Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Religion And The Electability Of Presidential Candidates, Dr. Philip E. Lampe Ph.D.

Verbum Incarnatum: An Academic Journal of Social Justice

Denominationalism appears to be an important factor in American politics, particularly in presidential elections. Evidence indicates there are, and has always been, favored and disfavored denominations. One such disfavored denomination is Catholicism. Although it is the largest denomination in the United States, there has been only one Catholic president. Until the 2004 election, whenever a Catholic was in the presidential race, anti-Catholic rhetoric was commonly employed against him. Fears of papal control and sinister machinations were expressed. The result was religious discrimination which, like all forms of discrimination, eliminates or greatly reduces the right of participation. This is a violation …