Could an atheist ever be elected as the U.S. President?

[none123]

I've wondered this for awhile, if we would ever see an atheist president in modern times. I know things like how Lincoln denied religion while growing up, and Jefferson questioned religion, but in modern times, with 24 hour news channels, internet, etc, knowing (most) everything about a candidate, could an atheist ever be President. I don't know how it is in other countries, but I found this article on abcnews.com that was discussing if a non christian would ever be present and I was shocked when I saw that people would vote for a muslim over an atheist. According to the poll, 61 percent said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate that was an atheist. It was 45% for muslim, 25% for a mormon, and 11% for a jew. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/stained-glass-ceiling-false-obama-muslim-rumors-raise/story?id=11446420

This is very shocking to me. I would much rather have a president that does what is needed to fix a problem, instead of just hoping god will fix it. And I don't want a president who thinks that rapture or armageddon or whatever is coming in the near future, and that starting WWIII will speed the return of jesus. I would much rather someone who doesn't believe in fairy tales, who is logical and intelligent.

[parrotpirate]

Maybe not in the near future, but 30-50 years out I think it will be possible. By that time we should have enough evidence to do away with any doubt about the non-existence of the sky-daddy.

[Tank]

In my personal experience I often end up voting for the 'least worst' party/candidate as I have never been inspired by politicians, except Winston Churchill and that may be through the rose tinted spectacles of history. So, will an atheist ever be US president? Possibly, but it would not be because they were an atheist it would be because they were not a theist. Imagine if you will Palin becomes the next President of the US and ends up completely fucking up, hopefully without causing WWIII. And she fucks up directly because she attempts to bring her theistic views to bear while in office. I would contend that the candidate who followed Palin could proclaim their atheism and secular credentials that, at the moment, be would political suicide and turn that vice into a virtue. An atheist will only get into the White House as a result of a theist fucking up big time.

[philosoraptor]

I never thought I'd live to see a black man become president, and that happened.  I also never thought I'd see a woman come close to being president, either.

In short, anything is possible.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I give it one more generation.  The young folks are losing religion rapidly.

[The Magic Pudding]

I think political parties play a percentages game.
There is usually only a few percentage points between candidates.
Most voters are firmly attached to one party or the other.
Atheism is an issue that will alienate some loyal voters.
If the atheist factor is likely to reduce your vote by more than 1-2% it doesn't seem viable.

But forever is long time, maybe one day Oprah will renounce god and run for the job.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Ah, but the percentages are changing.

[Will]

I don't know, I haven't decided whether or not to run.

[philosoraptor]

Will the fuck yeah stick man be your campaign slogan?  I hope so.

[Edward the Theist]

Yes, unless we stop the tide of atheism, an atheist president may well be elected. Probably not in the next thirty years, but surely within the next 100 years. I would rather not live to see that day. Because just as Hitler was elected on nationalism and antisemitic sentiments, so it would be that if an atheist president was elected, it would be because a large majority of the population were atheist.

But look at England. The Church of England has been spiritually bankrupt since Henry the VIII and yet all the prime ministers are "Christian."

But atheism is spreading fast among young people, and if we don't stop it somehow, it will devour civilization.

I know I'm going to do my part.

[philosoraptor]

Rightie-o then.  

[philosoraptor]

Because just as Hitler was elected on nationalism and antisemitic sentiments, so it would be

Oh and FFS, Hitler was not elected.  He was appointed chancellor, you fuckwit.  Please actually learn something before you spew misinformation as fact.

[Tank]

Yes, unless we stop the tide of atheism, an atheist president may well be elected. Probably not in the next thirty years, but surely within the next 100 years. I would rather not live to see that day. Because just as Hitler was elected on nationalism and antisemitic sentiments, so it would be that if an atheist president was elected, it would be because a large majority of the population were atheist.

But look at England. The Church of England has been spiritually bankrupt since Henry the VIII and yet all the prime ministers are "Christian."

But atheism is spreading fast among young people, and if we don't stop it somehow, it will devour civilization.

I know I'm going to do my part.

[Tank]

Of course it is highly likely that an atheist has been the president and nobody ever knew it. Politicians are not renowned for their honesty and are prone to desire power so it's not beyond the wit of man for a dishonest power crazed maniac to try to get to be the President rather than a Bishop and use a theistic cloak to do so.

[philosoraptor]

I think it's actually very likely there was an atheist president at some point, but as you said Tank, he was silent about his true beliefs.