defining ethics in social interactions (paras. 18-23). Consequently, as a political leader, Obama argues that leaders should take concern of their policies, particularly in the way those policies affect the relationships of the majority. Considering the two speeches, one can say that leaders cannot escape from the influence of religion in their policies, and this is because of the innate tendency of human beings to draw conclusions from our... This paper stresses that the Church-State separation may be considered one of the most challenging aspects of the society, considering that one should maintain objective judgment on critical socio-political aspects. This is particularly true among political leaders, who have to face the challenges of leadership while aligning their values with their existing leadership policies and religious beliefs. For instance, the arguments of Obama, Romney, Cuomo, and Kenney illustrate the challenges of becoming a political leader, which is resolving a crisis while maintaining their diplomacy and religious neutrality. The author diclares that Church-State separation also regulates the power of both political and religious leaders wherein neither can advise the people on their political and religious preferences, particularly during elections. considering the potential biased portrayal of religious traditions in the current pluralistic American society, Obama states that leadership strategies sho uld focus on generating policies that strengthen diplomacy as this ensures objectivity. Relatively, as Obama focuses on the influence of religion on interactions, one can say that Obama’s view on his political office is merely a neutral ground wherein he can discuss policies without having to consider his religious opinions. This report makes a conclusion that Cuomo and Kennedy support the idea of isolating oneself from religious and political influence when creating public policies. Considering that legal enforceable rule on Church-State separation, one can say that presidential candidates should not be evaluated according to their religion. American citizens, regardless of religious beliefs, have the right to establish their political views without undergoing the same religious prejudice that they wish to eradicate in the society.