Reply #64: The difference is

[cuke]

that government consists of the activities of the three branches. Those institutions are prohibited from being guided by religion and from engaging in any action that represent an "govt establishment of religion"

Politics is a word that describes a lot more than simply what the institutions of our govt do. Our institutions do not campaign for office; politicians do. Campaigning is a political activity, but it is not a government activity. Therefore, politicians and their campaigns may be as religious as they choose to be.

And yes, the religious zeal of a politician can represent a danger. That's why I advise not voting for those candidates whose religious fervor represent a threat to our form of government.