John Mccain's faith why can't he talk about it?

Because he's a pollotition running for the biggest office in the country. He is worried tht if he speaks on his religion, it will allianate many voters voters that are not as obsessed or impressed by religion and the fraternal order of such organizations. It is clear that this election is one of the most historical and important events in U.S. history. It is also very clear that Obama has a very good shot at winning and taking on votes from voters who would normaly not vote dimocratic. (Swing and Republicans) This election will demonstrate a signifigant increase in votership throughout the nation including blacks, youths, elderly, muslims, hispanics, etc. McCain is making a calculated choice not to dwell on his religious affiliations for the sake of the presidentcy... In my opinion. Trurh be told, considering the laws of this country especialy based those based from the constitution. Proclaiming your religion durring an election for a government office is done strictly for votes; i.e. seporation of church and state. Though many would disagree, this country is not a christian or religious state. (Isrial, Saudi Arabia, etc) He is in no way obligated to discuss his faith in publc in regards to the election or any office he may hold. In fact, concidering the times and the nature of our laws, it seems to be more responsible to leave that sort of discussion for church, family or in private.

I would never suggest that or support forgrtting about God. My answer was spacificli geared toward politics, government and law. At the park, in the club, the swimming pool, family reunions or even at work during lunch breaks is acceptable to me for discussing God and religion. But our founding fathers, even in there flawed wisdom, gave spacific advice and instuction regarding this issue. "Seporation of church and state". I dont think though, using our founding fathers as an example would always be such a good idea. They tell us wounderful stories in school but the truth is, many of them were tretcherous slave owners, rapists, bigots, adulturers, murderers and so on.  Perhaps it is a good idea to leave religion out of politics because a native american or black muslim or pagan  might  call upon historical evidence in making there decision when a politician associates him or herself to cristianity or catholosism. Imagin an atheist or muslim or budist, who have every God given and legal right to run for office, decides to use a political platform to spread propaganda of there religious beliefs. They would probably have a very hard time getting votes. Politics is politics. If I am a Department store owner and I sale shoes and pants to people of all faiths, I would probably loose money telling every customer that I worship a devil. Even though its your right and responsibility to evangilize. It's not about what you say, but when and how that determin if its appropriate. We dont tell 3 and 4 year old children the truth about how to make babies and how it can be pleasurable and painfull at the same time. How and when.....

This is a good discussion.

McCain CAN (and has on a FEW occassions) talked about his faith. I think the question may have been better asked as "WHY"

I think Al is  exactly correct. Look at the difficulty Huckabee had with the question of his faith. Hell, we almost didn't elect JFK because he was a Catholic...I remember the fringe element saying he'd build a tunnel between DC & Rome.

I think too many people put too much emphasis on religion (this comes from 13 years of Catholic education, 3 by Jesuits!).

You'll agree too many people 'wear their religion' like a designer suit; once home the suit is put into the closet.

To me I want to be around & to know people who DO good. I could care less if they can quote the Bible (actually I wish they wouldn't) or even go to church. To me a person that does good has an inner 'something' and I think that they are (in their way) close to God.

Al called our Founding Fathers 'flawed' & he is right and not everything they opined is relevant to today's society.

The Bible is similar. It has gone through countless revisions and so much of the early days was word of mouth...I choose to use it more as a guide or road map.

I have a high opinion of God....hey, He mad me! He gave me a good mind (that I don't always use to potential), parents (who programed my moral compass) and free will. Then (I think) he stepped back and said, "show Me what you've got." I don't believe God is a micro-manager with his input in every aspect of our lives (there's that bug-a-boo 'free will' again).

If I may use a very simplistic (I'm good at being a simpleton sometimes)....when I coached youth league baseball we told the kids what we wanted to do, showed them how to do it, made sure they could do it and then came game time....we asked them...expected them....to do it correctly.

That is my concept on how God is. He NEVER abandons or fogrets us; but he lets us make our own way, to stumble or to run....our choice...if to use His "guides" or not....our choice. When we talk to Him, He listens. I know we don't always like His answers...as I didn't when my own dad would tell me to "think it through"

Anyway, there are other people who don't think as I do (can you actually believe that?) they get comfort fro the Bible and warmth and security and fullfillment from believeing He IS a micro manager......many of them take it to the extreeme (to me, anyway) and voila...PRESTO....you now have a single issue voter.

Because of that I think many politicians play their "walk" closer to their chest.

After all I think we all know some...several....many(???) Christians (self professed) who are terribly judgemental. I think many politicians just try to minimize the fallout by keeping their 'walk' as personal as possible.

I don't think McCain is ashamed of jis faith I think he is afraid of loosing especially in an election where so many people are getting so reved up over something different.