In your opinion, should a Presidental Candidate have to share their religious beleifs?

Only if they expect to get votes. No, it cannot be required under the Constitution, but ultimately the voter chooses. I would not vote for a person who does not let me know what his or her religious views are. The world-view of the President is extremely important.

I can see how a person may be able to demand some degree of separation of church and state, but not between church and politics. The free-exercise clause absolutely forbids that the government prohibit the free exercise of religion. That right is not subverted in the polling booth.

For the person above who blames the so-called "Dark Ages" on religion -- you might have a point. Rome had become very religious as the emperors declared themselves to be gods. The much-weakened and morally bankrupt empire could not sustain itself or defend itself against the barbarian hoards. Christianity did not destroy civilization, but rather saved it, preserved it, especially in the monasteries which collected tremendous libraries and created Western Civilization as we know it. Flawed Christianity? Yes -- at times horribly so -- but Christianity, nonetheless.

No. They should be keeping that private. Religion is a deeply personal thing and not everybody, even within the same religion, has the same beliefs. People running for office should keep that in mind and leave it alone.

I will absolutely NOT vote for a candidate in any office that parades their faith around in a clear attempt to win voters over so they can get into office. If that person is willing to stoop to that level, then they're not a true follower of their purported faith, and, worse, if they ARE that devout that they can't separate their faith from their politics, then they have ZERO place in office.

If candidates keep their faith to themselves, then people would focus more on the real issues to be had in this country and maybe, just maybe, important things would actually get done around here instead of foolish religious in-fighting.

Absolutely not. A candidate's religious beliefs have nothing to do with whether or not he or she can do the job.

In fact, we've ended up with quite a few morons because people vote on emotional bases (a candidate that rattles on about their religious beliefs, hits hot-button "moral" issues rather than economic and political ones) rather than using their damn heads.

I don't care so much about their religious beliefs unless that is likely to impact their actions and decisions as president. I.e. if you are a devout, practicing Christian, but you acknowledge that this is a secular government and a diverse population, then I don't have a problem with voting for you. But, if you are devout, practicing Christian and you publicly announce that your beliefs will drive your agenda (a la Santorum), then I would never vote for you, and neither should anyone else (because at some point, his beliefs are going to conflict with yours).

I am supporting Ron Paul and I do not think he should share his religious views because I'm an atheist and he's a christian.Presidental Candidates should simply try to make EVERYONE happy both christians AND atheists in a fair and just way

No.People may have different religious belief and if candidates share their belief that may hurt the non believers of that particular religious belief.One should therefore be Secular & impartial.

They should not have to have to do it though they'll likely be asked and they'll more than certainly answer.

It can certainly have an impact on elections when it comes down to people's own prejudices towards one religion or another. We would all like to believe we're above that but it is not the case.

If this information isn't volunteered, it will be requested. People want to know how closely they can identify with their candidate and what they might expect from his/her administration as per religious beliefs. Imagine an atheistic candidate!

No. It's irrelevant when we have separation of church and state. However, the simple fact that you pretty much NEED to be a Christian to be elected is kind of ridiculous.

yes, because religions are a really bad influence in all areas.

Especially in politics ppl have to know on what are they voting, we all know what happen when religion ruled the world

.. Inquisition & Dark Ages.