Political Reason

Abstract:     
This essay examines some of comments made about religion and politics by three of the 2008 presidential candidates - Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. I argue that, surprisingly, if one holds the three candidates to the standard of liberal politics, then Romney appears closest to the Rawlsian standard of public (or political) reason. The goal is not for the Mormon, or Baptist, or Church of Christ candidate to figure a secular way to lead others to his faith. That approach to politics undermines political stability and demonstrates disrespect for one's fellow citizens. Instead, politicians should employ political reason as the starting point for their decision-making on matters of law and politics.

Keywords: politics, religion, liberalism, public reason

Accepted Paper Series