Part of the problem is that people have forgotten their history and refuse to read books to self-educate themselves. Our founding fathers were men of Faith - that doesn't make them Christians; and having fled England and other parts North - knew from experience how dangerous religion and politics become when combined. The Christians, Evangelicals - whichever branch they claim to be with have gotten completely out of control and have turned into the same type of terrorists that we are supposedly fighting - they may not be blowing people up, but their tactics are just as deadly. People are screaming for the heads of the Black, The Jew, The Homosexual and the Democrat......yet continue to turn a blind eye to those maggots that have taken over Our White House. Never thought I would ever see Nazis and Fascists openly walking our streets - the KKK were bad enough and now the White Domestic Terrorists that constantly are referred to as "people with mental issues".......

In a perfect world it would be but not in this day and age. They would probably remain a wanabe politician.

Absolutely. As a candidate, I always refused to admit that there is any supernatural being. My platform is the ABSOLUTE separation of state and church! One of these days the voters will listen and realize that I am the ONLY candidate that respects the separation of state and church. Also, I too cringe when someone says, "God Bless" or some other useless nonsense.

The god bless america crap is just words anyway . The politicians are just pandering to the majority that want to hear it and I doubt some of them really mean it. I will admit that I do get annoyed by it as it is used a lot in speeches. I doubt anyone would ever be removed from office in our lifetime.
I would love to see an open atheist or agnostic run for president, but they would have as much chance of winning as a jew or muslim. I mean can you imagine?

They shouldn't be automatically removed, but there MUST be separation of church and state. If they believe in god that is their business and so long as they don't cram any religion down my throat, I'm open to them as a candidate. I also think there should be some type of competency test - constitution, finance, history.

I’m afraid that will never happen at least until we become a more secular nation such as Finland, Japan and many of the European countries. I supported Obama in most things but his always ending every speech with God Bless America made me cringe but I realize it was more political than religious. Unless we somehow get a bunch of secularists into politics, wanting politicians to keep beliefs to themselves ain’t going to happen. Also I want to know where they are so I can vote against them.

Considering that t the US is supposed to have separation of church and state, to tolerate anyone bringing their religion into government should be automatic recall. The thing is that government is ran by, politicians and politicians will always play and speak to their base.

Yes looking at what we are dealing with, Trump is pandering to the lowest of the religious low. We have stepped back decades Roe V Wade is threatened, gay and transgendered rights are at risk, and countless other religious agendas are being foisted on the nation in the name of politics.

Its a sure sign of mental instability. Maybe even a touch of schizophrenia. A full psychiatric panel should be administered to anyone wishing to hold a public office. This is not meant to insult people with mental disabilities.

They should keep it to themselves and not pander to the religious. So I think your question is well worded that it is a good litmus test for a candidate IF they can keep their beliefs private.

They need to keep their beliefs to themselves. I do think they should be a to pass a high school history test.

Won't happen. Unfortunately, humans being humans, some political candidates will try to appeal to groups' beliefs in order to get elected.

I remember when John Kennedy was running and peoples' head almost exploded because he was Roman Catholic and felt he would force his religious beliefs onto everyone else. John stated emphatically that his religion was his own business and he never did. Unfortunately that can't be said of today's candidates - they all try to force their religious beliefs onto the rest of us and the world. But it is only "the other guy" who is a religious terrorist.

In the USA you won't get elected dog catcher if you are not a Christian I agree it is pathetic but true. Fortunately it looks like the younger generation I am 71 are moving away from this particular delusion.

I feel politicians should keep their religion to themselves. Our government, according to the foundign fathers, is secular.