Religion and assessing presidential candidates

Here is how I addressed the topic of religion as a factor in considering presidential candidates in my book, How to Select an American President by James George (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved. The topic comes up because Donald Trump ushered it to the forefront in attempting to demean Hillary Clinton's devoutness to Methodism.

According to the Christian Bible scriptures:

"Matt. 7:1 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged.'"

"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." 

Here comes Donald Trump, galloping forward, again.

"Trump questions Clinton’s religion 

By Jonathan Easley 

Donald Trump questioned Hillary Clinton’s commitment to her Christian faith on Tuesday, saying that little is known about her spiritual life even though she’s been in the public eye for decades. 

Speaking to a group of top social conservative evangelical Christian leaders at a gathering in New York City, Trump said, “we don't know anything about Hillary in terms of religion.” 

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/284281-trump-questions-clintons-religion

In the United States of America and under our Constitution and Bill of Rights, citizens have freedom of religion that is to believe and belong as they wish, including the option to not believe or belong.  Religion is separate from government, and public institutions operate under laws and regulations that separate politics from religion and vice versa.

Therefore, when considering presidential candidates, how should religion be treated? My solution is to give equal value to religion no matter to what the candidate subscribes.

For instance:

1. Religious and belongs to a church: 1 point
2. Spiritual in non-traditional ways: 1 point
3. Not religious nor spiritual: 1 point

Now, if citizens wish to place more or less emphasis on this factor, they can add 1 point or subtract a point such that the maximum score for a candidate about faith is 2, and the least score is zero.

All of the factors in scoring scheme amount to a total of 83 possible points. Therefore, the maximum weight for faith is 1/4%.

The question is, so what, Donald Trump, and furthermore, let's investigate your faith? Not that your faith is important, but that you have cast the stone.

Trump has previously called out the Pope. Now he is after Hillary Clinton.

Clinton is in good company.