As voters take a stand on marriage amendments, the economy and women's rights, religion continues to have an influence as they pay more attention to the candidates post-Labor Day.

But actual discussion about differences in religious beliefs between the presidential candidates has not been a major issue as the economy comes to the forefront of the election.

"When the present crisis is an economic crisis, we share these concerns with people who don't share our faith," said David Innes, professor and co-chair of the School of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at The King's College on The Daily Circuit Tuesday.

Sally Steenland, director of the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative, also joined the discussion. Economic discussions are religious issues, she said.

"Certainly it's a practical issue for people, but issues of economic unfairness and inequality and poverty are deeply religious issues for people of faith," Steenland said.

AUDIENCE INSIGHT

Paul Landskroener: "Of course, my religious beliefs organize and inform all aspects of my life: political, economic, social, and cultural. For example, as a Christian I am committed to a life of nonviolence and social justice. I therefore am called to practice, support, and advocate policies that are consistent with these commandments... My religious beliefs do not, however, determine what specific policies I may favor or oppose."

Rich: "I think that religion has no place in politics. Laws based in a particular religion can divide us and cause conflict. We are a diverse society, with groups of many differing beliefs and world views. Those groups live together successfully because they are all free to live their lives as they please. If we elect people who propose or pass laws, based on some religious view, we may well be limiting the freedoms of some other smaller group. If you agree that having a diverse society is a good thing, then limiting the freedoms of any minority is not a good thing."

Michael: "Good for the candidates for professing a certain faith, but let's face it. It has more to do with gaining supporters than actually influencing policy, and is also used as an attack tool. Consider the fact that many on the left refer to the right as 'right-wing Christian fundamentalists,' and I've heard Christians refer to those of a liberal persuasion as 'lost.' So I think the last thing we need are more labels to separate each other further."

Joel: "The specific religion of a candidate does not impact my voting, but how they engage in thier religion does. If they use their religion as a vehicle to judge or impose their own belief system on others, I will vote against them. However, if they use their belief to lift up others and encourage justice, I will support them, no matter what their denomination or belief."

POLL: Do your religious beliefs influence your vote?

MPR News' Meggan Ellingboe contributed to this report.

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