In that answer Gingrich was directing his remarks about faith and politics at Romney. Yet consider the hubris of Gingrich believing some deity hears his prayers and responds with sound public policy advice. The man can’t imagine an alternative to judgment apart from faith, even though it is, obviously, judgment based on the facts of reality, using reason and logic. The man says he cannot trust political leaders who don’t pray, whereas in fact we should distrust those who don’t think. In viewing candidates like Gingrich, one might be excused for uttering one worthy prayer, as was spray-painted on a wall in D.C., in the wake of 9/11, a day Americans could not live free from religion: “God please save us from all those people who believe in you.”
Mr. Romney spelled out his view of religion and politics in a speech, “Faith in America,” in December 2007:
“We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion.” I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith.” “As governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution. I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution — and of course, I would not do so as President.” I believe in what Abraham Lincoln called America’s ‘political religion’ — the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution.”
At this stage in America’s history, as it seems to be hurtling toward bigger and bigger government, voters can probably ask nothing more from a candidate than his plain pledge to at least try and abide by the U.S. Constitution. In this regard it’s worth reminding both the religious right and religious left among us that the Constitution never once mentions a deity or Christianity and that in Article VI it specifically requires officers of government in America “to support this Constitution” and says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” Conservatives should grow up, cease their promiscuity in the GOP primaries, and take Article VI seriously.
Richard Salsman on GOP Conservatives – Not Romney – Are the Real Flip-Floppers – Forbes: