Why the connection between religion and campaigns?

OPINION — The last cycle showed me a lot, especially how much religion influences certain candidates. It also made me wonder how much that should matter to me as a voter.

Let it be clear, whether or not I profess to a particular religious faith is not the point. The point is so important that candidates press this particular message. Does it make for better decision-making? Better litigators? More experienced financial planners? Better speakers?

I'm trying to understand the connection they want me to make.

What is clear is that they believe religion matters politically. By wearing their faith on their sleeve, they plant a stake in the ground – a boundary – daring me to question why it's important to their campaign.

From my perspective, it feels like an attempt to declare our community a specifically "Christian" bastion, a place where they expect voters to see their faith as truth of trustworthiness or leadership. As if belonging to a particular religion automatically makes them better than any other candidate.

Not so fast!

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