Do you have to be a christian to be President. ?

Question

I was just wondering because a lot of people are saying that Obama is Muslim because of his name etc... My question is why does his religion matter? Like can you be a Muslim and be President? Or do you have to be a christian?

Thanks!

(:

Answer 1

Not legally.  But realistically, yes, one must be Christian.  At least at this stage in our history.

I trust things will change in the future.

Answer 2

No. Religion is not a requirement in any sense.  All except Kennedy have been though, Kennedy was Catholic.

I personally am tired of them accusing Obama of being a Muslim, I do not understand why they place such a high value on religion.

Answer 3

No. There is no restriction of religion to be President. Plus, Obama is not Muslim.

Answer 4

You could be a non-christian and be the president but good luck getting people to vote for you.

As an Atheist , I know that anyone who ran for President has to at least pretend they are christian

Answer 5

You do not have to be a christian to be President of the United States.

The constitution specifically forbids any type of religious test.  

Answer 6

Legally, no.

However, part of winning a Presidential election is connecting with the voter.  Since the majority of Americans who identify with a religion do so in some form a Christianity, voting outside their faith makes them uncomfortable.

Answer 7

only in title not in behaviour

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Answer 8

You don't have to be. Plenty of early American presidents were in fact NOT Christians, but many today pretend they were just to maintain that Christian image in politics.  Obama is NOT Muslim, however if he was and wanted people to know that, he could legally still run for president. But his chances of gaining office would be slim to none.

Answer 9

You can be any religion or no religion. John Adams, Abe Lincoln, James Madison were not Christians...and all said things that are more in line with atheism or agnosticism....Obama is not a muslim, but being a muslim does not disqualify you from being president.

Answer 10

No but most of our Presidents have been especially in this day of Fundie madness.

Answer 11

This country was founded on the belief in freedom of religion, so of course you don't have to be christian, or even have a religion to be president. However, in today's world, filled with religious republicans, it would be almost impossible to get elected.

Answer 12

We are given our names by our parents.  We do not have control of our parents' choice.  A person must be just by deeds not by name.  Barack has shown over and over that he works for the poor, is looking out for the middle class and supports our veterans.  He wants small businesses to thrive and to stop the bleeding of US jobs to other countries.  These are the deeds and aspirations of Obama.

Answer 13

technically you don't have to,but since our laws and culture are based on judeo christian beliefs, it is a good idea to have a christian