Do politicians allow their own religious beliefs to shape their political views?

I would hope that, irregardless of their beliefs, a politician would take those beliefs into consideration while making any decision. Although, looking at politicians, I think their belief systems are all unbalanced towards more ungodly things than godly things

In one of my Theology courses, I stumbled upon an explanation which lead me to think it's possible. My Theology professor says that Politics somehow separates the person from their beliefs. True religious beliefs, regardless what sect, would never teach a believer to raise himself/herself so highly than others, neither does it influence someone to grab power for the sole purpose of personal gratification. Politics, however, is always rooted on personal gratification. For whoever would want to lead millions of hard-headed people who only see the faults of the leaders rather than support his/her decision? Except those who see it as a medium to raise themselves higher than the rest with the fame and fortune that comes with it (and the headaches too). There's no such thing as a 'Politician for the people', each has their own agenda to try to make 'change' not only in the country (as they all say) but also in their household or their name. So, when someone does go into politics, most (if not all) leaver their beliefs in the coat's hanger, Yes they may have strong beliefs, but when you are in politics there's what we call 'lobbying' where you need the approval of many 'strong' people in society, and for sure your morals will be questioned if not stripped from you. That's why most politicians may have religious beliefs, but they don't bring it with them when they enter the world of politics. Disclaimer: The points-of-views posted above is my sole understanding on the relationship of Religious Beliefs and Politics. In no way does this point out to one or a few politicians, but it's a general perception of how I see them to be. It doesn't mean that they are 100% evil, it simply explains that as humans, Religious beliefs are not always worn as it should. Peer pressure and social dictum forces us to adjust ourselves (including our beliefs) when facing pressures. Like a chameleon who adapts, we too need to adopt in order to run politics, sad to say. =)

I think they have always done that, but back in the days when people worried about JFK being Catholic, I don't think political views mixed with religious views were as extreme as they are today. Sure things looked bad in those days, by those standards, but worrying about JFK was pretty tame, compared to what's going on today.

I think that all politicians let their religious views influence them...some just won't admit to it. They figure if they admit to it then they'll get attacked for it...much the way Palin was. They just keep their views to themselves and follow them anyways. [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]

I do believe that a politician's religious beliefs have an influence on his decisions but a good leader seeks to do what is in the best interest of those he/she serves even when it conflicts with his/her religious beliefs. Sarah Palin pushed her personal religious beliefs about birth control onto the people of Alaska, denying the students who attend school there the education and access to services that could have prevented an untold number of teenage pregnancies. She chose herself and what she believed in personally over what was best for the young people of Alaska. A good politician will separate him/herself from their persona beliefs and look at the big picture.