During a CNN town hall in Iowa, Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American Republican candidate in the US Presidential race, addressed a question about his religion. Responding to concerns that his Hindu faith might disqualify him from the presidency, given his perceptions about the founding principles of the country, Ramaswamy asserted his disagreement with such views.
Expressing his commitment to honesty in politics, Ramaswamy openly identified as Hindu and attended Christian schools, emphasizing a shared value set with the broader community. He acknowledged the significance of his faith, which teaches that individuals have a purpose designated by God and a moral duty to fulfill that purpose. According to Ramaswamy, his belief extends to the idea that God operates through diverse individuals, emphasizing equality as God resides in each person.
Highlighting his traditional upbringing, Ramaswamy drew parallels between the core principles of his Hindu faith and Judeo-Christian values, emphasizing the common ground between different religious traditions. In discussing his faith, he brought attention to the Old Testament's Book of Isaiah, citing the example of God choosing Cyrus, a Gentile in Persia, to lead the Jewish people. Ramaswamy concluded by asserting that his faith guides him on the presidential journey, emphasizing the belief that everyone has a purpose designated by God.
