FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Forget about the separation of church and state... there's reason to believe that religion might have a whole new meaning for the next occupant of the White House.
The Daily Beast reports that two of the Republican candidates for president - Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry - are "deeply associated" with a theocratic strain of Christian fundamentalism that's called Dominionism.
For those of you who haven't heard of it before, and I was one who hadn't - stand by cause this is "out there."
The Daily Beast writes how Dominionists believe that Christians have a God-given right to rule all earthly institutions. Dominionism finds its roots in a small fringe sect called Christian Reconstructionism. People who advocate replacing U.S. law with the laws of the Old Testament, including the death penalty for homosexuality and abortion. swell.
The Daily Beast reports that both Bachmann and Perry appear to have ties to groups that support Dominionism.
Bachmann appeared in a documentary for one of these groups called "truth in action ministries." Also, she often praises or cites different religious leaders connected to such beliefs.
As for Perry, there's a group called "the new apostolic reformation" that sees him as their ticket to power. They talk about "taking dominion over American society" and hope that Perry can claim the so-called "mountain" of government. This group was also involved in Perry's prayer vigil in Houston a couple of weeks ago.
Critics suggest the Daily Beast's examples show so-called Dominionist groups attaching to the candidates.
And the website Newsbusters - which claims to expose liberal media bias - says that the Daily Beast "went a few more steps off the deep end" by publishing this piece.
We've reached out to both campaigns for a response but haven't heard anything back yet.
Here’s my question to you: How much does it worry you if both Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry have ties to Dominionism?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Pat in New Jersey:
Our nation was founded on separation of church and state. Immigrants flocked to this country so they could worship freely and without prejudice. As an independent voter, I would never vote for either one of them. Decisions for our country should be without religious bias. What is happening to this country, Jack? This is getting really scary.
Ivan:
As a Jew and a homosexual, I guess I should expect the federal funding for a national crematorium after 2012. Seems history could be repeating itself from 1939.
John in Gatlinburg, Tennessee:
Many things about Bachmann and Perry worry me, but not their dominionism. As one travels back through time, the correlation between applied Christian principles and this nation's prosperity becomes increasingly undeniable. Dominionism may be a bitter pill to some, but history suggests that it might be the most effective cure for what ails us.
Mark in Houston:
Doesn't worry me all that much what they think. As far as I'm concerned, they are both snake oil salesman at the very best. What is much more bothersome is that there are many out there who really believe this junk.
Kevin on Facebook:
Sounds like a Westernized version of the Taliban. Doesn't sound Christian at all to me!
Bud in Punta Gorda, Florida:
As a born-again Christian, it bothers me plenty, Jack… This Dominionism has nothing to do with my Jesus and His Gospel. It might as well be from Mars. It sure doesn't belong in Washington.
Linda in Middletown, Rhode Island:
Yesterday I was worried that Bachman and Perry could become serious candidates. Now I'm terrified.