First presidential debate mostly neglects faith and religion

The September 26 debate at Hofstra University was really quite something. If the reality that self-proclaimed billionaire Donald John Trump is the Republican nominee had not quite sunk in yet, well, now you’ve seen it with your own eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEHPrYUcoi0

Clinton was Clinton. Trump was Trump. Both candidates emphasized jobs, trade, and foreign policy. Neither spoke of their faith (or of America’s “civil religion”) in any meaningful way.

Clinton chided Trump for painting a depressing picture of black communities, citing “the vibrancy of the black church.” She also mentioned welcoming Muslims at one point.

But neither candidate had or took the opportunity to ground their political values or policy preferences in any religious framework.

Am I right that not one word was spoken about abortion, same-sex marriage, or any other culture war issue? The relig right really is dead.

— Damon Linker (@DamonLinker) September 27, 2016

But don’t despair. We still have two more debates to endure.