Advisor: McCain Believes Using Faith for Election is Wrong

An insider of John McCain’s campaign said the Republican nominee-in-waiting refuses to use his faith for political gains and is debating whether to speak more openly about his relationship with God.

“John McCain has an innate sense that using your faith for election is wrong and that his faith is extremely private,” said a McCain religious advisor, who wanted to remain anonymous, to David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

“He is not someone who feels comfortable expressing it on the campaign trail and I think a lot of it has to do with the feeling that he’s using it for public gain,” the source added. “I’m not saying he won’t discuss his faith in public forums. Is he going to do it? I don’t know.”

McCain has kept a low profile when it comes to “God talk,” despite the prominent role religion has played in this year’s presidential race.

Both Democratic candidates Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) have participated in forums hosted by Christian organizations and candidly spoken about the influence that faith has on their political decisions.

Last fall, Clinton spoke at a HIV and church conference hosted by Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay at Saddleback Church, while Obama held a series of gospel concerts featuring Grammy-award winning Christian artists ahead of the North Carolina primary.

Meanwhile, McCain’s former Republican presidential rival, Gov. Mike Huckabee, is an ordained Southern Baptist preacher who frequently weaved Bible passages and references to God and faith in his stump speeches.

But McCain has remained rather mum on his faith. He is officially an Episcopalian but has attended a Baptist church for some 20 years.

This past weekend, McCain declined to attend the high-profile Compassion forum – which featured Clinton and Obama discussing their faith and moral issues. But the source explained that the McCain campaign saw the forum as more of a Democratic event – it took place nine days before the Pennsylvania primary – and would likely attend another similar event in the fall.

Beliefnet.com’s “God-o-Meter” – which measures a candidate’s rate of God-talk and effectiveness – gives Clinton a 9, Obama an 8, and McCain a 4 out of a possible 10 points.

However, the campaign insider is unconvinced grassroots activists are requesting to hear McCain speak more about his faith.

“I’m not completely convinced that John being forced to talk about his faith is the thing that he needs to do,” the source said. “Maybe he will someday if that’s something he feels called to, because John McCain doesn’t do things he doesn’t feel called to.”

Regarding the Democratic candidates’ appeal to faith voters, McCain’s religious advisor said evangelicals and Christian voters are not going to ignore the abortion and gay “marriage” issue, which will cause them to differ with Clinton and Obama.

The source contends that Christian voters will look for a candidate that offers the “full package,” and only McCain represents their view on abortion and traditional marriage while also taking on Darfur, poverty and other humanitarian efforts taken up by Christians.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.