The front page of the Des Moines Sunday Register this weekend entitled “Bush victory shows clout of evangelicals” showcased the effect of religion in this year’s election. It contained quotes from several Des Moines-area residents discussing their excitement in the re-election of President Bush. The majority of the people interviewed stated that they believed Bush was the “moral” candidate, because of his strong Christian religious convictions.

Why are the terms “morality” and “religion” (particularly Christianity) used interchangeably by so many people today? The terms are not identical and often seem to be opposites. Our country has become confused with these terms because many Christian leaders have claimed that our Christian “morals” are under assault. These “morals” are their own Christian beliefs.

Many Christian leaders are also claiming that Christians are being suppressed and shut out of certain public venues. This has actually been a movement to keep religion out of areas it should not be in the first place. When 81 percent of those who voted in this election are Christians, I don’t think we need to worry about Christianity being excluded from the nation — quite the opposite is true.

As a Christian, but more as an American, I pray that Bush will rise above my expectations during the next four years. Until then, please do not equate morality with religion.

Nicholas Ford

Ames